Rachel Litwack

The key discussion revolved around the necessary adoption of a budget reductions plan spanning a three-year timeline, necessitated by instructions from MCE regarding unsustainable deficit spending. The plan outlines Tier 1 and Tier 2 budget cuts, which would be implemented sequentially based on the outcome of a parcel tax renewal ballot measure in June or November. Tier 2 cuts, set to be planned starting September 2026, include eliminating the second elective at White Hill, an instructional coach position, district English language development coordination, certificated PE at the elementary level, special education coordination, and a three-day management furlough, totaling approximately $1.2 million. The presentation emphasized that even with these substantial cuts, the district remains structurally deficient without local revenue increases, potentially leading to state receivership. Labor unions expressed appreciation for prior collaboration and announced mobilization efforts to support a parcel tax renewal with an increase.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and required acknowledgments. Discussions included a public hearing and recommended adoption of Resolution 022526 regarding the sufficiency of instructional materials for 2025-2026, which staff confirmed met all alignment requirements despite ongoing curriculum reviews for various subjects. An enrollment update noted an overall increase in student count from the previous year, with specific increases at the TK level and some elementary schools, while attendance for the first month remained strong and showed improvement over prior years. Consent actions were approved after one item concerning an agreement with San Francisco State for intern credentialing was briefly discussed and confirmed for inclusion. Board business included committee updates, such as a report on the 'Rock and Roll to School Day' event and information regarding a new food service provider's initial challenges, as well as updates on the progression of the middle school athletics program.

The meeting commenced with procedural items, including the pledge of allegiance and the adoption of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the recognition of retiring employees, specifically honoring Mary Accord and Andrea Mckis for their dedicated service. Following this, there was a period for public comment, including an end-of-year reflection from the union representatives expressing concerns about contract negotiations, budget cuts, and upcoming curriculum adoption. The main action item involved the recommended adoption of Resolution 2024-25, recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, which sparked extensive discussion among board members and public commenters regarding inclusivity and belonging within the district.

The meeting included a detailed presentation by students and teachers from the White Hill Mathematics program regarding their pilot curriculum, Amplify Desmos Math and iReady. The presentation highlighted the benefits of Desmos for conceptual modeling, visibility into student thinking, real-time feedback, and high engagement levels, featuring examples on proportional relationships and slope. The iReady diagnostic assessments were discussed for tracking student growth over time and assigning individualized lessons. The board also held a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation concerning a special education program dispute (Student ID 5331936835), and subsequently reported out a unanimous vote of 3 to 0 on that matter. Procedural items included adopting the agenda and time allocations, and a reflection on democracy preceded the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting commenced with the board recessing into closed session to discuss public employee performance evaluation for the superintendent, anticipated litigation involving settlement agreements, and conference with legal counsel regarding significant litigation exposure and special education program disputes across three specific student cases. Upon reconvening, the board reported unanimous approval of staff recommendations for the litigation and special education items. Subsequent open session discussions included the pledge of allegiance, adoption of the agenda, and public comment, during which a detailed concern was raised regarding the district's focus on social justice initiatives, identity-based lessons, and curriculum content, citing parental concerns over age appropriateness and lack of transparency. The board then proceeded to a presentation and discussion of parcel tax feasibility survey results, which indicated favorable initial support (65-66%) for renewing the current parcel tax and adding an additional amount. Key priorities identified for the potential new funds included attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers (77% support) and maintaining core academic programs in science, technology, reading, and writing.