Riverside Unified School District

The meeting commenced with a review of the agenda. Key discussions included an explanation of the Legacy program, which is offered at all high schools, detailing its benefits and available resources. A presentation was given on Parent Square, covering communication methods with families and registration processes. The group reviewed the English Learner Master Plan for California, RUSD's Guide for Educating English Learners, and RUSD's mission, including an activity where parents provided feedback on the Master Plan Values and Five Chapters. Additionally, there was a presentation on University and Career supports and resources for 7th-12th grade students, including information on Exploration via CaliforniaColleges.edu and updates on A-G course requirements, specifically noting the change for the graduating class of 2028 regarding Ethnic Studies as a requirement. Information on upcoming family workshops and events from the Resource Center was also shared.

The meeting commenced electronically due to public health guidelines. Key action items included the approval of the September 20, 2020 meeting minutes and the unanimous appointment of new committee officers, Keith Nelson as Chair and David Bristow as Vice-Chair. Discussion topics focused on providing a New Member Resource Orientation covering the CBOC handbook, Measure O details, and project schedules. A Measure O Project Update detailed progress across 16 projects, noting completion milestones for several elementary schools (Harrison, Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Magnolia, Adams) and updates on major construction at Poly High School and Arlington High School. Future projects, including Alcott, Monroe, Fremont, Long Beach, University Heights Middle School, and John W North High School, were discussed regarding their bidding or design phases. The committee requested financial documentation comparing original budget amounts to completed budget amounts for finished projects. Discussions also covered the cost impact of COVID-19 on construction schedules and the funding structure of the Spring Mountain Ranch project. The committee also addressed the upcoming Annual Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Report presentation and planned future discussions regarding the legal opinions on Measure O usage for new school sites and the independence of the oversight committee.

The meeting commenced with a committee tour of Casa Blanca Elementary School, where project improvements were highlighted, resulting in anticipated budget savings. Key action items included the re-election of the Chair and the election of the Vice Chair. Discussions covered the Bond Oversight Committee's roles and responsibilities, focusing on the legal framework of Measure O and the committee's mandate to review expenditures against voter-approved purposes. Project updates were provided for the STEM Education Center, noting the EIR completion and deferral of UC Regents approval, and for Casa Blanca Elementary School, which is nearly complete. Updates were also given on Ofelia Valdez-Yeager Eastside Elementary School, including bid reception for Increment 1 and DSA submission for Increment 2, as well as progress on North High School's science classroom building and gymnasium modifications. A financial presentation detailed the Measure O program overview, remaining authorization, current expenditures, and the process for Arbitrage Rebate calculation. The committee selected topics for the Annual Report, including the Casa Blanca tour, officer elections, and project updates, and requested that an update on the STEM Education Center following the UC Regents meeting be added to the next agenda.

The meeting included a review of the agenda, a discussion on the Budget Overview for Parents covering the Annual Budget Reporting Cycle and Local Control Funding Formula components (Base, Supplemental, and Concentration funding), and an overview of the Transportation Plan for 2026-27, detailing vendor services and student pass requirements. A session on the CAASPP testing system explained the Starting Smarter platform for interpreting results and preparing students. Key LCAP input sessions were reviewed, presenting strengths and concerns across four goals relating to academic support, college/CTE awareness, school connectedness, and campus safety. Specific discussion points included early math intervention strategies, Title I funding allocations, and peer tutoring suggestions. Participants also engaged in an activity involving Artificial Intelligence to understand data dependency.

The meeting commenced with administrative details regarding its live broadcast in English and Spanish, and in-person/teleconference format. Actions taken during a closed session included disciplinary measures against an employee, specifically suspension without pay pending completion of charges, and approval for hiring several staff members, including four deputy directors for Freeman and Pachapa schools, and principals for Kennedy Chowder Elementary, Pachapa, High Grove Land, and an assistant principal for Mark Elementary School Twain. The Superintendent's report covered summer programs supporting over 20,000 students, noting 58 graduates from Summer School and collaboration with the City of Riverside for a free food program. Recognition was given to the departing Superintendent, Sergio Hell San Martín, who is taking a promotion. Public comments addressed concerns regarding pending legislation (AB 665) perceived as dangerous for students by removing parental consent requirements for mental health services, concerns about school discipline and violence, and the feeling that parental contributions are unequally valued. Board member comments included reporting on an educational services conference focused on humanizing education, congratulating the departing superintendent, honoring the memory of Dr. Cleveland Wesley, a former board member, and discussing funding implications following the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action.