Melanie Evangelista

The meeting began with the removal of one agenda item by the President. Key discussions included student council introductions and plans for campus engagement, including motivational speakers and reducing screen time for a healthy balance. Reports covered the completion of a bus transfer and satisfactory grounds maintenance. A principal's report highlighted the school year theme, "Maple Keeping it Rural -- Rooted in Family, Community, and Education," and a review of student attendance and academic performance via CAASPP results, noting strong performance compared to larger districts. The Superintendent reported the current enrollment figure of 284, provided an update on the Canopy Entrance Project scheduled for construction during Thanksgiving break, and outlined the process for the East Property, which includes a scheduled public hearing in September. New business items involved the consideration and approval of various payrolls, a contract for the Community Wellness Project, updated Board Policies and Administrative Regulations (second reading), and an agreement for ELOP program tutoring services. Consent agenda items included approval of an agreement with CSU Chico for clinical hours, an MOU with Fresno Pacific University for clinical supervision, and the acceptance of a donation from Whole Foods for the new Maple Greenhouse.

The meeting included a report from the MOT Director providing an update on summer projects, including resolution of lawn mower issues, sprinkler adjustments, and renovations to a modular classroom floor, in addition to campus door repainting. The Superintendent provided updates on enrollment projections remaining near 287, the 2025/2026 theme of 'Kicking It Old School, Keeping It Rural,' an increase in one-time block grant funds in the California Budget Update, and recent improvements to the Kindergarten playground. Further discussion involved the cost and seating warranty for a new bus purchase. New business involved consideration and approval of several financial matters, including the JUNE MIDA & EOM payrolls, commercial warrant batches, an agreement with CSUB for teacher internships, a new Instructional Continuity Plan, a resolution for opening a new Fund 20, a technology renewal contract with KCSOS, and the purchase agreement for a used school bus. The Board also conducted the first reading of updated Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Maple Psychologist regarding responsibilities such as supporting students with emotional anxiety and conducting dyslexia screenings. The Superintendent reported on the approval of the LCAP and Annual Budget, provided updates on the California State Budget, announced the first foundation meeting scheduled for October 16th, and confirmed DSA approval for the Maple Canopy Entrance project, targeting a Thanksgiving break start. Reports covered transportation updates, grounds maintenance progress, nutrition department quality, a successful Grandparents Day event, planning for a Veterans Day Assembly, and the positive start of the music program. New Business involved public hearings on the Sufficiency of Textbooks and the Preliminary Environmental Assessment Equivalent Report for the property expansion area. The Board also considered approvals for payrolls, commercial warrant batches, the Environmental Assessment Report, the Unaudited Actuals Financial Report, a resolution regarding the GANN Limit, and an amendment to the Superintendent's Employment Contract. The Consent Agenda included accepting several donations and approvals for a PG&E contract and an MOU for a Speech Pathologist.

The meeting covered several significant items. Correspondence included notifications regarding the Kern School Boards Association Winter Trustee Dinner, the SSDA Annual State Conference, and the date for the Annual Organizational Meeting in December 2025. The board also received confirmation of the PEA approval letter for the Maple School Property Expansion. Reports included a transportation update, grounds maintenance notes, a student discipline update mentioning the move to ATS, and a report on ELA growth. The Superintendent provided updates on enrollment, LCFF funding, ADA projections, and the status of the new entry project at the front main office, noting preference for Option 2. New business involved considering the approval of September MIDA & EOM payrolls, commercial warrant batches, a CIS Proposal for the Canopy Entrance Project, and the Elite Modular 3 Year Lease Renewal. The board also discussed and nominated a labor negotiator for various represented employee positions and reviewed several Board Policies and Administrative Regulations related to Title IX Sexual Harassment and Education for Homeless Children. Consent agenda items included accepting donations from Supreme Almonds and Strata Credit Union, and approval of the KCSOS Tech Firewall Agreement. The board adjourned to closed session to confer with the labor negotiator.

The Board meeting commenced with recognitions for the Maple Volleyball and Football A teams, commending their performance and sportsmanship. Reports included an update on transportation, including a kitchen dishwasher repair, and grounds maintenance. The Superintendent reported stable enrollment, provided an update on the Foundation Community Mailer distribution, discussed the schoolwide screentime reduction initiative, and noted the online accessibility of updated Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. New business involved the election of officers for the upcoming term, setting the schedule for future regular board meetings, delegating secretary and bookkeeper duties, and considering approvals for November payrolls, commercial warrant batches, release of impounds (Resolution #1211-25B), District of Choice transfers for 2026-2027, the 2025-2026 1st Interim Financial Report, and several updated Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. The consent agenda included accepting a donation from the Wonderful Company, approving an ASU SLPA Placement Agreement, approving the 2024/2025 Audit, and approving a funding agreement with the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.