Sam J. Blanton

The Personnel Commission discussed key operational updates, including a departmental spotlight on the Transportation Department and reports on classified personnel action items. The meeting addressed the status of current district vacancies, the examination schedule for upcoming recruitments, and working out-of-class reports. Financial updates were provided via a monthly budget report. Additionally, the commission took action on the reappointment of a joint appointee and ratified several new eligibility lists for various classified positions within the district.

The meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from the January 15, 2026, Regular Meeting. Discussion topics covered input from the public, reports from the Director of Classified Human Resources, CSEA Representative, and District Representative. The Director of Classified Human Resources provided updates on hiring processes, recruitment efforts focusing on Paraeducator Special Education positions, and upcoming conference participation. The District Representative shared reflections on recent Board Meeting student assessment data and noted the District's exit from Targeted Assistance status. Information items included classified personnel actions, status of vacancies (noting high need for Paraeducator Special Education positions), examination schedules, a working out-of-class report, and the monthly budget report. New business consisted of the ratification of several eligibility lists for various positions, including Licensed Vocational Nurse, School Bus Driver I, and multiple Paraeducator roles. Unfinished business involved the second reading and action recommendation for a proposed new job description for Occupational Therapist, including salary placement details.

The meeting included a '120-Seconds of Wellness' activity where attendees shared a favorite fall wellness activity. Discussions focused on supporting families impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown, providing detailed information on Foodbank of Santa Barbara County resources, emphasizing that all LUSD students receive free daily breakfast and lunch, and directing families needing further support to liaisons for community referrals. The committee outlined its goals for the 2025-26 School Year, which include communicating elements of BP 5030 and participating in the required Triennial Assessment, which assesses compliance with the board policy. The committee also reviewed results from the WellSAT Policy Tool and identified the next step as a Practice Assessment to determine goal progress.

The meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from the November 20, 2025, Regular Meeting. Reports were scheduled from the Child Nutrition Services Department, Classified Human Resources Director, CSEA Representative, and District Representative. New Business items involved the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, and the ratification of several eligibility lists. The agenda also provided for Information Items covering classified personnel actions from November 18, 2025, status of vacancies, examination schedules, working out-of-class reports, and the monthly budget report. A Closed Session was planned for the evaluation of the performance of the Director, Classified Human Resources.

The Wellness Policy Council meeting focused on setting goals for the 2025-2026 school year. Key accomplishments noted include progress on the Wellness page of the LUSD website, where agendas, presentations, and minutes will be posted in English and Spanish, and the completion of an assessment evaluating board policy compliance. The primary next step is evaluating current practice compliance with Board Policy BP 5030. This evaluation will be accomplished through the required Triennial Assessment, utilizing the WellSAT practice tool, which will be shared with district staff to gather feedback on compliance areas such as Nutrition Education, Physical Education, and Wellness Promotion. Discussions in New Business included sharing resources for physical activity, nutrition education for National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week, and staff well-being resources aimed at preventing burnout. Additionally, the committee addressed inquiries regarding external education partnerships and the distribution timeline for LCAP Surveys.