Rialto Unified School District

The meeting included several key discussions and recognitions. Initial proceedings involved recognizing Rialto Unified School Safety Officers Ruben Alvarado and Reinmen Verdugo for their brave response to an emergency situation involving an active gunman, with commendations from the Chief of Safety and the Superintendent. Community members addressed the board regarding several issues: the need for more proactive measures concerning school situations; concerns regarding the placement of a Special Education student resulting in a teacher being placed on leave; and streamlining the approval process for Title I funds to expedite purchases. Other topics included an upcoming Family Forum on October 10th and 11th to discuss social media challenges and safety, and a presentation celebrating Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month which occurred on September 24th. A board member raised concerns about the status of music education, advocating for the hiring of more music teachers and urging support for California Bill 28, which would allocate funding to arts and music education. Further comments highlighted severe ongoing safety and behavioral concerns at multiple schools, including lack of restroom access for students and employees, and challenges involving student fighting and aggression towards staff, emphasizing the need for increased teacher aide support and board visits to observe conditions firsthand.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the transition from closed session to open session and the subsequent pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Audited Financial Report, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on both financial statements and compliance with federal and state requirements, with no internal control weaknesses or findings to report. The board also reviewed the financial and performance audit for the General Obligation Bonds (Measure Y), finding the district in full compliance regarding expenditure of bond proceeds. During public comments, community members shared perspectives on the continuation of distance learning for the remainder of the school year, citing ongoing health concerns related to the pandemic and the confusion associated with potential changes to the Bridge Academy program. Comments were also received from the Rialto School Managers Association (RSMA).

During closed session, the Board unanimously approved issuing notices of non-reemployment for the 2013-2014 school year to one RC instructor and two SDC teachers. Additionally, the Board unanimously took action to issue notices regarding release from administrative positions and reassignment or salary reduction for the 2013-2014 school year for numerous administrators, coordinators, and directors across various departments including English Learners, Child Development, Special Education, and Personnel Services. The agenda adoption involved discussion regarding pulling a contract (c-13d167) due to excessive hourly wage concerns and discussions regarding the inclusion of board member comments in the minutes, which were moved to new business for further reading and discussion. Student presentations included updates from CERRA Middle School on their success at the District Science Fair, AVID Family Night, the upcoming District Music Festival, and preparations for standardized testing. J Middle School shared plans for an upcoming Moving On Up dance, a campus visit to USC and UCLA, and celebrated athletic and academic achievements, including selection as Student of the Month. A teacher recognition segment honored Mrs. Flora Fitzhugh from Miller High School for receiving the California League of High Schools Educator of the Year award. The meeting concluded with a presentation by the Measure Y Bond Oversight Committee.

The special board meeting convened in open session following the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the open session involved public comments regarding the Brown Act and transparency, specifically concerning the announcement of placing the Superintendent on paid leave, and requests for more accessible meeting times. Public commentary also addressed the need to maintain partnerships, such as the Ebony Triangle initiative, and support for the Black Education Agenda, along with concerns regarding the treatment of Black employees. The board moved to adopt the agenda and subsequently entered closed session to discuss public employee employment, discipline, dismissal, release, and reassignment per Government Code section 54957.

The meeting included an opening where the pledge of allegiance was led by a student from Hugh Banks Elementary School. An announcement was made recognizing a staff member selected for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium's digital library. Hugh Banks Elementary School's dance team performed. Significant closed session actions included the Board approving placing the Superintendent on administrative leave (5-0 vote), placing the Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Staff on administrative leave (5-0 vote), and appointing the authority to bring in legal counsel to advise the board directly (5-0 vote). During public comments, several community members spoke regarding the Superintendent's potential removal, expressing support for him based on his dedication and support for students, particularly within the ROTC program. Another public comment focused on the recent dedication of the new football field at Rialto High School, criticizing the lack of inclusion of the football team and captains in the opening ceremonies, and requesting the Board be more mindful of student participation in momentous events. Comments were also heard regarding an individual's mistaken possession of a personal knife on campus, subsequent discipline, and a request for reinstatement. Finally, a Senior NCO spoke in support of the educator who made the mistake. The Director of Secondary Education also briefly introduced an upcoming celebratory event.