Myeshia Bowens

The board discussed a settlement agreement involving the office of administrative hearings and reviewed performance reports, including the Saturday school report and semester 2 suspension report for the 25-26 school year. Financial topics covered the district's strong cash position, the impact of one-time federal ESSER funds, and facility maintenance funding. The board received the Williams quarterly uniform complaint report, which showed zero complaints. The superintendent outlined district goals focusing on literacy, equity, and consistency. Additionally, members provided updates on upcoming community events and ongoing school facility construction and maintenance projects.

The board discussed and approved a new position for Barstow High School funded by Title I, focusing on student interaction and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The board also adopted a resolution authorizing the reduction of classified school services by eliminating six vacant specialized para-educator positions for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, the board entered into an executive session and reconvened before adjourning the meeting.

This Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Barstow Unified School District outlines a strategic direction for 2021-2024. It focuses on five key goals: increasing student academic achievement and college/career readiness, engaging stakeholders to support student education, fostering a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment with reduced disciplinary actions, ensuring English Learner proficiency and standards mastery, and providing clean, safe, and modern facilities. The plan incorporates lessons learned from previous years, particularly the impact of the pandemic, to enhance student success and well-being.

This LCAP Federal Addendum outlines Barstow Unified School District's strategy for utilizing federal funds to supplement and enhance local priorities, aligning with state funds and other federal programs to support underserved students. The plan focuses on closing the achievement gap, supporting academic standards, fostering stakeholder engagement, maintaining safe environments, ensuring highly qualified teachers, and achieving English language proficiency. It details the use of Title I, II, III, and IV funds for student achievement, professional development, English learner support, and social-emotional learning, while addressing provisions for monitoring student progress, reducing discipline disparities, promoting career opportunities, engaging parents, and providing services for neglected, delinquent, and homeless children.

The meeting included a report out of closed session regarding the rejection of a claim for damages. Presentations were held recognizing the leadership and mentorship of several administrators involved in the district's mentorship programs. The meeting also featured a presentation on the Title IX and UCP compliance office, covering current processes, partnerships with external consulting firms, and a conceptual proposal for a centralized compliance and complaint office to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on external support.