Lupe Cowan

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the call to order, followed by the consideration of the minutes from the January 08, 2026 meeting. The agenda also featured a presentation by Teter Architects regarding the Facilities Master Plan. The committee subsequently reviewed future agenda items before adjournment.

This Master Plan for English Learners outlines a comprehensive instructional program designed to ensure English learners achieve English language proficiency and academic success. It details four primary goals: developing a needs-responsive English Language Development (ELD) program for annual proficiency growth, engaging students in rich learning experiences for high English language proficiency, fostering knowledgeable and responsive school systems, and preparing English learners for college and career readiness. The plan emphasizes academic proficiency in English, academic achievement comparable to native English speakers, and reclassification to Fluent English Proficient.

The meeting began with roll call and the flag salute led by Andrea Paxton. Key discussions included the recognition of "Capturing Kids Hearts" student greeters, with the focus for January being respect. The Superintendent provided an update on current enrollment, noting a slight decrease, and discussed tracking inter-district transfers and midterm graduation numbers. Attendance data was presented, showing the district trending higher than the previous two years toward the 95% goal, though December saw a slight dip to 91.64%. The bulletin board presentation highlighted the activities of the extended daycare program. Board communications involved substantial testimony from employee representatives. The representative for elementary school educators proposed adjusting the school calendar to designate the first day after winter break as a teacher workday and advocated for a consistent three-school-day grading timeline across all levels. The CSEA chapter president strongly opposed the proposed Reduction in Force (RIF) impacting classified employees, criticizing the proposed $5.5 million in cuts as fiscally irresponsible given recent salary increases and pointing out that classified staff bear a disproportionate burden of the reductions. The CSEA requested a pause on cuts and reassessment of contracting practices. A board member also spoke regarding the financial history, specifically mentioning the large influx of ESSER funds (ESSER 1, 2, and 3) received due to the pandemic and cautioning against reliance on one-time funding.

The special meeting commenced with roll call and the flag salute/moment of silent reflection. Key discussion focused on the approval of the agenda, which was subsequently approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments, primarily addressing proposed budget cuts. Concerns were raised regarding the elimination of freshman sports programs, with speakers providing detailed analysis on transportation logistics and the potential negative impact on student engagement, belonging, and academic accountability. Further public input centered on protecting social worker positions, emphasizing their crucial role in student mental health, personal growth, and intervening for vulnerable students, with one speaker offering to resign from her position to save funds. The CSEA chapter president also addressed the serious nature of the reduction of force resolution impacting classified staff.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the flag salute led by a middle school principal. The Superintendent provided an update focusing on enrollment statistics, noting a slight decrease attributed to recent high school graduations, while congratulating the graduates. Cumulative attendance remained above the prior two years, though the 30-day rolling average was flat. Awards for attendance were given, with Cummings Valley achieving the district goal of 95.05%. The Superintendent also highlighted Tomkin Elementary's focus on kindness and upcoming school events like President's Day and snow makeup days. The Tachby Association of Teachers (TAT) representative discussed ongoing testing schedules and urged parent support for student attendance. TAT also raised a concern regarding the unclear contract language specifying non-instructional days versus professional development days, requesting clarification or bargaining to define teacher discretion for non-instructional days. The Chief of Police reported on successful collaboration with the district regarding campus safety following critical incidents, mentioned a donation matched by the police foundation for special needs resources, and announced plans for a bicycle safety rodeo. Finally, TAT provided a brief update on the 2026-2027 school calendar, thanking the district for aligning report card and parent report dates.