Michelle Castro

Key discussions included a presentation on Middle School Exploratory updates, elective course offerings, and related program data. Updates were shared regarding ongoing union negotiations, specifically concerning a Bridge to Medicare proposal, a revised salary schedule, and the Teacher Leadership Committee. The Superintendent reported significant challenges regarding student placement costs at SPA, projected to exceed $250,000, prompting exploration of legal remedies. The Board approved updates to the sexual health education curriculum, "Positive Prevention Plus," for grades 5-8, and approved a two-year extension for the HMH Journeys and Collections ELA curriculum. Additionally, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding concerning high needs foster youth placements from San Pasqual Academy and another MOU to establish a Limited English Proficient Student Program Consortium with the Vallecitos School District and Alpine Union School District. The first read of Gamut Policy Updates occurred, with further discussion slated for the next meeting.

The meeting included an open session followed by a closed session. Closed session topics involved conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation, conference with labor negotiators concerning SPETA, development/approval of a tactical response plan, and personnel matters, including discussion and action on the non-reelection of a probationary certificated teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Open session discussions and actions included the SPETA report, the 2025-26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Mid-Year Report, approval of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP), review and approval of the Comprehensive Sexual Education Implementation Plan for 5th-8th grades, approval for the purchase of an IC CE Electric School Bus, approval of an equipment order and maintenance agreement with Fruth Group for a RISO printer, adoption of a resolution authorizing the reduction or discontinuance of a certificated teaching position, CSBA Delegate Assembly elections, and approval of Policy Manual changes. The consent agenda covered personnel changes (hires, reassignments, resignations), library purchases, extension of an interdistrict attendance agreement with Poway Unified School District, MOU extension with Azusa Pacific, and approval of agreements for professional legal services and investigative services, as well as review of financial reports.

The meeting commenced with a brief closed session for public comment and direction to the Superintendent. Key agenda items discussed included the Superintendent's report, noting assurances from SDCOE regarding a middle school educational option at SPA starting the 2026/27 school year. The solar energy project update revealed that the project would not proceed due to lack of performance by DSD. The Board approved the Zesbi Electric School Bus Grant and the 2025 School Accountability Report Card. Discussions were held regarding the Comprehensive School Safety Plan, which will be presented for final approval in February. The Board approved the 2026-2027 District Calendar and the Final Yearly Audit for 2024/25, which had no findings. Additionally, the Board approved the Amendment to the Superintendent/Principal Employment Agreement, extending the contract through June 30, 2027. Several policy manual changes were approved, specifically concerning recognition of religious beliefs and updates to school health regulations. The meeting concluded with comments praising academic progress data and the progress made on the SPA initiative.

The meeting commenced with an Organizational Meeting where the Board Officers were elected: Goe as President, Gourley as Vice President, and Murray as Secretary. Following this, the Regular Meeting addressed several key items. Discussions included the approval of Board meeting dates, a public hearing concerning agenda item R, and amendments to the agenda. Reports were presented on the AP report, EL Kagan conference strategies, the BRISK approach, and the new "Sensory Gym" designed to support emotional regulation for younger students. The Superintendent presented an update on the California Dashboard results. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the San Pasqual Academy Update, specifically regarding community feedback on repurposing the facility, the high cost of out-of-district placements, and the needs of the eleven middle school students residing there. Other reports covered the Solar Update, noting delays in fund release which risk losing Net-Metering 2.0 benefits, Digital Citizenship lessons, and training on the "Say Something" anonymous reporting tool. The Board decided that students, via ASB leadership, would choose the new mascot from the top survey options (Trussell, Pasqual, Rocky). Action items included approving the First Interim Budget Report and the Annual and Five-Year Developer Fee Resolution. The Board also approved the Multitudes Dyslexia Screening Tool and established Certificated Seniority Tie-Breaker Criteria. A motion to table the Policy Manual Update pending a third read was also passed.

The meeting agenda included an open session followed by a closed session addressing anticipated litigation, development/approval of a tactical response plan, public employee dismissal/release, and negotiations with both the San Pasqual Elementary Teachers' Association (SPETA) and an unrepresented employee (Superintendent/Principal). Key open session discussions involved a Solar Energy Project Update. Action items included the final acceptance and authorization for the Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) Grant ($500,000), a presentation and first reading of the 2026 Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP), approval of the 2025 School Accountability Report Card (SARC), consideration for approval of the 2026/27 District Calendar, acceptance of the final yearly audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, consideration of an amendment to the Superintendent/Principal's employment agreement, and policy manual changes including a third reading of revisions and a first reading of proposed updates. The consent agenda covered the approval of a field placement affiliation agreement with Grand Canyon University (GCU) and the approval of San Pasqual Union School Library Purchases, alongside the review of December financial reports.