Sylvia Covarrubias

The meeting included closed session discussions regarding public employee discipline/dismissal/release and the Superintendent's mid-year evaluation. During the open session, the Board acted upon reports concerning the SLVE Life Lab program, which involved student demonstrations on garden habitats, plant parts, and salsa making, as well as a report on the January 5 Professional Development Day recap emphasizing collaboration and equity. An Assistant Superintendent reviewed the Governor's Proposed Budget Report for 2026-27. Action items included the first reading for the 2026-27 Board Meeting Dates, the approval of Resolution #2025-26-16 recognizing March as Women's History Month, approval of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Plan 3 Year, approval of the Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Part 2, approval of the Academic Counselor Job Description for SLVHS, and approval of several Board Policies and Administrative Regulations related to access to records and response to immigration enforcement. The consent agenda covered warrant registers, acceptance of donations, approval of a resolution directing preparation of the Annual Report, approval of surplus property, and approval of personnel action items including retirements and employee stipends.

The Board meeting included administrative actions such as adjourning to Closed Session to discuss public employee discipline/dismissal/release and a Tort Claim, which resulted in the rejection of the Tort Claim. Key organizational matters included the annual election of the President and Clerk, and appointments to various committees like the Measure S Bond Oversight Committee and the Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Reports featured a presentation by the SLV Charter Drama Program, highlighting student participation and performances, and a detailed review of the California School Dashboard data, noting district-wide trends, areas of strength (like graduation rates), and challenges such as chronic absenteeism among specific subgroups. Financial actions involved the approval of the 2025-26 First Interim Financial Report, acceptance of the 2024-25 Audit Report (with one timeline finding), approval of the Annual Reportable Fees Report, and updates to several Board Policies and Regulations based on CSBA recommendations. Action items also included approving a performance agreement with The Anne Frank Center USA, Inc. for student educational performances and authorizing proposals related to HVAC testing adjustments.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included executive session items pertaining to public employee discipline/dismissal/release, the Superintendent's mid-year evaluation, and an expulsion readmission case. Key items in open session involved organizational updates and reports, including a presentation on the SLVMS Wellness Center and a mid-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) update. Action items included the first reading and recommendation for approval of School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for all school sites, the approval of a resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month, and the review and approval of several Board Policies and Regulations. Consent agenda items covered the approval of Warrant Registers, acceptance of donations, budget transfers, approval of a contract with SCI Consulting Group for the Recreation Improvement and Maintenance District (RIMD), Quarterly Uniform Complaint Reporting, Pay/Stipend Rates, and Personnel Action Items.

The meeting of the SLVUSD Board of Trustees included reports from the Student Trustee for Coast Redwood High School, covering the community Maker event, student recognition projects, and a field trip to Watsonville for Día de los Muertos. The board also discussed the AI Task Force meeting, focusing on defining AI for SLVUSD and establishing clear guidelines for its responsible use. Additionally, the SLVHS Graphic Design and Photography Program was presented, highlighting the courses offered, industry-standard software used, and student projects.

The meeting included a presentation on Supporting SLVE Students' Social Emotional Learning, where students demonstrated their understanding of emotional regulation and coping strategies. Community members shared concerns regarding antisemitism, and the Superintendent reported on efforts to address these issues, including a presentation by the Anti-Defamation League. Organizational updates included reports from the Coast Redwood High School (CRHS) Student Trustee and the SLVTA Representative. The CAASPP Data Report was reviewed, highlighting areas of growth and areas needing improvement in ELA and Math. The Board approved a new SLVHS course, Computer Science with Robotics, and a resolution in support of Proposition 50.