Tony Cabral

Key discussions included a student update from Twin Oaks High School highlighting enrichment, college and career exploration, and community partnerships. A presentation by La Mirada Academy detailed its vision and goals aligned with the district's Portrait of a Graduate. The Superintendent's Update recognized achievements during National School Counseling Week 2026 and district award recipients, along with providing facilities and construction progress reports. A mid-year update on the 2025-26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) implementation was presented. Significant time was devoted to a presentation on declining enrollment and its fiscal impacts, noting structural funding gaps. The Board also reviewed the first reading of revisions to the Facilities Use policy (Policy and Administrative Regulation 1330), clarifying usage priorities and fee structures. The Action Agenda included approval of intentions to form Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 21.

The meeting covered several significant areas, starting with the Superintendent's update which recognized Governing Board Appreciation Month, congratulated the Mission Hills High School Cardinal Alliance Marching Band, reported on construction progress at Knob Hill Elementary involving a new crane nicknamed 'Captain Crane', and provided an overview of the Governor's proposed 2026-27 state budget impacts. Joli Ann Elementary presented an update highlighting their vision, focus on increasing student achievement in reading and math, a decrease in chronic absenteeism due to strengthened student connections, and the promotion of a culture centered around the 'Jaguar Way'. The Strategic Promise Update focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE), noting that 70% of the previous graduating class participated in CTE, reporting on 9 industry sectors and 17 pathways, including dual enrollment options and secured funding for a new Agriculture Innovation Center. The Board also reviewed a new course approval process, which included five proposed 'interest-based core' courses such as Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. In the action agenda, the Board accepted the 2024-25 Annual Audit Report.

This report provides a seven-year student population forecast for the San Marcos Unified School District, analyzing demographic data relevant to facility planning. It identifies and informs the district of community demographic trends, how these may affect future student populations, and necessary facility adjustments. Overall, the student population is projected to decrease by approximately 6.5% over the next seven years, with specific declines of 2% in TK-5, 7% in 6-8, and 12% in 9-12 grades. The forecast integrates historic student population counts, demographic characteristics, and planned residential development, noting that declining birth rates and lower development yields contribute to the projected decrease in enrollment.

The agenda for the meeting includes project updates presented by Tova Corman, focusing on the Knob Hill Elementary renovation (which encountered rock during excavation but remained on schedule), technology upgrades involving the replacement of classroom projectors with touch-screen displays, and improvement plans for athletics at Woodland Park Middle School, Mission Hills High School, and San Marcos High School. Financial updates were provided by Erin Garcia concerning the Measure JJ Series A bond sale, which closed with a 4.6% interest rate, and a summary of current bond project expenditures. The committee also planned to review committee member terms and discuss the next meeting date, followed by a site tour of Mission Hills High School.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from Student Board Representatives on student achievements and conference attendance. The Governing Board conducted elections for 2026, selecting new President, Vice President, and Clerk. The Superintendent provided updates on the CSBA Conference, youth mental health committee participation, and program growth. A significant agenda item was the update on the Woodland Park Middle School construction project, which necessitates the temporary relocation of incoming 6th graders to San Marcos Middle School for the 2026-27 school year to accommodate construction phasing. The Double Peak School Principal provided an update highlighting the school's TK-8 structure, innovation programs focusing on STEM and design thinking, and community engagement. A Strategic Promise Update focused on Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), noting national recognition for the music program and district-wide initiatives. Finally, the Board approved the adoption of the 2025-26 First Interim Financial Report, noting a projected deficit but maintaining required reserves. The Consent Agenda was generally approved.