Santa Cruz County Office of Education

The meeting included a student-led discussion regarding the formation of a race and equity committee, the elimination of hate speech and racial slurs in schools, and various student recommendations such as improvements to school food quality, increased facility accessibility for students with disabilities, and the implementation of a bus route to address attendance issues. Additionally, the Board engaged in a sunshine session for labor negotiations with the California School Employees Association, specifically addressing articles regarding pay allowances, health and welfare benefits, shift notice requirements, and potential new holiday designations.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and establishment of quorum. The agenda was approved unanimously. Following the public comment section, the Board participated in a board self-evaluation conducted by the California School Board Association Director. The schedule for upcoming regular board meetings in February, March, and April 2026 was reviewed.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the reading of the land acknowledgement, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An agenda modification was approved. Discussions included student trustee reports: one trustee reported on a student listening session concerning a water fountain request and planned participation in a protest, while the other reported on an event regarding gender-affirming care and planned tours and advocacy at the capital. The board approved the consent agenda. New business involved Resolution 2604, authorizing the execution and delivery of a certificate of participation for a Cops loan ($7.5 million anticipated for bridge financing), with financial advisors present to address questions regarding call provisions and repayment structure. The meeting also included reports and presentations, specifically the LCAP midyear report focusing on alternative education program progress and alignment with county strategic goals.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, roll call, and establishment of quorum, followed by a land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered budget revisions and several School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for Alternative Education, Community School, Charter School, and Special Education. Discussions and presentations featured efforts related to Human Trafficking Awareness, Interim Financial Certifications, and the disposal of personal property. New business involved the approval of three resolutions: Resolution #26-01 authorizing Short-Term Cash Loans to Santa Cruz County School Districts, Resolution #26-02 proclaiming January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Resolution #26-03 recognizing February as Black History Month. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 Budget Calendar. Student Trustee reports highlighted volunteer work and advocacy efforts concerning mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Special Board Meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary focus of the meeting involved a board workshop dedicated to team building and fostering better communication among board members. The session featured interactive exercises, including pairing up members for conversations and conducting mock interviews structured like television talk shows (Dr. Oprah/Dr. Phil style) to encourage deeper discussion on members' motivations for serving, their backgrounds, and what draws them to educational governance. Specific introductions were made detailing the diverse professional, personal, and political backgrounds of several trustees, including experiences in educational policy, local politics, and community service related to education and environmental restoration.