Sana Ahmed

The Moraga School District is considering a local funding plan, specifically a potential parcel tax measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot, to address funding shortfalls and avoid teacher layoffs and additional educational cuts. This plan aims to generate local funds to attract and retain highly qualified educators, continue funding for effective science, technology, engineering, arts, music, math, and reading programs, and maintain manageable class sizes. The measure emphasizes fiscal accountability with local control, independent oversight, and a senior exemption, and includes a 7-year sunset clause.

The meeting commenced with introductions and a focus on Goal 4: Resource Coherence. Key discussion points included a review of highlights from the First Interim Report and an exploration of a potential parcel tax. Additionally, portions of the Universal Meal presentation were reviewed, incorporating student survey data. Site Councils met separately to discuss Universal Meals and other relevant school business.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of group norms, followed by introductions. Key discussion topics included the presentation of expenditure updates to date for the mid-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and a review of the California Schools Dashboard. A specific focus was placed on Goal 2: Belonging and Wellness, with detailed information shared regarding chronic absenteeism rates. Concurrently, Site Councils met to review local Dashboard data and assess progress on School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) goals.

The meeting involved the establishment of a quorum and the approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes. Key discussions focused on subcommittee planning for the audit (finance), site inspection, annual report development, and project/cost review (performance), with deadlines set for the next meeting. The District provided a report on the Measure D bond program, detailing project prioritization, fixed fee structures for services (DAG), and the process for developing guaranteed maximum prices for the projects at Rheem and JM sites. Financial reporting was presented, clarifying how bond interest is tracked and the strategy behind selling bonds in series based on the three-year spending rule. Member comments included plans to seek mentorship for cost review and confirmation that the auditor, Christy White and Associates, will review compliance and cost review procedures.

This School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for Donald Rheem Elementary School outlines actions and expenditures to enhance pupil outcomes and overall performance for the 2025-2026 school year. The plan focuses on three key goals: improving foundational literacy skills by increasing DIBELS composite scores for K-2 students and overall proficiency for 3rd-5th graders by June 2026; boosting student proficiency in CAASPP Mathematics assessments by 3 percentage points; and strengthening student self-efficacy by increasing the percentage of students who perceive self-efficacy as a strength by 4%.