San Bernardino County Office of Education

The committee meeting featured a presentation from special counsel regarding the statutes, regulations, and practical considerations involved in territory transfer petitions. Additionally, the acting secretary provided an update regarding an upcoming spring awards event recognizing contributions to K-12 education, and the committee noted the date for the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting featured the recognition of new National Board Certified Teachers and a retirement ceremony for a long-serving educator. The agenda adoption included a discussion regarding the potential inclusion of Autism Awareness Month in future board reports. Additionally, board members inquired about the specificity of received correspondence alleging Brown Act violations.

This case study examines Imperial County's experiences in implementing the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). It highlights the county's efforts in fostering multisector collaboration and self-empowerment to address behavioral health needs for children, youth, and families. Key priorities include enhancing access to school-based and home-based services, mitigating workforce shortages, promoting social-emotional learning, and reducing stigma. The report emphasizes the county's success in developing 'home-grown' solutions and culturally relevant services to positively impact the behavioral health ecosystem at the outpatient level.

The meeting involved the call to order and confirmation of a quorum. Key discussions included receiving the San Bernardino County School Boards Association (SBCSBA) election results for SANDABS trustee representatives. The committee conducted its annual election of officers, confirming appointments for Co-Chair, Superintendent Co-Chair, Vice-Chair, and Superintendent Vice-Chair. Updates were provided on federal and state education legislation and budget proposals by Capitol Advisors Group, noting federal education funding increases and state budget allocations. The committee adopted positions on pending state and federal legislative proposals, including Assembly Bill 1590 and HR 2402. Additionally, the second draft of the 2026 SANDABS State and Federal Legislative Platforms was reviewed, and the 2026-27 Executive Committee meeting dates were approved.

This document outlines the San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Schools (SANDABS) legislative platform for the 2026-27 legislative year. It aims to work with the California Legislature, Governor, and Department of Education to adopt public policy that supports the San Bernardino Countywide Vision for "cradle to career" success, emphasizing local control, health, and safety. The platform prioritizes five key areas: full and fair funding for pre-K through 12th grade, continued focus on special education programs, resources for student support, mental/behavioral health, and school safety, adequately maintained and modernized school facilities, and appropriately and consistently applied accountability for all schools.