Michelle Clifton

The meeting included administrative actions, specifically the approval of inter-district transfers one through two, and the appointment of an assistant principal as acting or interim principal for the remainder of the 2526 school year. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by CPMS regarding their drama club, which performs through the ELOP program, featuring student performances from the High School Musical Junior production. Several community members voiced extensive concerns during public comment regarding the recent public removal and reassignment of the principal at Santa Lucia Elementary School, citing a lack of transparency, damage to community trust, and fears of retaliation. Speakers requested the matter be placed on the next month's agenda for public discussion and that a permanent principal be assigned to Santa Lucia Elementary.

The special board meeting included several information items. Discussions covered the midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) update and community input opportunity. Specific updates were provided on Goal One, focusing on standards-based learning progress, including planning for math pilot programs and upcoming English language arts standards work. Progress on construction projects was detailed, including the completion of new TK and K classrooms and planning for the San Lucia project. Staffing updates addressed open positions, the critical role of international educators requiring potential green card sponsorship due to high visa fees, and credentialing status. Additionally, progress on Goal Two, focused on English learners, was reviewed, noting a reduction in Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) and improved reclassification rates, alongside updates on the newcomer student population. Updates on food services, including the fresh fruit and vegetable snack program and menu item tastings, were also presented, along with staffing analysis for the upcoming year.

The meeting reconvened into open session following a pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of inter-district transfers one through three. A presentation was given on improving math instruction for students, focusing on fact fluency and the implementation of the three reads protocol for word problems, showing significant student growth metrics, particularly for English learner students and students with disabilities. Fifth-grade students demonstrated the three reads protocol and played a math fluency game called Blickett. A student named Michelle was recognized for an act of compassion and kindness toward a peer who lost a shoe. Superintendent reports covered recent events such as elementary conferences, pride day, opening doors sessions, fall concerts, Dia de los Muertos celebration, and the family leadership institute. The board also discussed ongoing efforts to address the long waiting list for student enrollment and reviewed the consent agenda, specifically pulling item number 12 for separate discussion.

The meeting began with an organizational portion, including the election of a board president, where a nominee accepted. Key agenda items included the appointment of board representatives to the Monterey County Board Association Executive Council (held temporarily pending communication with the current representative) and to board committees on district organization and LCAP. The board also adopted the 2026 regular board meeting calendar, setting future meetings for the third Tuesday of each month. Following organizational matters, there was a presentation regarding the LCRS grant, detailing the implementation of a comprehensive literacy intervention model utilizing one-on-one and small group instruction for grades K-5, including English Learners and students in special day classes. The PAR educators' work focuses on the five pillars of ELA standards: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. The presentation highlighted student progress, specifically recognizing several students with literacy improvement awards for significant gains in reading confidence and volume, including one student who read over 1.1 million words by the halfway point of the school year.

The agenda includes the election of the Board President and Clerk, appointment of a Board Representative to the Monterey County Boards Association (MCSBA) Executive Council, and appointment of Board Representatives for the Board Committee on District Organization & LCAP. It also involves the adoption of dates, times, and locations for the 2026 Regular Meeting Calendar. Other items include a presentation, public comment period, superintendent's report, reports from administrators, and a consent agenda covering routine business transactions, financial reports, purchase orders, budget revisions, and personnel items. Additionally, there are action items such as the approval of resolutions, updates to board policies, School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA), and the ELOP Plan Update. The agenda also covers information items like the KCUSD Dashboard/CAASPP Results Presentation, CSBA Board Policy Update, and Sunshine Items presented from KCETA for Negotiations with KCUSD. Finally, there will be communication from board members, advance planning, and the signing of papers.