Sharon Burns

The council reviewed the Treasurer's report and discussed plans for upcoming School and District Service Awards. Significant focus was placed on the musical and theater programs, specifically the usage of Prop 28 funds for productions and discussions regarding the expansion of programs like choir. Organizational updates included a status report on the One Community Campaign and upcoming speaker series events. The Superintendent presented comprehensive budget reduction plans, outlining the guiding principles, key dates, and specific areas impacted by projected financial adjustments. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the School Board, legal matters, and the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation.

The 2024 Facilities Master Plan for the Menlo Park City School District serves as a roadmap to outline future facility improvements, ensuring safe and secure campus environments that support current and future educational programs. Key priorities include implementing School Safety & Security Upgrades, maintaining Quality Schools, integrating Modern Technology & Infrastructure, and fostering Climate Resilience & Healthier Spaces. The plan emphasizes community input, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the district's overarching strategic directions for the next six years to create inspiring learning spaces and empower students.

The District Council Business included a Treasurer's Update confirming that all yearly dues invoices were sent and total expected income is projected to be met, with $2500 currently in the bank. An Audit Update confirmed positive financial figures. The Speaker Series update noted a successful recent in-person panel on children's resilience, with the next event scheduled for January focusing on a book for parents and children. The OCC campaign update reported a current participation rate of 59% and fundraising total of $3.22M, projecting an end result around $3.74M to $3.85M, while noting a concerning decrease in the number of donating households. Superintendent updates covered the 'Funding Our Priorities' financial exercise aimed at achieving a balanced budget target of $4.1M in cost savings over three years. Board policy discussions addressed e-bikes, noting safety concerns regarding high speeds, and standards-based grading policies, including restrictions on late homework submission. The council reviewed disappointing CAASP scores, noting math scores remained at 78% and English increased slightly to 80%, prompting a need to reallocate resources to more effective programs. Updates also covered fundraising events like the Sports Basement shopping days and an auction, as well as detailed discussions on the Caring and Sharing program across different schools (HV, OK, Laurel, Hillview), which provides direct assistance and holiday support to families in need, with suggestions made for increasing community awareness and donation effectiveness.

The agenda included a discussion and approval of a quote for Heggerty: Bridge to Reading materials for 1st-grade Spanish Immersion teachers. This transition to the Heggerty program is part of the district's foundational skills materials adoption in preparation for the 25-26 school year, benefiting four teachers.

The agenda included a discussion and approval of a quote with Heggerty for Bridge to Reading materials for 2nd and 3rd grade, along with additional items. The materials are intended to support students in an intervention setting and to provide a set for the District Office library to meet parent review regulations.