Santa Cruz County Office of Education

The board meeting featured a land acknowledgement, the pledge of allegiance, and student trustee reports highlighting academic accomplishments, scholarship awards, and participation in career-technical programs. Public comments included a presentation on the Association of California County Boards of Education services. The board conducted a ceremony for the 2026 Educators and Community Partner of the Year awards, honoring a teacher from Pajardo Valley Unified School District and recognizing the contributions of a high school counselor.

The Board of Education adopted Resolution #26-18, formally recognizing May as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The resolution condemns hatred, xenophobia, harassment, and violence directed toward these communities. Additionally, the Board committed to fostering an inclusive culture within schools that supports students and staff of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent, while addressing historical and systemic issues of discrimination within public education.

The meeting includes discussions on the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit report, recognition of STEAM Expo winners, and an overview of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process. Key action items involve approving a resolution to eliminate the use of hate speech, a first reading of new board policies, and several resolutions supporting observances for teachers, classified employees, and heritage months including AANHPI, Jewish American, and Mental Health Awareness. Additionally, the Board will deliberate on a resolution regarding safety safeguards for sexually violent predator placements and a proclamation honoring Harvey Milk Day.

The board meeting included several key agenda items, starting with public comments regarding the removal of hate speech and non-discrimination policies in schools. The board received reports on labor negotiations for both classified and certificated employee agreements, a recap presentation of the 2026 Civic Summit, and the 2025-2026 Second Interim Financial Report. Additionally, the board approved the 2026-2027 COE and Student Program Calendar, and passed resolutions recognizing various awareness months, including National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Arab American Heritage Month, and Earth Day/Environmental Education Week. The board also reviewed and approved several new policies and exhibits from the 9000s series of Board Bylaws.

The board meeting included a land acknowledgement, the pledge of allegiance, and the approval of the agenda. A student trustee presented on student advocacy initiatives, including mental health projects and campus safety concerns. The board recognized the STEM Expo, reviewed an overview of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process, and discussed the roles and responsibilities of the board and staff regarding the development, adoption, and monitoring of the LCAP, including strategies for parent and student engagement in diverse school programs.