Victor Barajas

The Board addressed multiple closed session items, including the appointment of a principal at West Shores High School, the approval of student expulsion cases, and settlements regarding litigation and legal matters. In open session, the Board approved the attendance of a Student Board Member at a state education conference and finalized the governing board calendar for the upcoming year. Educational services actions included authorizing agreements with the Boy Scouts of America, consultancy contracts for graduation events, and various student field trips. Business and human resources matters encompassed the increase of purchase orders for maintenance needs, acceptance of school donations, review of quarterly financial reports, ratification of expenditures, authorization for emergency utility repairs, and the approval of university clinical practicum agreements.

The board meeting included updates on return-to-person instruction plans, the Promise Neighborhoods Grant Program, and school calendar drafts. Actions taken involved approving a lease agreement amendment with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, authorizing various requisitions using Head Start and preschool funds, and tabling a contract with The National Compadres Network, Inc. The board also approved an employment contract for the Interim Superintendent, a memorandum of understanding regarding athletic teams during distance learning, and a contract with Leadership Associates for a superintendent search. Several administrative and business services items were passed under the consent calendar.

The Board conducted elections for governing officers and appointed representatives to various committees. Key agenda items included administrative actions regarding teleconferencing, educational service approvals for preschool subawards and student trips, and business operations including interim fiscal reports and construction project agreements. The Board also addressed personnel matters in closed session and reviewed public feedback regarding contract negotiations and staffing concerns.

The board addressed several key items, including a closed session focused on expulsion recommendations and personnel appointments. Public hearings were held regarding textbook and instructional materials compliance as well as consideration of statutory school fee increases. The board adopted resolutions concerning fee increases for new residential and commercial construction and the purchase of propane buses. Other actions included the approval of a new marquee for a high school, various educational services agreements such as an initiative to reduce chronic absenteeism, and several consultant contract increases. Additionally, the board processed routine administrative and business service items through the consent calendar.

The Board reviewed and took action on several items, including a settlement for a legal claim, the approval of updated Board policies (BP 2000s and BP 6000s), and the waiver of facility fees for a Girl Scouts troop. Business service authorizations were granted for bond consulting services, the purchase and installation of shade structures at multiple schools, amendments to an engineering contract, and the purchase of commercial mowers. Educational service actions included approving a contract for a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Additionally, the Board handled various consent calendar items, including ratifying expenditures, approving out-of-state field trips, athletic trainer service agreements, and purchasing instructional materials.