Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

The meeting included the approval of the agenda with minor adjustments to reorder items six and seven after item four. Advisory committee reports covered positive academic performance in English Language Arts (ELA) with accelerated growth, medium performance in Math, high performance in absenteeism and English learner improvements, and maintained performance in suspension rates. Academic targets were set for the next year, including increasing ELA performance to the highest range, achieving three or more growth points in Mathematics, and improving English learner progress by 10%. Significant accomplishments highlighted were 27% of English learners being reclassified, the awarding of a Platinum Thriving School in systemic Social Emotional Learning (SEL), quadrupling the number of families achieving high community service hours, implementation of new writing and math programs, and robust community engagement through over 50 student project groups. Furthermore, band members achieved significant county recognition, and the school added a second hydroponic garden. Discussion action items included authorizing the use of piggyback contracts, and approval for the purchase of classroom tables and chairs from School Outfitters and School Specialty LLC, and an item related to U Vector USA. The latter portion of the meeting involved recognizing Board Member Banister for her extensive service to the district from 2014 to 2026, including her prior career as an educator.

The meeting covered discussions and actions for two entities: CECA and YCJUSD, both meeting on February 10, 2026. The CECA portion included approval of the agenda, a Parent Community Advisory Committee report discussing the midyear LCAP update, proposed changes to the charter document regarding enrollment priorities (siblings and employees/residents), student assessment data (ELA and Math), and the approval of the bathroom remodel at Competitive Edge Charter Academy. The YCJUSD portion included actions taken in closed session, specifically the appointment of a Principal, two Assistant Principals for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, and the approval of a settlement agreement related to an OS case. Additionally, the board recognized staff from the Child Nutrition Department for their work during kitchen remodeling, and recognized the district's school counselors for National School Counseling Week, highlighting their roles in academics, post-high school planning, and mental health support.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to agenda items being deferred to a regular board meeting. The Parent Community Advisory Committee meeting was reviewed, covering topics such as the California dashboard data, academic goals, attendance, school climate, proposed material changes to the SECA charter document, and project lists. The board also addressed administrative matters, including board member comments and proposals for material changes to the charter document. Calam Mesa Elementary School presented on their progress, highlighting their focus on data-driven instruction, multi-tiered systems of support, and parent and community engagement. Accomplishments such as the PBIS platinum award and a reduction in chronic absenteeism were celebrated.

The meeting included a presentation from Valley Elementary School, highlighting their Leader in Me program and academic achievements. The school's focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, and math intervention was discussed, along with improvements in ELA and math scores. The school also emphasized community relationships, partnerships with local businesses, and events like the Million Fathers March and fall festival. The board also took action to appoint Denise Fineberg to the position of principal expanded learning opportunities program.

The board meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, including CASP results, implementation of the Step Up to Writing program, data review process for teacher collaboration, and updates on projects like the baseball field and weightlifting equipment. There was also a presentation on Proposition 28, focusing on arts and music in schools funding, including the allocation of funds for a new music teacher and instruments. The board also discussed site visits to various schools, highlighting student-centered learning, facility maintenance, community involvement, and specific programs at each school.