Silvia Bañuelos

The meeting included authorization for the Superintendent's designee to enter into a contract for COVID testing and related services, with ratification scheduled for the next agenda. The board also took actions in closed session regarding public employee discipline, specifically the release of a classified employee. Furthermore, the board approved the memorandum of understanding with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 828 regarding prescribed work hours. Agenda amendments were made to add the 2021-2022 SANDABS membership renewal. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) review process, noting that clarification letters were anticipated from the County due to strict interpretation of the law. Budget adjustments based on the state-adopted budget were presented, highlighting an increase in concentration grant revenue due to a change in the LCFF calculation, clarification of compliance requirements for SR3 federal funding, and the introduction of new programs like the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP). Other financial matters included the elimination of prior cash deferrals to be repaid in August and the forthcoming institution of a reserve cap in FY 2022-2023. A reduction in unemployment insurance payroll expense was also noted.

The meeting included time set aside for public comments pertaining to the closed session, followed by entry into closed session to discuss litigation matters, anticipated litigation, public employee discipline/reassignment/transfer/leave, public employee appointment/resignation/retirement/reduction, conference with a labor negotiator for two different employee organizations, conference with a real property negotiator, security matters requiring consultation with the Chief of Police, and superintendent evaluation. Following the closed session, student representatives from High Desert Premier Academy and Granite Hills provided updates. The student reports highlighted successes such as the High Desert Premier Academy student earning the state Seal of Civic Engagement, teacher appreciation recognition, and Granite Hills High School's successful production of "Mean Girls the Musical" (selling 703 tickets), choir programs winning Gold and Bronze at the World Strides competition, band securing second place at Music in the Parks, and numerous student and adviser awards from the Skills USA competitions. Associated Student Body (ASB) and Athletics also reported on recent events, including the farewell rally for the Class of 2024, upcoming senior sunset activities, graduation planning, the selection of next year's officers, and the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration for Granite Hills. Athletic highlights included the softball team winning DSL for the first time, multiple league championships for boys' tennis, and significant placements in track and field.

The meeting commenced with public comments regarding board bylaws and procedures for complaints against employees. The board proceeded to a closed session to discuss pupil personnel matters, litigation updates (current and anticipated), public employee discipline/transfer, public employee appointments/resignations, and conferences with labor negotiators concerning AVUTA, CSEA, and unrepresented employees. Additionally, closed session topics included a conference with the real property negotiator regarding APN 3112417-000 CJC Holdings LLC, and the superintendent's evaluation. Following the closed session, the board held an organizational segment to elect a President, Clerk of the Board, a representative and alternate for the school and community college district representatives meeting, and determined the schedule for future regular board meetings (approved as monthly meetings). The open session included student group reports from High Desert Premier Academy (discussing new staff, updated learner outcomes, graduation rates, and college partnerships), Granite Hills High School (reporting on winter formal preparation, toy drive, and sports achievements), and Apple Valley High School (providing updates on cross country, volleyball, tennis, and football team successes, as well as talent show and canned food drive results). Union representatives from CSEA and AVUTA provided updates regarding officer elections, classification studies, COVID-19 protocols, and community involvement like the Christmas tree lighting. Finally, the board recognized an employee, Mr. Cliff Ledbetter, for demonstrating outstanding service and embodying core district values.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss pupil personnel matters, specifically expulsion cases and personnel matters involving discipline, dismissal, release, reassignment, transfer, and leave for certificated and classified employees. It also covered conference with legal counsel regarding current litigation cases. Discussions during the open session involved student reports from High Desert Premier Academy and Granite Hills High, highlighting academic achievements, a new e-sports program, and WASC accreditation renewal. Apple Valley High reported significant success in SkillsUSA regional competitions with numerous students advancing to state, and the recognition of ten student art pieces in the San Bernardino County Young Artists Gallery. The California School Employees Association (CSEA) presented their initial proposal for a successor contract. A key action item involved amending the agenda to bring forward the item regarding the enforcement of mass requirements. A major topic was the second interim financial report, which certified the district's financial condition, noting a shift to a positive certification and adjustments to Average Daily Attendance (ADA) projections downward for future years due to the expiration of pandemic hold harmless provisions, despite expected increases in LCFF revenue due to higher Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) percentages. Expenditure assumptions included step and column increases and rising retirement contribution rates.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and confirmation of board member attendance, noting one absence for a scheduled knee replacement surgery. The session proceeded into a closed session to discuss personnel expulsion cases, current and anticipated litigation matters, public employee discipline/transfer, and labor negotiations with employee associations. Upon returning to open session, the board voted to move item one. A key discussion involved the annual presentation of local indicators, which must coincide with the adoption of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Topics covered under local indicators included monitoring misassignments (reporting 82 for the 2122 school year, with nuance on technical vs. actual misassignments), confirming zero students lacked access to textbooks following recent adoptions in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and reporting facilities inspection results where only one site was rated as 'Fair.' Furthermore, the district presented on State Standards implementation, focusing on key standards training, and shared data from parent and student surveys regarding engagement, communication, and school climate, noting initial baseline data from the District Advisory Committee parent survey.