Lorie Suarez

The Local Control and Accountability Plan for Placer Hills Union School District aims to empower every student to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive learning environment. The plan focuses on maintaining progress in foundational educational areas, promoting academic achievement for all students (especially those with disabilities) through data-driven instruction and comprehensive support, and enhancing the social-emotional well-being and campus climate for all students.

This Comprehensive School Safety Plan for Placer Hills Union School District outlines policies and procedures to ensure a safe and orderly environment for its community during the 2025-2026 academic year. Key focus areas include comprehensive emergency preparedness and crisis response protocols for incidents such as fire, earthquakes, lockdowns, and active threats. The plan also addresses school culture and climate, promoting student and staff well-being through social-emotional learning and positive behavioral interventions. Additionally, it integrates a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, an Instructional Continuity Plan for maintaining learning during emergencies, and notification procedures for immigration enforcement, all aimed at fostering a secure and supportive educational setting.

Key discussions during the November board meeting included the presentation of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, audit report by the district auditor. The board set the date for the annual Organizational Meeting for December 10, 2025. Updates were provided on the Mission/Vision review process, which followed a board workshop held on November 5. Action items involved corrections to Science trip dates and updates on the CASL/ASB trip. Results from a budget survey (330 responses) were presented, with a follow-up workshop scheduled for November 19. The board also reconsidered the school calendar for 25/26 regarding the minimum day prior to Winter Break, and reviewed Special Education hiring numbers. Informational items included a presentation on a new social skills group for 4th and 5th graders and a review of the district's first annual Williams' compliance report, which the district passed. CAASPP results comparing 24/25 and 23/24 scores across ELA, Math, and Science were also shared. The subsequent board workshop focused on budget discussions, including preliminary budget information, expenditure cuts needed by March 2026, and discussions covering Special Education costs, Administrative Model, transportation, and facility use.

The meeting served as the annual organizational meeting where new board roles were established, including President, Clerk, and Secretary. Key discussions included a review of the board meeting calendar structure. Dr. Sanders presented the First Interim Report, covering various district funds such as the general fund, ASB, child nutrition, transportation, and capital facilities, which led to board questions and public comment. The board also discussed the Facility Use Fees Policy, directing that it be brought back with revised data for further consideration regarding facility rental costs. Further reports included the Fund 25 Report for the 24/25 school year, noting modernization needs for the WHS gym and increased facility demand at SHS due to rising Transitional Kindergarten enrollment. Informational items featured the State of the District report, which covered discipline, restorative practices, attendance rates, wellness, and academics. Board policies from November were reviewed, with direction given to postpone discussion on board bylaws regarding closed sessions while moving forward with other updates.

The board meeting included the setting of five public hearings for February 11, 2026, to review the Sierra Hills and Weimar Hills School Plan for Student Achievement, Comprehensive School Safety Plans, and the Developer Fee Study. Key action items involved the review and approval of a stipulated expulsion. The P-1 Attendance report indicated an attendance rate of 95%, which is considered ideal for funding purposes. The School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for both schools was presented, showing test scores higher than the state average. The Fiscal Stabilization Plan was reviewed, covering topics such as increased Special Education costs, utilization of the attendance recovery program, potential reduction in force, and retirement incentives. Out-of-State Travel funds were discussed, noting they would be sourced from Fund 13 rather than the General Fund, with a request to bring back more information. Informational items included a first read review of updated policies AR3440 (Inventories) and AR1330 (Use of Facilities), which are scheduled for a second read in February 2026. The LCAP Mid-Year Update confirmed the curriculum adoption is on track, wellness centers are operational, and academic achievement has increased. The board also decided to reinstate the 3-minute speaker time for the next meeting.