[00:00:02]
>> I'D LIKE TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M. ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE PRESENT,
[ 2. CALL TO ORDER]
AND NUMBER 4, THE PUBLIC HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS. THE BOARD MAY LIMIT THE TIME FOR EACH SPEAKER TO THREE MINUTES AND A TOTAL TIME FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM TO 20 MINUTES.ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM MAY BE GRANTED UP TO THREE MINUTES AT THE TIME THE ITEM APPEARS ON THE AGENDA.
IN THE CASE OF A NON AGENDA ITEM, COMMENTS MAY BE MADE UNDER REQUEST TO SPEAK ON NON AGENDA ITEMS, COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC.
PRIOR TO ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE FILL OUT THE REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD CARD, WHICH MAY BE PICKED UP FROM MARGARET MCDONALD, SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT.
ANY PERSON ADDRESSING THE BOARD SHOULD FIRST STATE THEIR NAME AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
WE'RE GOING TO CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 5:01.
[5. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA]
[NOISE] GOOD EVENING. THE BOARD WILL NOW RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION AT 5:58.[7. CALL TO ORDER]
YOU CORRECTED THIS?THERE IS NO REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION.
WE NEED TO DO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. WOULD EVERYONE, PLEASE STAND.
PUT YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART. READY, BEGIN.
[ 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER AND CONTENT]
TO THE APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER AND CONTENT. IS THERE A MOTION?>> THANK YOU. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR?
[ 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING.ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 8, 2025, REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING. IS THERE A MOTION?
>> ANY DISCUSSION? NO. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR?
>> ANY OPPOSED? I ACTUALLY ABSTAINED.
SORRY, I WASN'T HERE AT THE LAST ONE, SO I CAN COMMENT ON THAT. THANK YOU.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES.
[ 12. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES]
HI, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES.I WASN'T HERE LAST TIME. I WAS ILL AND I FEEL REALLY BAD.
IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU THIS EVENING.
WE'RE GOING TO HEAR COMMUNICATIONS, AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE SAVANNA, NOW, HELP ME, MORUA? PERFECT, FROM BONITA HIGH SCHOOL FIRST. [APPLAUSE]
>> GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, CABINET MEMBERS, AND AUDIENCE.
OUR ANNUAL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT STARTS TOMORROW, AND THERE ARE SIX TEAMS PLAYING THIS YEAR.
TODAY, THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY LAUNCHED OUR TIME OF GIVING DONATION DRIVE.
DONATIONS ARE TRANSPORTED TO INLAND VALLEY HOPE PARTNERS WHO SERVE THE SURROUNDING AREA AND HELP THOSE IN NEED.
ON NOVEMBER 19TH, WE'LL BE CONTINUING ANOTHER BAR CATCH EDITION BY RECORDING OUR THIRD SCHOOL WIDE LIPUB WHERE ALL GROUPS AROUND CAMPUS HAVE THE CHANCE TO BE HIGHLIGHTED.
LAST FRIDAY, WE HAD OUR HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME WHERE WE CROWNED TRESSA BETTY AS OUR HOMECOMING QUEEN, AND AT THE DANCE THIS PAST SATURDAY, WE CROWNED OHM SHAMBAG AS KING.
THE HOMECOMING DANCE WAS HOLLYWOOD THEMED AND WAS DEFINITELY A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.
BANQUETS ARE BEING HELD FOR OUR FALL SPORTS CELEBRATING OUR HARDWORKING ATHLETES.
THIS YEAR, OUR GIRLS FOG FOOTBALL AND GIRLS TENNIS TEAMS WERE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.
THERE ARE TRIES BEING HELD THROUGHOUT THIS MONTH FOR OUR WINTER SPORTS AS THEY'RE GEARING UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON.
OUR ARTS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING VERY HARD ON THEIR UPCOMING FALL PLAY RUMORS BY NEIL SIMON SET IN THE 1980S.
OUR AWARD WINNING CORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN PREPARING FOR THEIR FIFTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, YULETIDE.
BONITA IS OFFERING SAT PREP CLASSES TO STUDENTS TO HELP THEM FEEL PREPARED TO EXCEL.
ALONGSIDE THIS, OUR PEER TUTORING PROGRAM IS IN SESSION EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, GIVING STUDENTS A CHANCE TO GET HELP FROM THEIR OWN CLASSMATES.
BONITA HAS ALSO HOSTED SEVERAL COLLEGE PRESENTATIONS FROM SCHOOLS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY, HELPING STUDENTS BECOME PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE.
LASTLY, I'D LIKE TO NOTE THAT WE ARE SUPER PROUD OF THE BEAR CATS WHO TOOK THE STATE TEST LAST YEAR.
RESULTS JUST CAME OUT AD IN THE MOUNT SACK AREA, WHICH HAS 40 COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOLS, BONITA SCORED FIRST IN ENGLISH AND THIRD IN MATH.
BONITA IS ON TRACK FOR AN AMAZING YEAR AND I LOOK FORWARD TO GIVING YOU MORE BEAR CAT NEWS NEXT MONTH. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]
>> NEXT, WE HAVE RACHELLE TORRES FROM CHAPARRAL VISTA. [APPLAUSE]
[00:05:04]
>> GOOD EVENING, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, CABINET MEMBERS, AND AUDIENCE.
WE HAD OUR STUDENT OF THE MONTH RALLY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER.
OUR TOP CREDIT EARNER ONCE AGAIN IS ADRIAN AND COWL, ALTOGETHER.
ADRIAN HAS EARNED 60 CREDITS THIS YEAR.
OUR STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH IS MISS KEYSHA.
SENIOR ALEXIS ROJAS RECEIVED THE ACSA REGION 15, EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDING AWARD IN SCHOLARSHIP.
THIS RECOGNITION IS A TREMENDOUS HONOR AND TESTAMENT TO ALEXIS PERSEVERANCE, GROWTH, AND COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS DESPITE CHALLENGES.
WE CELEBRATED THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER WITH THE SCHOOL WIDE VERSION OF FAMILY FEUD.
ALL CLASSES COMPETED WITH MISS LITO'S CLASS TAKING FIRST PLACE.
ON OCTOBER 21ST, 34 JUNIORS AND SENIORS TOOK THE ASVAB.
IT'S BEEN A BUSY EXCITING MONTH FOR SENIORS AS WE CONTINUE PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.
RECENTLY, SENIORS HAD A CHANCE TO HEAR DIRECTLY FROM REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH CITRUS COLLEGE AND MOSUL, LEARNING MORE ABOUT ABOUT THE PROGRAMS AND PATHWAYS AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
COMING UP ON NOVEMBER 19, VANESSA TILFORD WILL BE TAKING A GROUP OF SENIORS ON AN OFF CAMPUS TRIP TO AN ELECTRICAL FIELD OPPORTUNITY.
THE VERY NEXT DAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, WE WILL WELCOME THE ASVAB TEAM ALONG WITH OUR REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL COLLEGES AND MILITARY SERVICES.
THEY'LL SIT DOWN WITH STUDENTS TO REVIEW THEIR ASVAB SCORES AND HELP THEM MAP OUT POTENTIAL POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS, WHETHER THAT'S COLLEGE, CAREER TRAINING, OR THE SERVICE.
LAST WEEK, ECONOMIC STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN A SHARK TANK.
STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO CHOOSE A NEW PRODUCT AND PREPARE A BUDGET FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS FOR THE SALE.
THEY'RE ASKED TO CREATE A PRESENTATION SIMILAR FOR WHAT IS SEEN ON THE SHOW, SHARK TANK.
THERE'S A TIE BETWEEN MILO LOPEZ, CAMERON HAMPTON, AND NATALIE GONZALEZ, RACHELLE TORRES.
IN OUR CLASS, STUDENTS ARE WORKING ON FINISHING UP A UNIT ON SHADING WITH USING WHITE CHALK ON BLACK PAPER.
IN DIGITAL ART, STUDENTS ARE USING PHOTOSHOP TO CREATE DOUBLE EXPOSURE PORTRAITS.
FROM OCTOBER 23RD-31ST, WE CELEBRATED RED RIBBON WEEK WITH CLASSES COMPETING EACH DAY AT LUNCH IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAT REPRESENT LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE, INCLUDING WATER BALLOON TOSS AND SACK RACE.
THIS YEAR, THE WINTER WAS MR. CHIPILI'S CLASS.
WE ALSO PAINTED PUMPKINS AND DECORATED ALL OF THE CLASSROOM DOORS FOR HALLOWEEN.
WE HELD OUR ANNUAL DODGER DAY CELEBRATING THE BEGINNING OF POST GRADUATE POST SEASON.
EACH MONTH, WE HOLD A CLASS COLOR DAY WHERE EACH GRADE LEVEL WEARS A COLOR DESIGNATED TO THE YEAR.
SENIORS ARE RED, JUNIORS ARE BLACK, BOTH SOPHOMORES AND FRESHMEN ARE GRAY.
OUR HORSE TOURNAMENT IS ONGOING WITH BESTER WAYNE'S TEAM STILL IN AND PLAYING TOMORROW.
OUR SOFTBALL TEAM WON ITS FIRST GAME 25 TO FIVE WITH NORTH VIEW PARK HIGH SCHOOL. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]
>> AND US, WE HAVE JACOB PARTIS FROM SANDY MISS HIGH SCHOOL. [APPLAUSE]
GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, CABINET MEMBERS, AND AUDIENCE.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TONIGHT.
WE SUCCESSFULLY CLOSED OUR FIRST QUARTER ON OCTOBER 10TH, AND FROM OCTOBER 21ST-25TH, OUR SENIOR AND JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS HOSTED OUR ANNUAL COLLEGE WEEK, WHERE STUDENTS ENGAGED IN ACTIVITY CENTERED AROUND POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING AND COLLEGE REINS.
WE ALSO HELD A SUCCESSFUL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE DAY ON OCTOBER 30TH, WHICH PROVIDED MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN FAMILIES AND STAFF.
IN OUR MATH DEPARTMENT, OUR TEACHERS ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT, MISS SEGAL, SHARED RESULTS FROM THE FIRST INTERIM ASSESSMENT BLOCK ON ALGEBRA AND FUNCTIONS.
TEACHERS WILL NOW REVIEW THE DATA WITH STUDENTS THROUGH RE-TEACHING, REVIEWING ACTIVITIES, AND PRACTICE STRATEGIES.
THEY WILL MEET AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 13TH TO COLLABORATE ON THE NEXT STEPS.
OUR ENGLISH DEPARTMENT USE OUR STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY TO REFINE CURRICULUM, ESSENTIAL STANDARDS, AND COMMON FORMATIVE ASSIGNMENTS.
THEY WILL HAVE A POLL DAY IN DECEMBER TO CALIBRATE AND SCORE STUDENT WRITING.
ADDITIONALLY, ONE OF OUR CALIFORNIA STATE SENATORS, SUSAN RUBIO, VISITED SHS AND LEAD A CIVIC LESSON FOR OVER 50 OF OUR SENIORS, WHICH IS A GREAT REAL WORLD LEARNING EXPERIENCE.
I, AS WELL AS OUR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, JEN HANSEN, GOT A CHANCE TO SPEAK TO HER PERSONALLY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT ROLES AND THE EFFECT WE COULD HAVE ON THOSE WE REPRESENT.
OUR FALL SPORTS TEAMS CONTINUE TO MAKE US PROUD.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL FINISHED AS LEAGUE CHAMPIONS AND FINISHING THE CIF DIVISION FOUR PLAYOFFS.
FIVE FOOTBALL ARE IN THE TITLE OF UNDEFEATED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS AND ADVANCE THE CIF DIVISION TWO PLAYOFFS.
[00:10:04]
OUR GOLF TEAM IS IN PLAYOFFS AND HAS NOW GONE UNDEFEATED IN LEAGUE FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS.OUR GIRLS TENNIS, ARE CO-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, AND WILL HOST ERVINE IN THE FIRST TIME AS AF.
SAN DIMAS FOOTBALL ENTERS CAF DIVISION NINE PLAYOFFS ON NOVEMBER 7TH AT ROLLIN HIGH SCHOOL, AND CROSS COUNTRY IS PREPARING FOR ITS FINAL LEAGUE MEET ON NOVEMBER 6TH. NOW FOR THE ARTS.
OUR THEATER DEPARTMENT JUST CONCLUDED A FANTASTIC RUN OF THE ODD COUPLE IN THE CLOUD 9 THEATER IN THE ROUND SETTING, FEATURING STUDENTS FROM BOTH LONE HILL AND SAN DIMAS.
LOOKING AHEAD, AUDITIONS AND PREPARATIONS ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR THEIR TAKE ON RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA.
EARLIER THIS MONTH, OUR COMBINED SHS AND LONE HILL CHOIR PERFORMED TO A SOLD OUT BCA AUDIENCE.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PERFORMERS AND OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR, MR. JARED P. OUR ROYAL CORPS MARCHING BAND ALSO EXCELLED AT THEIR RECENT COMPETITION AT CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL, EARNING AN IMPRESSIVE SCORE OF 81.4, THEIR FIRST TIME BREAKING 80 THIS SEASON.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MUSICIANS, STUDENT LEADERS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS.
WE'VE HAD A SUCCESSFUL OCTOBER DONATION DRIVE AND OUR FIRST FOOD FRENZY SAW AROUND 30 CLUBS PARTICIPATING.
OUR HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES INCLUDED OUR RALLY, PARADE, AND DANCE, WHERE WE CROWNED OUR KING, RYAN LEE, AND QUEEN, ELENA KINTINIA.
WE ARE GEARING UP FOR OUR ANNUAL FALL RALLY WHERE WE WILL CELEBRATE THE FALL SEASON AND OUR ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE, WHERE WE WILL PARTNER WITH LONE HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HELP FAMILIES IN OUR DISTRICT.
WE'RE OPEN TO ACCEPTING FOOD DONATIONS OR GIFT CARDS IN OUR FRONT OFFICE UNTIL NOVEMBER 20TH. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME.
I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING MORE UPDATES NEXT MONTH. [APPLAUSE]
>> WE'RE MOVING TO OUR FEATURED PRESENTATIONS.
[ 13. FEATURED PRESENTATIONS]
FIRST, WE HAVE THE RECOGNITION OF THE LA VERNE-SAN DIMAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION TEACHER, MINI-GRANT, AWARD RECIPIENTS. ANNIE.>> IT'S BEEN OUR PRIVILEGE SINCE 1983 TO PARTNER WITH THE LA VERNE-SAN DIMAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION.
I'M DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THEM AS THEY CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION BY FORMALLY AWARDING THIS YEAR'S TEACHER, MINI-GRANTS TO DESERVING STAFF MEMBERS, FUNDING EXCITING NEW PROJECTS ALL ACROSS OUR DISTRICT, REPRESENTING THE ED FOUNDATION TONIGHT ARE MICHELLE RADEL, VICKY MALCHESKY, AND JAMIE SKINNER.
>> THANK YOU, ANNIE, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, OUR BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, OUR BELOVED STAFF AT THE BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
FOR OVER 40 YEARS, WE'VE BEEN GRATEFUL TO PARTNER WITH THE BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND OUR PTAS AT EACH OF OUR SCHOOL SITES TO BRING FORTH ACTIVITIES, FUND RAISING, AND PROGRAMS TO OUR SCHOOLS.
THIS MINI-GRANT PROGRAM IS ONE OF THE PROGRAMS THAT WE ARE EXTREMELY THRILLED TO DO.
WE ASK OUR TEACHERS AND THEY RESPONDED IN FLOURISH IN WAYS TO BRING ENHANCEMENTS TO THEIR CLASSROOMS, TOOLS FOR THEIR STUDENTS, AND OPENING WONDERS AND CURIOSITY THAT WILL BENEFIT NOT ONLY THE STUDENTS IN YEARS TO COME, BUT ALSO OUR COMMUNITIES.
WE WERE VERY THRILLED TO BE ABLE TO ACCEPT 33 GRANTS FOR OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT, BONITA COUNCIL PTA IS TAKING ON AN ADDITIONAL GRANT THAT WE WERE NOT ABLE TO FUND.
THIS WAS OVER $13,000 WORTH OF GRANTS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO DO, AND THIS WAS ALL DONE THROUGH OUR FUND RAISING EFFORTS LARGELY IN PART BY OUR SPRING FUNDRAISER AND OUR GOLF TOURNAMENT.
PLEASE CHECK THAT OUT COME THIS SPRING.
BUT WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, AS I ANNOUNCED YOUR NAMES, IF YOU COULD STICK, COME UP, RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE AND YOUR MONEY, MOST IMPORTANT PART THERE, THE CHECK.
IF YOU CAN STAY UP HERE SO WE COULD HAVE A QUICK PIC WITH YOU AFTERWARDS.
FIRST IS BROOKS SALGADO FROM ALLEN AVENUE.
[APPLAUSE] EMILY O'CONNOR FROM ALLEN AVENUE.
[APPLAUSE] JOHN MCLUCHY, FROM BONITA HIGH SCHOOL, ACCEPTED BY MR. RICHIE.
[APPLAUSE] COURTNEY LITLE FROM CHAPARRAL VISTA.
KELLY SARAH KOHLER FROM MXTRAN.
[APPLAUSE] ELIZABETH HUTTER, FROM MXTRAN.
[APPLAUSE] KATHERINE CALDERON ROJAS FROM MXTRAN.
[00:15:07]
[APPLAUSE] ROBIN TURIS, GLADSTONE.[APPLAUSE] BROOK WHARTON, GLADSTONE.
[APPLAUSE] ADRIAN WONG, GLADSTONE.
[APPLAUSE] AMY BENSON, GRACE MILLER.
[APPLAUSE] APRIL MAIDENS, GRACE MILLER.
[APPLAUSE] EMILY DUENAS, GRACE MILLER.
[APPLAUSE] RUBIO LACIO, GRACE MILLER.
[APPLAUSE] ANTONIO GARZA, GRACE MILLER.
[APPLAUSE] CARLA INIGUEZ, LAVERNE HEIGHTS.
[APPLAUSE] ARMANDO JAQUEZ, LONE HILL.
[APPLAUSE] MICHELLE CRUZ, LONE HILL.
[APPLAUSE] ALICIA SALDANA, LONE HILL.
[APPLAUSE] MITCHELL JACOBS, LONE HILL. [APPLAUSE]
[APPLAUSE] HEATHER HOYES, OAK MESA.
[APPLAUSE] ALEXANDER LASLO, RAMONA MIDDLE.
[APPLAUSE] MONICA JOHNSON, RYAN.
[APPLAUSE] KRISTIN MCDANIEL, RYAN.
[APPLAUSE] AUSTIN SILL, SAN DIMAS HIGH.
[APPLAUSE] SARA LOUIS IS SAM DEMS HIGH.
[APPLAUSE] ALYSSA FERRY, SHOAL ELEMENTARY.
[APPLAUSE], AND KELLY MONTGOMERY FROM SHOAL ELEMENTARY.
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT COMES FROM THIS.
WE ARE EXPECTING PICTURES SO FEEL FREE TO SWAP PAGE, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF YOU.
[BACKGROUND] NOW IN A DOUBLE LAYER.
>> I THINK THAT WAS THE LARGEST GROUP YOU GUYS HAVE EVER AWARDED.
I COULD BE WRONG, BUT THAT WAS JUST WOW.
>> VERY EXCITING. TEACHERS, YOU DO NOT NEED TO STAY FOR THE NEXT PRESENTATION.
[BACKGROUND] WE DO HAVE ONE MORE SMALL PRESENTATION FROM THE ED FOUNDATION.
>> I NEED TO KEEP MY EYEBALLS ON.
[00:20:03]
>> WE'RE THRILLED TO KEEP THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD UP HERE AS THEY PRESENT A GENEROUS CHECK TO THE DISTRICT HERE TO RECEIVE THAT CHECK AS DR. JAMIE AVASON FROM ED SERVICES.
>> THIS CHECK IS DEDICATED TO SUSTAINING AND ENRICHING OUR POPULAR HANDS ON HISTORY.
PROGRAM, THANK YOU AGAIN, TO THE ED FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> NOW, YOU TWO ARE FREE TO GO.
THAT'S REALLY INCREDIBLE BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THAT PROGRAM GETS AT RISK, IT IS QUITE COSTLY SO, BUT HIGHLY VALUED BY PARENTS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> WE HAVE ANOTHER FEATURED PRESENTATION.
WE HAVE CHET WANG FROM KEGENT ADVISORS.
>> I'D LIKE TO WELCOME CHET WANG AND NICK HU FROM KEGENT TO DISCUSS, ONCE AGAIN, OUR EXPLORATION OF A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND, WHICH WOULD HELP THE DISTRICT IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES DISTRICT WIDE.
TONIGHT, WE'LL HEAR INFORMATION ON HOW BONDS WORK, OUR BOND CAPACITY, AND A RELATIVE PLACEMENT ON A LIST OF LA COUNTY DISTRICTS REGARDING OUR EXISTING TAX LIABILITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
THIS PRESENTATION WILL HELP INFORM OUR PROCESS AS WE DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO PLACE A MEASURE ON THE BALLOT FOR 2026.
>> GREAT. GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, CABINET, AND COMMUNITY.
AS MENTIONED, THIS IS A PRESENTATION FOR INFORMATION JUST TO REVIEW WHAT BONDS ARE, WHAT THE DISTRICT HAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF IN THE PAST, WHAT CURRENT TAX RATES LOOK LIKE, AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST SHOULD A BOND BE EXPLORED.
WE'LL START WITH SLIDE 1, JUST ON AN OVERVIEW OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS.
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT MY [OVERLAPPING].
>> YOU GOT IT ON. YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT.
>> THAT'S WHY. GO BOND IS THE MOST COMMON METHOD OF DEBT FINANCING UTILIZED BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO FINANCE CAPITAL PROJECTS.
IT'S THE MO BECAUSE IT'S THE LOWEST COST OPTION, REALLY, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE REPAYMENT OF BOND DEBT SERVICE IS THE LEVY OF PROPERTY TAXES AGAINST THE ASSESSED VALUE OF THE DISTRICT.
NOW, WHEN VOTERS APPROVE A BOND MEASURE, THEY'RE APPROVING THREE THINGS, THE AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT, WHETHER IT'S A $100 MILLION BOND MEASURE OR $150 MILLION BOND MEASURE, THE PROJECT LISTS, AND AN ESTIMATED TAX RATE.
THE WAY THAT WE SIZE BOND PROGRAMS IS WE'RE LOOKING AT A HANDFUL OF VARIABLES.
ON ONE SIDE IS THE DISTRICT'S PROJECT NEEDS, THE COST OF THE PROJECTS, AND THE TIMING AND SCOPE.
ON THE OTHER SIDE IS HOW WE RAISE THE FUNDS TO FINANCE THOSE PROJECT NEEDS, AND THOSE ARE A FUNCTION OF YOUR ASSESSED VALUATION, INTEREST RATES, TAX RATES, AND LEGAL PARAMETERS.
WE'LL LOOK AT EACH OF THOSE CONSTRAINTS IN A LITTLE MORE DETAIL.
FIRST IS THE DISTRICT'S ASSESSED VALUE.
THIS IS THE VALUE OF ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, SO IT EXCLUDES NON-PROFITS, GOVERNMENTS, SCHOOLS, AND CHURCHES.
THE DISTRICT'S CURRENT ASSESSED VALUE IS ABOUT $13.7 BILLION.
YOU CAN SEE THAT THE DISTRICTS HAD TWO SMALL YEARS OF DECLINE DURING THE GREAT RECESSION OF ABOUT 1.1% IN AGGREGATE, SO QUITE RESILIENT, BUT SINCE THE GREAT RECESSION, THE DISTRICT'S ASSESSED VALUE HAS PRETTY MUCH DOUBLED TO THE CURRENT RATE.
YOU CAN SEE HISTORICALLY, THE AVERAGES ARE QUITE STRONG, YOUR 25 YEAR ANNUALIZED GROWTH RATE, 4.8%, YOUR 35 YEAR,4.6%.
THOSE NUMBERS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE WHEN WE LOOK AT A POTENTIAL NEW BOND, WE HAVE TO MAKE SOME PROJECTION OF FUTURE ASSESSED VALUE GROWTH, AND WE DO LOOK TO YOUR HISTORY AS A GUIDE.
THE CURRENT INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT, IF YOU LOOKED ON THE CHART TO THE RIGHT, AFTER QUITE HISTORIC LOWS DURING THE PANDEMIC, THE FED RAISED RATES 11 TIMES FROM MARCH OF 2022-2023.
THEN AT THE TAIL END OF 2024, THE FED CUT RATES THREE TIMES, AND IN SEPTEMBER, THE FED CUT RATES, AND JUST LAST WEEK, THE FED CUT RATES WITH ANOTHER RATE CUT PLAN FOR THE END OF THE YEAR IN DECEMBER.
IF YOU LOOK ON THE CHART TO THE RIGHT, YOU MIGHT SAY INTEREST RATES HAVE SPIKED, AND THAT IS TRUE, AND YOU SEE IT WITH INFLATION, YOU SEE IT WITH MORTGAGE RATES.
IF YOU LOOK AT A LONGER TERM HISTORY, AND WE'VE GOT THE 60 YEAR TABLE TO THE LEFT, YOU CAN SEE HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, WE'RE STILL ON THE LOWER END, SIMILAR TO THE INTEREST RATES WE SAW IN THE LATE 60S IN THE EARLY 2000S.
[00:25:03]
TO THE EXTENT THE DISTRICT DOES ISSUE ANY BONDS, WHAT HELPS YOUR BORROWING COST IS YOUR STRONG CREDIT RATING.THERE'S THREE MAJOR CREDIT RATINGS, MOODY'S, STANDARD AND POOR'S, AND FITCH, AND YOU'RE RATED ON YOUR ECONOMY, YOUR FINANCES, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT, AND THE DISTRICTS DEBT PROFILE, AND YOU HAVE A HIGH GRADE RATING WITH BOTH STANDARD AND POOR'S AND FITCH OF AA-.
THOSE ARE PRETTY FRESH RATINGS RECENTLY UPDATED AS OF 2024 AND 2025.
NOW, TAX RATE, THE NUMBERS ARE QUITE SMALL, BUT BONITA UNIFIED IS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE ORANGE.
YOU'RE IN THE BOTTOM 20, 25% OF ALL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COUNTY.
YOUR CURRENT TAX RATE AS OF THE 25/26 FISCAL YEAR IS $67.89.
I'LL JUST PICK A FEW OF THESE.
DORTE UNIFIED HAS THE HIGHEST TAX RATE AT $212, POMONA UNIFIED AT ABOUT $170, COVINA VALLEY, $110, WALNUT VALLEY, $105, AZUSA $90.
A LOT OF YOUR NEIGHBORING DISTRICTS DO CURRENTLY HAVE HIGHER TAX RATES THAN WHERE YOU CURRENTLY SIT.
THE DISTRICTS HAD TWO PRIOR BOND MEASURES.
IN 2004, THAT WAS MEASURE C FOR $56 MILLION.
THAT PASSED AT 62% ABOVE, COMFORTABLY ABOVE THE 55% REQUIREMENT.
THAT HAS A FINAL TAX RATE IN 2031.
FOUR YEARS AFTER MEASURE C PASSED, YOU PASSED MEASURE AB, AND THAT WAS FOR $83.5 MILLION, ALSO WITH A COMFORTABLE MARGIN AT JUST SHY OF 61%, AND THAT HAS A FINAL TAX RATE IN 2038.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE CHART ON THE BOTTOM, YOU CAN SEE THERE'S A DROP IN 2031, WHERE MEASURE C EXPIRES, AND THEN A DROP IN 2038, WHERE MEASURE AB WILL EXPIRE.
IT'S BEEN 17 YEARS SINCE THE DISTRICT'S LAST MEASURE IN 2008.
WE TALKED ABOUT ASSESS VALUE, WE TALKED ABOUT INTEREST RATES, WE TALKED ABOUT TAX RATES, AND NOW WE'RE INTO THE LEGAL PARAMETERS.
ON THE FEDERAL SIDE IS HOW YOU SPEND YOUR DOLLARS, AND WHEN YOU'RE ISSUING BONDS, YOU'RE LIKELY ISSUING THEM AS TAX EXEMPT BONDS, WHICH COME AT A LOWER COST OF BORROWING BECAUSE INVESTORS ARE NOT PAYING TAXES ON THE INTEREST THEY RECEIVE, BUT IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR TAX EXEMPTION, YOU HAVE TO MEET THESE SPEND DOWN REQUIREMENTS.
MOST SCHOOL DISTRICTS ADHERE TO THE THREE-YEAR SPEND DOWN RULE, WHICH REQUIRES THAT YOU SPEND 85% OF BOND PROCEEDS WITHIN A THREE-YEAR TIME FRAME.
THAT'S PER SERIES OF BONDS AS OPPOSED TO THE ENTIRE MEASURE.
IF THE DISTRICT ISSUED HIGHER COST TAXABLE BONDS, THERE IS NO SPEND DOWN REQUIREMENT.
ON THE STATE SIDE, THIS LAW WAS NOT IN PLACE FOR MEASURE C OR MEASURE A B, BUT WHEN VOTERS VOTE ON A MEASURE SHOULD ONE BE PRESENTED IN FRONT OF THEM, THERE'S A 75 WORD BALLOT STATEMENT WHICH TALKS ABOUT THE PROJECTS, IT NAMES THE DISTRICT, AND NOW WE'RE REQUIRED TO USE ABOUT 15 WORDS OF THE 75 WORDS TO DESCRIBE COST.
TAX RATE, THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAXES LEVIED ANNUALLY, AND THE DURATION OF THE TAX.
HERE'S TWO SAMPLES ON TOP, AND THESE ARE BOTH SUCCESSFUL, SANTO UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT AND BOLD ITALICIZE.
SHALL THEY ISSUE 385 MILLION LEVYING $15.55 PER 100,000 OF ASSESSED VALUE, 27.2 MILLION ANNUALLY WHILE BONDS ARE OUTSTANDING.
FREMONT UNIFIED ON THE BOTTOM TOOK A DIFFERENT TACT.
INSTEAD OF QUOTING DOLLARS PER 100,000, THEY QUOTED CENTS PER $100.
IN THIS CASE, SHALL THEY LEVY 919 MILLION LEVYING 4.9 CENTS PER $100, 53 MILLION OF ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES WHILE BONDS ARE OUTSTANDING.
A POLL COULD HELP DETERMINE WHICH IS GOING TO BE MORE VIABLE.
IN THE CASE OF FREMONT UNIFIED, QUOTING CENTS PER DOLLAR, GAVE THEM AN INCREASE OF ABOUT EIGHT PERCENTAGE POINTS, WHICH IS WHY THEY USED THAT PARTICULAR FORMAT VERSUS SAN MATEO HIGH'S DOLLARS PER 100,000.
HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING, AS A STARTING POINT, WHAT COULD BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ACCESS WITH ITS CURRENT ASSESSED VALUATION? WE'VE GOT A FEW ASSUMPTIONS HERE.
WE'RE LOOKING AT POSSIBLY A JUNE 2026, FAIRLY CONSERVATIVE INTEREST RATES TODAY OF 5-5.75%.
IF YOU ISSUED BONDS IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT, YOU'D BE CLOSER TO THE 4,4.25%, ASSESSED VALUE GROWTH ANNUALLY OF 4% VERSUS YOU'LL RECALL YOUR LONG TERM AVERAGE IS CLOSER TO 4.8%.
[00:30:01]
WE'RE ONLY GOING TO ISSUE THE LOWER COST CURRENT INTEREST BONDS.IF YOU LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE TO THE BOTTOM LEFT, IF WE ISSUED EQUAL INCREMENTS, AND THOSE AMOUNTS CAN CHANGE AND WE CAN TAILOR THEM TO A PROJECT CASH FLOW, BUT WE'RE ISSUING BONDS IN EQUAL INCREMENTS EVERY THREE YEARS.
YOU CAN SEE 65 MILLION, 65 MILLION, 65 MILLION, 65 MILLION TOTALING $260 MILLION.
GRAPHICALLY ON THE TOP RIGHT, THE NEW MEASURE ITSELF WOULD HAVE ITS OWN $60 TAX RATE.
THE WAY WE LAYER THAT IS, YOU CAN SEE SERIES A USES $60 FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS AND IT'LL DROP.
SERIES B WILL LAYER ON AND THEN LEAVE ROOM FOR SERIES C, AND THEN LEAVE ROOM FOR SERIES D. IT'S LIKE TETRIS REALLY, BUT IN AGGREGATE, YOU'LL SEE A LEVEL $60 TAX RATE, WHICH IF APPROVED, WOULD THEN BE STACKED ON TOP OF MEASURE C AND MEASURE A B.
YOU SEE THAT ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND CORNER.
OUR APPROXIMATELY $65 TAX, YOU WOULD SEE INCREASE TO ABOUT $130 AND THEN MEASURE A GETS PAID OFF, MEASURE C GETS PAID OFF, AND THEN MEASURE A B GETS PAID OFF, AND THEN ONLY THE REMAINING GREEN BARS AT THE $60.
A LOT OF NUMBERS HERE, BUT THIS IS PART OF THE POLLING PROCESS, AND THIS IS A TAX RATE SENSITIVITY.
$60 OR $0.06 PER $100 GENERATES 260 MILLION, BUT IF PART OF THE POLL SAYS, WELL, VOTERS MIGHT NOT BE WILLING TO SUPPORT $60, WHAT MIGHT $59 GENERATE BECAUSE IT'S ON SALE, IF YOU WILL? LESS TAX, LESS PROCEEDS, OUR 260 BECOMES 256 MILLION.
IF YOU HAVE SIGNIFICANT TAX RATE TOLERANCE OR DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TAX RATE TOLERANCE, THEN, FOR EXAMPLE, A $35 TAX RATE ON THE VERY BOTTOM WOULD GENERATE ABOUT 152 MILLION IN PROCEEDS.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE WORK WITH DISTRICT STAFF ON AND THE POLLSTER TO DETERMINE WHAT VOTER SENSITIVITY THERE MIGHT BE TO ANY POTENTIAL TAXES.
ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE I PASS IT ON FOR THE LEGAL SIDE OF THIS PRESENTATION?
>> THIS MIGHT SOUND COMPLICATED.
BACK WHEN YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT, YOU HAVE THE FOUR YEARS AND YOU'RE RELEASING A CERTAIN AMOUNT, AND IT HAS TO BE SPENT IN A CLIMATE WHERE SOMETIMES CONSTRUCTION IS DIFFICULT TO GET COMPLETED EITHER BECAUSE JUST THE ENVIRONMENT, GETTING MATERIALS, ETC, WHAT HAPPENS IF IT DOESN'T HAPPEN?
>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, AND I WILL SAY THAT THIS IS A REASONABLE EXPECTATION TEST, BUT WE HAVE OUR ATTORNEY HERE, SO I'LL INVITE NICK TO ADDRESS THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THAT.
>> SURE. THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.
THE TEST IS, THE REASONABLE EXPECTATION TO SPEND 85% WITHIN THE THREE-YEAR TIME PERIOD, IT'S AN OBJECTIVELY REASONABLE STANDARD.
YOU'LL HAVE TO HAVE A DEMONSTRATED PLAN TO SPEND THE MONEY WITHIN THE THREE-YEAR TIME PERIOD.
IF THE END OF THE THREE YEARS, YOU HAVEN'T SPENT THE BOND PROCEEDS IN ACROSS OF THAT SCHEDULE, THE DANGER WOULD BE, IF IF YOU'RE EVER AUDITED BY THE IRS, YOU'LL HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT YOUR EXPECTATIONS WERE REASONABLE.
TYPICALLY THE IRS IS UNSYMPATHETIC TO ARGUMENTS THAT THERE WAS A DELAY IN CONSTRUCTION OR THE WEATHER WAS BAD.
IT'S USUALLY SOMETHING MORE LIKE A PANDEMIC OR A FIRE OR AN EARTHQUAKE, SOMETHING IN THAT NATURE.
WHEN WE DO EACH BOND SERIES, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE DISTRICT STAFF TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PLAN THAT IS DEMONSTRATED CAN MEET THAT TEST AND THAT WE'RE ALL, AS MUCH AS WE CAN BE FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS.
>> GETTING BACK TO THE TAX RATE SENSITIVITY TABLE, WHEN YOU SAY IT'S DETERMINED BY POLLING, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT THAT ACTUALLY MEANS AND THE METHODS THAT ARE USED?
>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION. SO GENERALLY, AS PART OF ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF A BOND, A POLLSTER WILL TEST THE LIKELY VOTERS OF A JUNE 2026 MEASURE.
IT WON'T BE ACTIVE PARENTS THAT ATTEND PTA MEETINGS, IT WON'T BE TEACHERS.
IT'LL BE WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO REPRESENT THE VOTERS ON JUNE 2026? IN THIS VOTER SURVEY AND THEY GENERALLY DO IT THROUGH VARIOUS MODES, WHETHER IT'S EMAIL, TEXT MESSAGING, OR TRADITIONAL PHONE CALLS.
THEY'LL ASK VOTERS OR POTENTIAL VOTERS A SERIES OF QUESTIONS,
[00:35:02]
THEIR OPINIONS ON THE DISTRICT, THEIR PRIORITIZATION OF PROJECTS, FOR EXAMPLE, THERE MIGHT BE A NEED.I'M GOING TO TOTALLY MAKE THIS UP FOR A SWIMMING POOL, AND THAT MIGHT BE A POPULAR PROJECT FOR THE COMMUNITY, BUT VOTERS MIGHT THINK WE DON'T NEED A SWIMMING POOL, SO IT'LL TEST WHAT PROJECTS VOTERS ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT, WHETHER IT'S HVAC, LEAKY ROOFS, THINGS LIKE THAT.
THEN ALSO THERE'S ONE SIDE OF THE NEEDS THAT THEY TEST, AND THEN IT'S THE COST SENSITIVITY.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT THE DISTRICT'S VARIOUS NEEDS ARE, WHAT MIGHT YOU BE WILLING TO SUPPORT BY WAY OF A PROPERTY TAX.
SO ON THIS FAR RIGHT TABLE, EVEN THOUGH HOMES IN THE AREA ARE SELLING MILLION DOLLAR PLUS, THE IMMEDIATE ASSESSED VALUE OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME WITHIN BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS $502,000.
THAT HAS TO DO WITH PROPOSITION 13, WHERE ANNUALLY, YOUR ASSESSED VALUE CANNOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 2%.
IF YOU HAVE LONG-TERM RESIDENTS THAT HAVE LIVED HERE SINCE THE '50, '60S '70S, THEIR ASSESSED VALUE IS FAR BELOW THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE AND YOU PAY PROPERTY TAXES ON YOUR LOWER ASSESSED VALUE.
SO $60 PER 100,00 FOR A MEDIAN HOMEOWNER OF 502,000, THAT IS $301 IN THAT FIRST YEAR OF THE BOND, WHICH $25 PER MONTH IS WHAT THAT WOULD EQUATE TO TO THE MEDIAN HOMEOWNER.
SO WHEN THEY'RE TESTING VARIOUS TAX RATES, IF THEY TEST $60 AND SUPPORT IS SOFT AT SAY 53%.
BUT THEN THEY TEST FOR $49 AND WE GO OVER THAT 55% THRESHOLD TO SIT TO 60%, THEN $49 MIGHT BE THIS IS A VIABLE BOND MEASURE THAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD ACTUALLY PASS.
>> SO THE SOURCE OF THAT DATA, THE VOTERS, THE HIGH PROPENSITY VOTERS, IS IT A LIST OR A SOURCE THAT WE'RE FAMILIAR WITH AS CANDIDATES, OR IS IT ANOTHER TYPE OF LIST FROM ANOTHER SOURCE?
>> IT'S A LIST THAT THEY OBTAIN FROM THE COUNTY REGISTRAR.
AND FROM THAT, THEY PARSE THE DATA TO ASSEMBLE WHO IS REPRESENTATIVE OF YOUR TYPICAL VOTER THAT WOULD SHOW UP ON A PRIMARY GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION, BECAUSE THAT AUDIENCE OF VOTERS WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHO MIGHT SHOW UP IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
SO THERE IS SOME SCIENCE BEHIND HOW THEY SELECT WHO IS ON THE VOTER ROLE.
>> CHET, COULD YOU SHARE WITH THE FOLKS IN THE GALLERY TONIGHT AND THE FOLKS WATCHING AT HOME, EXACTLY WHAT CAPITAL MEANS IN THIS CONTEXT.
FOLKS SEE US WITH CREWS WORKING ON OUR SCHOOLS, REPLACING ROOFS, AND PAINTING AND ALL THE REST.
FOR OUR PURPOSES TONIGHT, FOR THIS DISCUSSION, WHAT DOES CAPITAL MEAN AND WHY DO WE NEED TO RAISE MONEY FROM A DIFFERENT SOURCE?
>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, AND PART OF NICK'S PRESENTATION WILL COVER WHAT YOU CAN USE BOND PROCEEDS ARE, BUT I'LL TOUCH ON THIS BRIEFLY, BONDS CAN ONLY BE UTILIZED FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS, AND THESE 275 WORD STATEMENTS GIVE PRETTY GOOD EXAMPLES, IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY, PROVIDE MODERN CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY, CONSTRUCT, REPAIR CLASSROOMS, FACILITIES, SITES, AND EQUIPMENT.
THESE ARE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, HARD PROJECTS, AS OPPOSED TO THINGS LIKE OPERATIONAL COSTS LIKE MAINTENANCE OR SALARIES OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
>> I THINK MORE SPECIFICALLY WE HAVE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES WHEN WE BUY A NEW BUS.
>> WE HAVE A CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WHEN WE BUY A NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE CENTRAL KITCHEN.
WHAT'S THE DISTINCTION? IS THERE A THRESHOLD? IS THERE AN AMOUNT?
>> NOT AN AMOUNT, BUT NICK, WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE EQUIPPING PART OF THE BOND EXPENDITURES?
>> THE POINT OF THE QUESTION, GUYS, IS I'M TRYING TO COMMUNICATE.
THIS GOES ALONG WITH THE DIALOGUE AND TRYING TO COMMUNICATE WHY A VOTER SHOULD SUPPORT THIS, RIGHT? YOU GUYS, YOUR SCHOOL SPARKLE, THEY LOOK BEAUTIFUL.
MY KIDS ARE GETTING A GREAT EDUCATION.
WHY DO WE NEED TO DO THIS? WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THE CASE.
BUT HOW DO YOU ATTACH THE DOLLARS? I UNDERSTAND THE FORMULA.
BUT FROM A VOTER'S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT'S THE THRESHOLD? SO CAPITAL FOR THESE PURPOSES, IS THAT DIFFERENT THAN A CAPITAL EXPENSE WHEN WE BUY A NEW VEHICLE?
>> I'M STARTING TO FOLLOW YOU.
APOLOGIZE FOR THE MISUNDERSTANDING EARLIER.
SO I THINK EVERY DISTRICT HAS NEEDS, WHETHER IT'S UPDATING DISTRICT FACILITIES, AND THE DISTRICTS YOUR GENERAL FUND WOULDN'T OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THOSE PROJECTS THAT DO NEED TO BE SUPPORTED FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE OF REVENUE.
[00:40:04]
SO IT REALLY GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT THE DISTRICT CAN FINANCE FROM ITS OWN GENERAL FUND, WHICH IS REALLY ALLOCATED TOWARDS THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.OUR GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED IS ABOUT 110 MILLION, 85% OF THAT IS SWALLOWED UP ON DAY ONE WITH SALARY AND BENEFITS.
YOU LOOK AT THE LIST OF PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE THAT WE NEED, MOSTLY INFRASTRUCTURE, HVAC, PLUMBING, NEW BUILDINGS, NEW SCIENCE, SAFETY SECURITY.
EVEN THAT LIST OF PROJECTS IS GOING TO EXCEED $200 MILLION.
WE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO USE OUR GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED TO DO THAT.
>> EVEN IF YOU TRIED, IT WOULD TAKE [OVERLAPPING]
>> ONE LAST ADDITIONAL COMMENT, I HAD ON THIS TOPIC, IS I'VE SPOKEN TO SOMEONE WHO'S AT THE VERY TOP OF THE LIST OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN TERMS OF THEIR BONDS, AND YET THEY'RE GOING TO GO OUT FOR ANOTHER BOND BECAUSE THEY STILL HAVE MORE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO DO.
EVEN WHEN WE'RE LOWER, WE'RE GOING TO GO HIGHER, BUT SOME OF THOSE HIGHER ARE ALSO GOING HIGHER AND THEY'LL HELP BONDS DROP OFF FOR US.
WE WILL BE LOWER THAN WHAT WE'RE ASKING OF OUR PROPERTY OWNERS TODAY IN 12 YEARS.
WE WILL DROP BELOW THAT, SO SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
>> IT IS INTERESTING WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT LIST OF DISTRICTS, IF WE TAKE OUR CURRENT TAX LIABILITY AT 67 AND ADD 60 AT THAT'S THE MAX, WE'D ONLY BE IN THE UPPER QUARTER OF THE LIST OF LA UNIFIED DISTRICTS, WE STILL WOULD NOT BE AT THE TOP.
>> THANKS. SONIA, IS IT $5,000?
>> IT'S 5,000. IN THE ACCOUNTING WORLD, ANYTIME WE TALK ABOUT A CAPITAL EXPENSE VERSUS A NORMAL EXPENSE, THE THRESHOLD IS UP TO $5,000, AND WHAT THAT MEANS IT'S PUT INTO A DIFFERENT CATEGORY AND WE DEPRECIATE THAT ASSET.
SO THAT'S ME IN ACCOUNTING ROLE.
>> PICTURE TERMS, OPERATIONS VERSUS WE'RE BUILDING A BUILDING.
THE DIFFERENCE IN SCOPE, AND THE DEFINITION OF CAPITAL CAN MEAN DEPENDING ON THE CONTEXT CAN MEAN SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
THANKS, FELLOWS. I APPRECIATE YOUR TRY.
>> GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HORSLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE, CABINET.
MY NAME IS NICK YEAGER FROM STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON & RAUTH, THE DISTRICT'S BOND COUNCIL.
I'LL GO OVER SOME OF THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT THE BOARD, WILL WANT TO CONSIDER AS IT DECIDES WHETHER IT WANTS TO PLACE A MEASURE ON THE BALLOT.
SO IF THE DECISION IS MADE TO PLACE THE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT, THE ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF PROPOSITION 39, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER OF 2000, AND IT LOWERED THE VOTER THRESHOLD FROM THE PREVIOUS TWO-THIRDS VOTER REQUIREMENT TO THE 55% SUPERMAJORITY REQUIREMENT.
AND IT HAD THREE EDUCATIONAL GOALS IN MIND AND THEN THE ACCOUNTABILITY GOALS.
SO THE EDUCATIONAL GOALS WERE TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS LEARN IN A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT.
TO IMPLEMENT CLASS SIZE REDUCTION AND TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.
AND ONE OF THE WAYS THAT PROPOSITION 39 DOES THAT IS THAT IT EXPANDED THE TYPES OF PROJECTS THAT COULD BE UNDERTAKEN WITH PROP $39.
SO ELIGIBLE BOND PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES.
SO PRIOR TO PROPOSITION 39, SCHOOL DISTRICTS COULD NOT ACQUIRE EQUIPMENT WITH BOND PROCEEDS.
THE EQUIPMENT PIECE WAS MEANT TO SATISFY THAT ONE OF THOSE EDUCATION GOALS OF PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY BECAUSE IT MEANT TECHNOLOGY.
BUT IT'S NOT LIMITED TO TECHNOLOGY.
YOU CAN EQUIP SCHOOL FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF THE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY, BUT THAT WAS ONE OF THE BIG PURPOSES OF PROPOSITION 39.
UNDER PROPOSITION 39, VOTERS HAVE TO BE PRESENTED WITH A SPECIFIC LIST OF SCHOOL PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED.
IN FORMULATING THAT LIST, THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS TO REQUIRE AND EVALUATE SAFETY, CLASS SIZE REDUCTION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT.
YOU KNOW THAT BOND PROJECT LIST.
I'LL TOUCH ON LATER WHAT THE FORM OF IT IS.
BUT THAT'S A PROP 39 REQUIREMENT THAT WAS NOT IN PLACE, PRIOR TO THAT IN THE PROP 46 BOND CONTEXT.
BOND PROJECTS ONLY BE SPENT ON PROJECTS OF THE TYPE THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE BALLOT QUESTION.
SO THE 75 OR BALLOT QUESTION AND THE BOND PROJECT LIST.
SO YOU CAN THINK OF THE BALLOT MEASURE AS TWO COMPONENTS WITH ONE PACKAGE, AND THAT CONSTITUTES THE OUTER BOUNDARIES OF THE PROJECTS THAT CAN BE UNDERTAKEN.
[00:45:03]
AND THE WAY THAT COURTS EVALUATE BOMB PROJECTS LIST IS DETERMINED BASED ON THE FOOTHILL-DE-ANZA V. EMERICH CASE, WHICH WAS DECIDED IN 2006.THERE WAS A CHALLENGE TO A BOMB PROJECT LIST, AND THE ALLEGATION WAS THAT THE LIST WOULD LACK THE SPECIFICITY REQUIREMENT OF PROP 39.
THE COURT REJECTED THAT ARGUMENT AND SAID THAT VOTERS APPROVE THE TYPES OF PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN.
THEY DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE PARTICULAR FIRE SAFETY DOOR TO BE IMPROVED OR THE ROOF THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.
THAT'S MINUTIA THAT VOTERS HAVE NO EXPERTISE IN DETERMINING.
SO WHEN YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT THE BOND PROJECT LIST, I DRAFT IT IN A MANNER THAT WILL CLASSIFY PROJECTS BY TYPE.
AND IF THE DISTRICT DECIDES THEY WANT TO BE MORE SPECIFIC, COURTS WILL HOLD YOU TO THAT.
SO IF YOU DECIDE, NO, WE REALLY DO WANT TO TALK ABOUT A PARTICULAR ROOF OR A PARTICULAR SCHOOL SITE, YOU'LL BE HELD TO THAT STANDARD BY THE COURTS.
THEN THE ACCOUNTABILITY GOALS OF PROPOSITION 39 ARE SATISFIED BY THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE DISTRICT ESTABLISH A CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WHICH IT HAS HAD FOR PRIOR BOND MEASURES, AS WELL AS THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN ANNUAL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AUDITS.
SO IN ORDER TO PLACE A MEASURE ON THE BALLOT, THE BOARD WILL BE REQUIRED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION ORDERING AN ELECTION BY TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE BOARD.
AND THAT RESOLUTION WILL DIRECT THE COUNTY REGISTRAR VOTERS TO SUBMIT THE BALLOT QUESTION TO THE VOTERS AND CONSOLIDATE THE MEASURE WITH THE WIDER ELECTION BEING CONDUCTED WITHIN THE COUNTY.
AND IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE AS EXHIBITS THE 75-WORD BALLOT QUESTION, SO WHAT VOTERS VOTE YES OR NO ON.
AND IT'LL INCLUDE THE BOND PROJECT LIST.
SO THE 754 BALLOT QUESTION HAS TO BE A SINGLE SENTENCE ENDING IN THE QUESTION MARK.
HAS TO CONTAIN THE PHRASE, SHALL THE MEASURE BE ADOPTED.
IT INCLUDES THE NAME OF THE DISTRICT, THE PURPOSE OF THE MEASURE, THE AMOUNT OF THE BONDS, THE MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE AND THE BONDS, RECITE THE OVERSIGHT REQUIREMENTS OF PROP 39 AND STATE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE RAISED ANNUALLY IN THE RATE AND DURATION OF THE TAX, WHICH IS WHAT WAS COVERING EARLIER IN THE PRESENTATION.
THE LANGUAGE OF THE BALLOT MEASURE HAS TO BE CANNOT BE ARGUMENTATIVE OR CREATE PREJUDICE AGAINST THE MEASURE.
SO IT HAS TO BE DRAFTED IN NEUTRAL TONE.
AND YOU HAVE TO DELIVER THE RESOLUTION ORDERING ELECTION IN PERSON TO THE COUNTY REGISTRAR ON THE 88TH DAY PRIOR TO THE ELECTION.
I WOULD SAY DON'T WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE THOUGH.
YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SCRAMBLING AT THE END.
AND THEN AFTER THAT RESOLUTION GETS DELIVERED, YOU'RE ALSO GOING TO DELIVER THE TAX RATE STATEMENT, AND THEN THE DISTRICT WILL WORK WITH THE COUNTY ON THE ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE AND THE IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS.
IN THE PLANNING PHASE FOR A MEASURE, THERE'S RULES REGARDING WHAT THE DISTRICT CAN SPEND PUBLIC RESOURCES ON.
SO PRIOR TO PLACING THE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT, DISTRICT CAN SPEND MONEY TO PREPARE THE FACILITIES ASSESSMENT, THE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN, CONDUCT THE VOTER OPINION SURVEY, AND COMMUNICATE TO THE COMMUNITY, THE DISTRICT'S NEED FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS.
HOWEVER, THE DISTRICT MAY NOT USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP IMPLEMENT A STRATEGY FOR BUILDING A COALITION TO SUPPORT THE BOND MEASURE, OR TO SEEK FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
YOU CAN'T SPEND MONEY ON ACTIVITIES THAT INITIATE THE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN.
AND THE GENESIS OF THAT RULE, IT'S A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT THAT'S SUBJECT TO ALL PUBLIC AGENCIES, BUT THERE'S ALSO A PROVISION IN THE EDUCATION CODE WHICH SAYS THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS CANNOT SPEND THEIR ASSETS, CASH OR IN KIND ASSETS ADVOCATING FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE BOND MEASURE.
HOWEVER, IT'S VERY CLEAR WITHIN THE EDUCATION CODE THAT JUST BECAUSE THERE WAS THAT PROHIBITION ON ADVOCACY, THE DISTRICT IS ABLE TO SPEND PUBLIC RESOURCES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THE BOND MEASURE.
AS LONG AS THOSE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET, THAT IT'S OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY THE CONSTITUTION OR IN THE STATE, AND THAT THE INFORMATION PRESENTED CONSTITUTES A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL PRESENTATION OF THE RELEVANT FACTS TO AID THE ELECTORATE IN REACHING A FORM JUDGMENT ON THE BALLOT MEASURE.
AND WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING AT INFORMATIONAL MAILERS, FOR INSTANCE, THESE RULES ARE STRICTLY INTERPRETED AND IT'S ENFORCED BY THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION.
[00:50:05]
OFTENTIMES, I'LL BE ASKED TO REVIEW ON BEHALF OF THE DISTRICT, THE INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS.WELL, I REVIEW THAT AND ENSURE THAT YOU'RE WITHIN THE PROPER GUARD RAILS, I WON'T BE ABLE TO GUARANTEE YOU THAT THERE WON'T BE A CHALLENGE WOULDN'T BE MET WITH A SYMPATHETIC EAR FROM THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION BECAUSE ULTIMATELY, IF THERE'S A COMPLAINT, IT'S UP TO THAT COMMISSION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY THINK IT'S IMPERMISSIBLE.
AND IT'S A TOTALITY OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES TYPE OF ANALYSIS.
SO THE FACTORS THAT ARE CONSIDERED ARE BASED ON THE SUPREME COURT CASE STANTON V. MOTT.
SO THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION WILL LOOK AT THE STYLE OF THE TENOR AND THE TIMING OF THE PUBLICATION, AND THERE'S NOT ANY HARD AND FAST RULES.
BUT GENERALLY SPEAKING, WE'LL ENSURE THAT YOU DON'T USE INFLAMMATORY LANGUAGE IF YOU PRESENT POSITIVE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE BONDS, YOU ALSO HAVE TO PRESENT THE COST OF THE MEASURE, WHICH IS THE TAX THAT WILL BE LEVIED TO REPAY THE BONDS.
>> THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN PLANNING FOR AND VOTING ON THE MEASURE, SO THE BOARD WILL EVALUATE THE NEED FOR THE BOND AND BE ABLE TO DEFEND THE BOND PACKAGE.
IF THE BOARD SUPPORTS THE PACKAGE, VOTE TO PLACE THE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT.
CAMPAIGNING FOR THE MEASURE IS PERMISSIBLE.
UNLIKE DISTRICT STAFF ACTIVITIES DURING NORMAL WORK HOURS IS LIMITED DURING THE BOND CAMPAIGN.
YOU'RE NOT TECHNICALLY AN EMPLOYEE OF THE DISTRICT, SO YOU'RE NOT CONSTRAINED IN THAT WAY IN THE SAME WAY THAT STAFF IS.
YOU CAN SUMMARIZE ACTIVITIES DURING THE BOND CAMPAIGN AT BOARD MEETINGS, BUT FROM THE DAIS, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE MEASURE.
YOU CAN'T SAY VOTE FOR MEASURE IN B BUT YOU CAN REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU ATTENDED AN EVENT, YOU SEE ENTHUSIASM IN THE COMMUNITY, ETC, SO YOU CAN REPORT, BUT NOT ADVOCATE.
THEN WHEN YOU'RE IN THE CAMPAIGN MODE, YOU SHOULD AVOID USING DISTRICT ASSETS IN THAT ENDEAVOR.
HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS.
>> I THINK THAT WAS REALLY GOOD ADVICE.
>> ACTUALLY, JUST A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
MADE IT REALLY CLEAR THAT WE HAVE TO TELL FOLKS WHAT THEY'RE VOTING FOR UPFRONT BY WAY OF PROJECTS, AND WE CAN'T REALLY VARY FROM THAT.
WHATEVER WE THINK WE WANT BASED ON THE TOTAL BOND PROCEEDS, AND HOW THE SERIES ARE WORKING.
ALL THAT HAS TO BE DECIDED BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN, BEFORE IT GOES ON THE BALLOT.
THERE'S A BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.
WE CANNOT SPEND PUBLIC FUNDS ON A CAMPAIGN BUT WE CAN GIVE INFORMATION, WHO DECIDES WHAT'S INFORMATIONAL VERSUS CAMPAIGN MATERIAL? I UNDERSTAND THE LAW, BUT WHO DECIDES?
>> IT'S ULTIMATELY IT'S THE DISTRICT'S DECISION ABOUT THE INFORMATION THAT GETS RELEASED.
I WILL ADVISE THE DISTRICT IN THE MANNER THAT I BELIEVE WILL MOST PROTECT YOU FROM A CHALLENGE.
BUT IT'S ULTIMATELY THE DISTRICT'S DECISION, WHAT GETS DISSEMINATED TO ITS CONSTITUENTS IN THE PUBLIC.
>> IF WE CAN'T USE PUBLIC FUNDS, IN OTHER WORDS, TAX MONEY TO RUN A CAMPAIGN.
>> NORMALLY, THERE WILL BE A BOND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE THAT'S FORMED AND THEY WILL FUND RAISE AND SOLICIT DONATIONS TO THE BOND CAMPAIGN.
>> TRADITIONALLY, WHO SUPPORTS THAT?
>> USUALLY, IT'S MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
VENDORS AND CONTRACTORS OF THE DISTRICT MIGHT WANT TO GIVE TO THE BOND CAMPAIGN, THE FOUNDATION COULD BE A ENTITY THAT SUPPORTS THROUGH FINANCIALLY THE BOND MEASURE.
ALTHOUGH IF THEY DO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BOND CAMPAIGN, THERE'S COMPLEX TAX RULES RELATED TO THAT.
>> ESPECIALLY FOR A NONPROFIT.
>> FOR A NONPROFIT SO THEY CAN PRESERVE THEIR TAX DEEM STATUS.
I HAVE A MEMO I CAN PROVIDE THE DISTRICT.
IF THE FOUNDATION WANTS TO GIVE TO THE BOND CAMPAIGN, I'LL PROVIDE YOU THAT MEMO TO DETAIL THE REQUIREMENTS.
>> OTHER QUESTION? NO? THANK YOU.
[00:55:01]
>> MOVING TO THE REQUEST TO SPEAK ON OPEN SESSION AGENDA ITEMS. THE PUBLIC HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS. THE BOARD MAY LIMIT THE TOTAL TIME FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM TO 20 MINUTES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM MAY BE GRANTED UP TO THREE MINUTES AT THE TIME THE ITEM APPEARS ON THE AGENDA.
IN THE CASE OF A NON-AGENDA ITEM, COMMENTS MAY BE MADE UNDER REQUEST TO SPEAK ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS, COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC.
PRIOR TO ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE FILL OUT THE REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD CARD, WHICH MAY BE PICKED UP FROM MARGARET MCDONALD, SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT.
ANY PERSON ADDRESSING THE BOARD SHOULD FIRST STATE THEIR NAME AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
[15. CONSENT AGENDA]
MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD TO BE ROUTINE OR SUFFICIENTLY SUPPORTED BY PRIOR OR ACCOMPANYING REFERENCE MATERIALS AND INFORMATION AS TO NOT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION.IF ANY MEMBER OF THE BOARD SO REQUESTS AN ITEM SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE SECTION AND PLACED IN THE REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
ITEMS WILL BE APPROVED WITH ONE MOTION WHICH IS NOT DEBATABLE AND WHICH REQUIRES A UNANIMOUS VOTE FOR PASSAGE. IS THERE A MOTION?
>> ANY OPPOSED? NO. THANK YOU.
WE NOW MOVE TO OUR DISCUSSION ACTION AGENDA.
[16. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA]
THE SUPERINTENDENT IS GOING TO APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS OF BUSINESS SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.>> LAST MONTH'S MEETING THE BOARD APPROVED A 1% OFF SCHEDULE PAYMENT FOR ALL BUSD EMPLOYEES.
EXECUTIVE CABINET MEMBERS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED IN THAT.
THIS ACTION ALLOWS OUR ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS TO RECEIVE THE ONE TIME 1% PAYMENT.
>> ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? NO. WE'RE GOING TO RECEIVE OUR FIRST READING OF BOARD POLICY.
>> WE HAD A STOCK OF THEM THIS TIME TO GO THROUGH FOR FIRST READ.
REVISIONS REFLECT CHANGES IN THE LAW.
>> THANK YOU. WE NOW MOVE TO REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT.
[ 17. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT]
REQUEST TO SPEAK ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS, COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC.THE PUBLIC HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS. ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON A NON-AGENDA ITEM MAY BE GRANTED UP TO THREE MINUTES.
THE BOARD MAY LIMIT THE TOTAL TIME FOR EACH TOPIC TO 20 MINUTES.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD CARD, WHICH MAY BE PICKED UP FROM MARGARET MCDONALD, SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO SUPERINTENDENT.
ANY PERSON ADDRESSING THE BOARD SHOULD FIRST STATE THEIR NAME AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
>> MS. PRESIDENT, POINT OF ORDER, DID WE SKIP OVER REPORTS?
>> I'M SORRY, REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT, YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
I WAS THINKING. WHERE ARE WE DOWN THERE? [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING] WE'RE GOING TO MOVE RIGHT BACK UP TO THE TOP THEN TO 17.
REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
>> IS THAT ME? I CAN'T SEE. I'LL KEEP IT SHORT THOUGH.
[LAUGHTER] THAT WAS STRESSFUL.
SECOND OFF, IT'S NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY APPRECIATION WEEK.
THANK YOU TO ALL YOU SYKES OUT THERE, FELLOW SYKES.
HOPE YOU GOT SPOILED WITH SOME STARBUCKS GIFT CARDS AND WHATNOT.
I FEEL YOU. YOU DO SO MUCH TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS. LOT OF IS BEHIND THE SCENES.
I KNOW A LOT OF JOB NOW IS WRITING REPORTS AND PRESENTING GROUP REPORTS, BUT YOU DO HAVE THAT CONNECTION WITH THE STUDENTS THAT DOES GO A LONG WAY.
THANK YOU, EVERYONE OUT THERE.
I DID SEE LAST NIGHT ON THE NEWS ALL THESE NEWS MAYORS AND GOVERNORS GETTING ELECTED, WHICH MADE ME JUST REALIZE THAT US HERE, WE'RE A LIAISON TO YOU GUYS.
WHEN WE GET CONCERNS FROM YOU GUYS FROM EMAILS OR SPEAKING, THAT'S US WHERE WE REPRESENT YOU. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
I'M NOT HERE JUST TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY EVENTS COMING UP WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO, BUT IT'S REALLY TO BE A LIAISON FOR YOU TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY FOR THE DISTRICT.
I KNOW I'M A PARENT OF TWO KIDS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL, WE MIGHT SEE THINGS FROM A DIFFERENT LENS THAN OUR STAFF OR ADMIN.
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE THAT COMMUNICATION.
I APPRECIATE ALL THE EMAILS AND COMMENTS BECAUSE WE'RE DOING GREAT AS A DISTRICT WITH EVERYTHING THAT WE'RE DOING WITH OUR SCORES AND WHATNOT BUT THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
THANK YOU OUT THERE, AND I'M HERE FOR YOU GUYS AS WELL.
>> THANKS. THIS WEEK IS INTERESTING BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING THAT I LIKE TO TALK ABOUT AND SHARE AND CELEBRATE IS CLOUDED WITH THE CONCERN THAT I HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY.
I'M THRILLED TO SEE THE COMMUNITY SHOW UP
[01:00:06]
AND FOLLOW MR. ROGERS FAMOUS ADVICE TO LOOK FOR THE HELPERS.I'VE SEEN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT SHARE RESOURCES TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED.
I'VE SEEN OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES STEP UP, AND I DO SEE THE INCREASE FOR CALLS OF ACTION TO DONATE, TO VOLUNTEER.
I JUST LEFT REMINDED AS WE ENTER INTO THIS SEASON OF GRATITUDE AND OF THANKFULNESS, THAT I TAKE THAT TO BE A CALL OF ACTION FOR US TO SHOW UP AND HELP IN WHATEVER WAY THAT WE CAN AND ALSO TO GET HELP IN WHATEVER WAY YOU NEED.
I'M A BIG FAN OF COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING ONE ANOTHER, AND I WANTED TO START WITH THAT.
THIS MORNING, I HAD THE FUN PRIVILEGE AND HONOR OF GOING ALONGSIDE CHRIS ANNE TO A COMMUNITY COALITION BUILDING BEHIND BRINGING AND LAUNCHING IMAGINATION LIBRARY TO OUR EASTEND GABRIEL VALLEY.
IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR, IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS DOLLY PARTON'S DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATIONS FLAGSHIP PROGRAM THAT SENDS A BOOK TO A KID EVERY SINGLE MONTH FROM 0-5.
WHILE I WAS IN THIS MEETING WITH FOLKS ALL ACROSS SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, IT REMINDED ME OF THAT SAME ADAGE OF SHOWING UP IN WHATEVER CAPACITY YOU CAN, ABOUT WHATEVER ISSUE IS NEAR AND DEAR TO YOU.
IF IT'S ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY, FIND THAT PANTRY THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP AND SHOW UP.
WE HEARD FROM ONE OF OUR STUDENT REPS. SAN DIMAS IS HAVING A DRIVE, A LOT OF LOCAL SCHOOLS ARE HAVING DRIVES.
IF IT'S EARLY LITERACY, SHOW UP AND HELP GET BOOKS IN HANDS OF OUR KIDS.
IF IT'S SPECIAL EDUCATION AND IF IT'S NEURO-DIVERGENCY, SHOW UP.
I JUST AM REMINDED OF THE NEED FOR US ALL TO SHOW UP.
I PLAN ON SHOWING UP ON NOVEMBER 16TH, THE LA VERNE – SAN DIMAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE SAME ONE THAT WAS HERE GIVING OUT MANY GRANTS TO OUR TEACHERS, IS HOSTING A COMMUNITY WELLNESS FAIR AT SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL AND THAT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW UP.
THERE'S THE GOLF TOURNAMENT WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GOLF AND RAISE FUNDS.
THERE'S A COMMUNITY WELLNESS FAIR WHERE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE LOCAL COMMUNITY VENDORS, OUR CULINARY PROGRAMS WILL BE SELLING THEIR FOOD, WE'LL HAVE STUDENT PERFORMERS COMING TO SHOW ALL OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT SO INCREDIBLE AND THIS IS ALL DONE IN A SPIRIT OF CELEBRATING WELLNESS AND RAISING FUNDS SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE INITIATIVES INSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
I'M EXCITED TO SHOW UP FOR EACH OF THOSE THINGS, AND I AM WANTING TO INVITE EVERYONE IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY AND EVERYONE THAT IS LISTENING TO CONSIDER WHAT IT IS THAT YOU ARE SHOWING UP FOR IN OUR COMMUNITY.
>> THANK YOU. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE LA VERNE – SAN DIMAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION.
AS YOU HEARD EARLIER OVER 40 YEARS, IT'S LOCAL NONPROFIT SUPPORTED BY FUND RAISING AND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE DOLLARS THAT THEY RAISED GOES DIRECTLY INTO THE CLASSROOM AS REQUESTED BY THAT CLASSROOM TEACHER.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY PROUD OF AND CONSIDER OURSELVES FORTUNATE.
THANK YOU TO THE FOUNDATION. THANK YOU, SONYA.
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TRYING TO DECIPHER MY SCRIBBLES ON THE POLICIES.
I WROTE IT WHILE I WAS ON AN AIRPLANE AND SO IT WAS A LITTLE MESSY AND I APPRECIATE YOUR GOOD WORK IN YOUR RESPONSE. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR US MILITARY VETERANS, WHEN WE REMEMBER THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT NATION COMING UP THIS NOVEMBER 11TH, THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH.
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE ONGOING DIALOGUE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND THE MOMENTUM WE WILL NEED TO FULLY INFORM THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE OF THE NEED FOR A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND AS THE ONLY MEANS TO PAY FOR MUCH NEEDED FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
STAY TUNED. IT'S INFORMATIONAL, BUT WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING A LOT ABOUT THAT.
WHATEVER YOUR TRADITIONS AND HOWEVER YOU CELEBRATE, I WISH ALL THE VERY BEST TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THIS UPCOMING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. CHEERS. THANKS.
>> HELLO, EVERYONE. I'M GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THIS QUICK.
I AGREE WITH A LOT OF WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID.
WE HAVE SOME GREAT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PEOPLE WHO REALLY CARE FOR OUR KIDS.
[01:05:04]
THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.AS AN ANGELS FAN, THIS IS SLIGHTLY HARD TO SAY BUT CONGRATULATIONS, DODGERS, YOU GUYS DEMONSTRATED GRIT AND GOT A WELL DESERVED CHAMPIONSHIP.
IT WAS A GREAT SERIES TO WATCH.
I WOULD PREFER NOT TO STAY UP AS LATE, BUT IT WAS STILL A FUN SERIES. GREAT BASEBALL.
THANK YOU TO THE ED FOUNDATION AND ALL OUR COMMUNITY GROUPS FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR KIDS' LIVES.
THE FOOD INSECURITY ONE, THAT'S A HUGE ISSUE, AND KIDS ARE HUNGRY NOT JUST ON THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS.
THEY NEED FOOD EVERY SINGLE DAY, MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.
I JUST THANK THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR FAMILIES AND KIDS GET TO EAT.
LET'S SEE. WENT TO AN EXTENDED FAMILY NIGHT.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF WHO HELPED PUT THAT ON.
I WAS LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS FOR THE BONDS.
I JUST WANTED TO SHARE SOME PERCENTAGES WITH YOU.
WE'RE I THINK AT THE BOTTOM 20 OF THIS CHART, I SEE.
I THINK FOR EVERY $100,000 MADE, WE GET 32% OF WHAT DARI TAKES IN, 38% OF WHAT POMONA TAKES IN, 56% OF WHAT LUSD TAKES IN, 67.8% ARCADIA, 64% WALNUT.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE ARCADIA AND WALNUT ARE THERE BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IN TEST SCORES, THOSE ARE THE SCHOOLS WE'RE CHASING AND THEY'VE INVESTED MORE MONEY IN THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND MAKING SURE THEIR KIDS GET THE MATERIALS THEY NEED FOR SUCCESS THAN WE'RE ABLE TO.
WE ALSO HAVE OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT ARE TAKING A LOT MORE MONEY FOR FACILITY NEEDS, INCLUDING BEVERLY HILLS, TEMPLE CITIES, REDONDO BEACH, HUSTON LA PUENTE, CULVER CITY, SOUTH PASADENA, EL SEGUNDO, MANHATTAN BEACH.
WE HAVE WEST COVINA, PASADENA, TORRANCE, AND TWO NEIGHBORING SCHOOL DISTRICTS, GLENDORA AND CLAREMONT.
ALL THESE SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE A HIGHER PROPERTY TAX LIABILITY THAN WE DO AND I THINK THAT GIVES THEIR KIDS AN ADVANTAGE.
IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT OUR KIDS ARE GETTING NOT LIKE OUR STAFF DO A GREAT JOB OF MAKING SURE OUR KIDS GET A GREAT WORLD CLASS EDUCATION.
WE HAVE COMMUNITY GROUPS THAT HELP MAKE SURE THAT OUR KIDS GET A GREAT WORLD CLASS EDUCATION.
BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE DISPARITY, I DO THINK WE NEED SOME FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS, AND I'M NOT ADVOCATING EITHER WAY, BUT I DO THINK OUR LOCATION ON THIS IS NOTABLE. THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
>> THANK YOU, AND I APPRECIATE ALL THE COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD TONIGHT.
YOU SPOKE ON THINGS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO ME, TOO, SO THOSE WERE GREAT TO HEAR.
I HAVE BEEN TO A NUMBER OF HIGH SCHOOLS THIS FALL AT DIFFERENT FOOTBALL GAMES BECAUSE A GRANDSON IS PLAYING FOOTBALL OUT THERE.
I HAVE TO SAY THAT WHEN I VISIT THE NEWER SCHOOLS AND I LOOK AT THESE REALLY UPDATED FACILITIES, IT REALLY HIT HOME HOW OLD SOME OF OUR SCHOOLS ARE AND THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE BENEATH THESE SCHOOLS AND AIR CONDITIONING, THAT THEY'RE IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT.
I ALSO WANT TO SAY, ON A DIFFERENT THING, TOTALLY.
CONGRATS TO WATER POLO TENNIS AND FOOTBALL FOR MAKING IT INTO THE CIF SEASON, AND I KNOW OUR WATER POLO BONITA ONE.
YESTERDAY, AND TENNIS WAS COMPETING TONIGHT, AND WE'LL SEE BOTH OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS THIS FRIDAY COMPETE SO GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THOSE ATHLETES.
>> I HAD THE PLEASURE EARLIER THIS MONTH TO SPEND A SATURDAY WITH 40 STUDENTS ACROSS LOS ANGELES COUNTY THAT CAME FROM THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS.
THESE ARE LEADERS IN THEIR SCHOOLS, AND IT WAS SO INTERESTING TO SPEND THE DAY WITH THEM AS THEY WORK TO IDENTIFY NEEDS AND CREATE PRESENTATIONS THAT THEY PRACTICED ON THREE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SO THAT THEY COULD THEN TAKE THEM BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.
WE HAD A STUDENT FROM BONITA, CHLOE, WHO WAS THERE THAT DAY, AND SHE HAD INVITED ME TO ATTEND, AND I GOT TO HEAR PRESENTATIONS ON STUDENT HEALTH, BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL, ON THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION, ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO BE ACTIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND TO EVENTUALLY BE WELL-INFORMED VOTERS.
THEY HAD CONCERNS ABOUT CONTINUED CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS THAT MIGHT BE SUFFERING FROM DRUG OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
AND ALSO, ABOUT IMPROVING COMPLETELY THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ON CAMPUS, THAT EVERY CHILD FEELS LIKE THEY HAVE A PLACE ON THAT CAMPUS AND HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS FOR ALL OUR CAMPUS LEADERS TO WANT TO EDUCATE OTHER STUDENTS ABOUT THE STUDENTS THAT THEY'RE GOING TO SCHOOL WITH.
IT WAS JUST A WONDERFUL DAY AND WONDERFUL PRESENTATIONS,
[01:10:01]
AND I FELT REALLY BLESSED THAT I GOT TO ATTEND.ALSO, I WANTED TO SAY, I LOVE THE SEASON.
WE'RE GOING INTO THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS, AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO GO TO SOME OF OUR BCA CHOIR CONCERTS AND BAND CONCERTS, AND GO TO THE BCA CALENDAR, AND IT REALLY DOES MAKE YOU GO INTO THAT HOLIDAY SPIRIT.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOSE THAT'RE COMING UP.
AND I THINK IT DID MY LIST. WE'RE GOOD.
>> ALL RIGHT, WE ARE GOOD. I DO WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND FOLLOW UP ON THE PRESENTATION FROM KEGENT, AND DO WANT TO REITERATE THAT WE DO HAVE FACILITIES THAT ARE IN NEED OF REPAIR.
THE FACILITY NEEDS THAT WE HAVE REALLY COME DOWN TO FIVE OVERARCHING CATEGORIES, NUMBER 1.
WE DO NEED TO REPLACE ALL THE HVAC UNITS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
NUMBER 2, WE NEED TO REPLACE MUCH OF OUR PLUMBING THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, NUMBER 3.
WE NEED TO CREATE ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM SPACE, REPLACE A NUMBER OF PORTABLE BUILDINGS ON OUR CAMPUSES.
ABOUT A THIRD OF OUR BUILDINGS ARE AT PORTABLES.
NUMBER 4, WANT TO UPGRADE SAFETY AND SECURITY COMPONENTS ON ALL CAMPUSES, AND NUMBER 5.
WE WANT TO BUILD COMPLETELY NEW SCIENCE LABS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOLS TO GIVE OUR STUDENTS THE EXPERIENCES THEY NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE IN THE SCIENCES.
I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT WITH THE BOARD AND OUR DISTRICT COMMUNITY AS WE EXPLORE WAYS TO KEEP BUT NEED TO UNIFIED AMONG THE VERY BEST DISTRICTS IN THE STATE. THANK YOU.
>> DO I HAVE TO READ 18 ALL OVER? I DO.
[18. REQUESTS TO SPEAK ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC]
OKAY. REQUEST TO SPEAK ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS, COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC, THE PUBLIC HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS. ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON A NON-AGENDA ITEM MAY BE GRANTED UP TO 3 MINUTES.THE BOARD MAY LIMIT THE TOTAL TIME FOR EACH TOPIC, 20 MINUTES.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD CARD, WHICH MAY BE PICKED UP FROM MARGARET MCDONALD, SENIOR, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT.
ANY PERSON ADDRESSING THE BOARD SHOULD FIRST STATE THEIR NAME AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
HERE WE GO, SO WE HAVE SEVERAL FROM THE COMMUNITY.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS MONICA, AND I AM A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF SAN DIMAS, ABOUT 20 YEARS.
I'D LIKE TO START BY FIRST SAYING WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL BOARD WE HAVE.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS HAVE A COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS, ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ADJUNCT FACULTY, AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, AND THIS IS TRULY IMPRESSIVE.
WE APPRECIATE YOU. I AM A RETIRED SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST, AND INSTRUCTOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAVERNE, ADJUNCT FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
ALTHOUGH MY OWN CHILDREN ATTENDED DAMIEN AND HOLY NAME, I'M A STRONG PROPONENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF SCHOOL BONDS, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY KEEP OUR PROPERTY VALUES HIGH.
PEOPLE WANT TO MOVE HERE BECAUSE OF OUR EXCELLENT BOARD, BECAUSE OF OUR EXCELLENT SCHOOL DISTRICT.
THAT'S THE REASON THAT OUR ENTIRE FAMILY MOVED HERE IS FOR BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT.
UNFORTUNATELY, SADLY, I'M SORRY, I AM HERE TO BE A DONOR.
I HAVE SOME CONCERNS IN THERE REGARDING SPECIAL EDUCATION.
I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU, MY GODSON.
SADLY, ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, THIS BRIGHT AND HAPPY LITTLE BOY HAD A SEIZURE.
THE SCHOOL HAD BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIS HEALTH CONCERNS PRIOR.
>> SORRY ABOUT THAT. THE SCHOOL HAD BEEN TOLD PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ABOUT THIS LITTLE BOY HAVING SEIZURES.
YET NO ADULT NOTICED THAT HE WAS ON THE GROUND, ON THE BLACK TOP, BANGING HIS HEAD REPEATEDLY.
THE CHILDREN HAD TO WITNESS THIS.
WE HEARD THIS FROM MULTIPLE PARENTS.
THEY FINALLY SEARCHED AN ADULT TO COME HELP THEM.
THEY WERE PRETTY UPSET THAT WE GOT MANY PHONE CALLS.
HE ENDED UP HAVING A CONCUSSION, LACERATIONS, AND BRUISING TO HIS FACE.
HE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR SEVERAL DAYS BECAUSE OF A CONCUSSION.
NOT FOR THE SEIZURE, FOR THE CONCUSSION FROM THE SEIZURE.
AS SOMEONE WHO SUPPORTS SCHOOLS AND FUNDING, I KNOW YOU'RE NOT MEMBERS OF THE IEP TEAM, BUT I DO HAVE SOME QUESTIONS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THE REASON THAT THIS LITTLE BOY IS STILL NOT IN SCHOOL SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, THE REASON HE HASN'T BEEN IN SCHOOL IS BECAUSE HE NEEDS SOMEBODY TO MONITOR HIM TO MAKE SURE THAT HE IS MONITORED IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN.
[01:15:02]
I MEAN, THEY CAN'T PREVENT ANYTHING, BUT THEY DO HAVE EMERGENCY MEDICATION.THEY COULD HAVE EVEN PUT THEIR HAND UNDER HIS HEAD, PIECE OF CARDBOARD UNDER, AND HE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN BANGING HIS HEAD REPEATEDLY.
I WANTED TO ASK THE SCHOOL BOARD WHY THE SCHOOL BOARD WOULD APPROVE FUNDS TO HIRE ATTORNEYS TO FIGHT A PARENT INSTEAD OF PROVIDING WHAT THE CHILD NEEDS.
WHY THE SCHOOL BOARD WOULD EXPECT SECOND-GRADE TEACHER WITH 25 OTHER STUDENTS TO CONTINUALLY MONITOR A STUDENT FOR SILENT AND MAJOR SEIZURES.
THIS DECISION IS PUTTING THE DISTRICT AT LIABILITY, NOT ONLY IN REGARDS TO FAITH, BUT ALSO FOR TORT CLAIMS. IT REALLY IS BECAUSE HE'S INJURED.
I JUST WANTED TO ASSURE YOU THIS IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY.
BONITA MUST SUPPORT ALL GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
I REALLY APPRECIATE. THANK YOU.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS MIKE MCCURT.
THANK YOU AGAIN, BOARD. YOU GUYS ARE A WONDERFUL BOARD, AND WE'RE VERY APPRECIATIVE TO HAVE YOU.
I'M A LONGTIME HOMEOWNER IN SAN DIMAS.
FOR 20 YEARS, I'VE BEEN A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL.
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT IN MY EXPERIENCE, IT'S QUITE COMMON FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE FREQUENT SEIZURES OR OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS TO HAVE A DEDICATED PERSON MONITORING THEM AT SCHOOL.
AGENDA TEACHER CAN'T BE EXPECTED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEARNING OF 25 STUDENTS AND ALSO CLOSELY MONITORING ONE STUDENT WITH A HEALTH CONDITION.
HOW IS ONE TEACHER GOING TO CALL FOR HELP, MANAGE THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENT, EXPERIENCING THE SEIZURE, ADMINISTER THE EMERGENCY MEDICATION, AND SUPERVISE THE OTHER 24 STUDENTS WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING? THIS IS AN UNREASONABLE DEMAND PLACED ON ONE SINGLE TEACHER.
A PARAPROFESSIONAL IN THE CLASSROOM IS QUITE COMMON.
HE OR SHE HELPS ALL STUDENTS WITH INSTRUCTION AND SAFETY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> GOOD EVENING, BOARD. MY NAME IS DRE COOPER.
I MARRIED INTO THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY, AND WE HAVE TWO WONDERFUL STEPSONS WHO BOTH WENT TO BINA HIGH SCHOOL AS WELL AS NIECE WHO ALSO, AND TWO OF THEM ARE AT USC NOW AND ONE IS AT CAL POLY, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, YOU DO A GREAT JOB AND I SHARE THE CONCERN THAT MONICA HAD MENTIONED EARLIER.
I RISE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT MY NEPHEW, DANIEL.
AS HAS ALREADY BEEN MENTIONED, HE SUFFERED A SEVERE SEIZURE ON THE VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
THIS WAS A TRAUMATIC EVENT FOR OUR FAMILY.
THIS EVENT WAS COMPOUNDED BY THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO ADULT NEARBY.
THE CHILDREN PLAYING WITH DANIEL DIDN'T REALIZE THAT HE HAD FALLEN ILL.
THEY THOUGHT HE WAS PLAYING SOME WEIRD GAME WHILE HE'S THERE BANGING HIS HEAD AGAINST THE GROUND.
CLEARLY, IF HE HAD HAD A ONE ON ONE, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.
SOMEONE COULD HAVE INTERVENED, AND NOT TO MENTION THE TRAUMATIC VIEW OF THE STUDENTS SEEING THIS.
AS A RETIRED TEACHER MYSELF, I CAN TELL YOU THAT YOU NEVER FORGET WHEN YOU HAVE A STUDENT SEIZE IN YOUR CLASS.
THAT MEMORY STAYS WITH YOU FOREVER.
NOT JUST FOR ME, BUT FOR THE STUDENTS WHO WILL ALSO WITNESS IT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FOR THE STUDENT WHO HAD THE SEIZURE, THAT STIGMA STAYS WITH THEM FOR A LIFETIME.
AS I RISE TODAY TO ASK THAT YOU DO THE BEST YOU CAN FOR US.
AS A FAMILY OF EDUCATORS, WE JUST WANT TO SEE THIS LITTLE BOY GET BACK TO SCHOOL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> GOOD EVENING. NICE TO SEE YOU HERE.
I HAVE TAUGHT GENERAL EDUCATION SCIENCE, AND I AM NOW A HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED TEACHER.
I HAVE ABOUT SIX YEARS LEFT OF MY CAREER BEFORE I RETIRE.
I HAVE ALSO TAUGHT FUTURE INSTRUCTIONAL TEACHERS, INSTRUCTORS AT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY AND FOR LEN UNIVERSITY.
MOST OF THESE TEACHERS WENT ON TO WORK.
SOME OF THEM ARE MY COLLEAGUES NOW.
WE WORK TOGETHER AT PUBLIC EDUCATION, SO I TEACH IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.
I'VE LIVED IN LABURN FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.
[01:20:01]
MY BOYS ATTENDED OKMSA ELEMENTARY, RAMONA MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND BONITA HIGH SCHOOL.THEY'RE NOW AT USC AND CAL POLY BECAUSE OF THE GREAT WORK THAT WE DO HERE AT BONITA.
I'M HERE TODAY TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR HAVING HIGH EXPECTATIONS, HOLDING OUR EDUCATORS ACCOUNTABLE, AND SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY.
WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION, SUCH AS MY NEPHEW, DANIEL, WHO IS IN SECOND GRADE AND WAITING EVERY DAY TO ATTEND SCHOOL.
HE'S VERY SAD WITHOUT HIS FRIENDS.
HE'S A VERY SOCIAL LITTLE BOY.
HE'S A VERY INTELLIGENT BOY, AND HE HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO BE BACK AT SCHOOL BECAUSE WE'RE AFRAID THAT HE'LL FALL, BANG HIS HEAD, GET A CONCUSSION, OR EVEN WORSE, AND THERE'LL BE NOBODY THERE TO HELP HIM.
AND HE'S VERY SAD BECAUSE HE'S SOCIAL AND ALL OF HIS FRIENDS MISS HIM.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING US HERE.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS MEGAN KEENE, AND I'M A PARENT OF A CHILD AT LONE HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING ME THIS EVENING.
WHEN MY DAUGHTER STARTED SCHOOL AT LONE HILL MIDDLE, SHE'S A SIXTH GRADER, JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO.
I WAS SURPRISED BY TWO THINGS.
ONE, THE WEIGHT OF THE BACKPACK THAT SHE CARRIES WITH HER EVERY DAY.
IT IS FULL OF FIVE NOTEBOOKS, A BINDER FOR LOOSE PAPERS, A TEXTBOOK, A CHROMEBOOK, AND A BOOK THAT SHE READS FOR 30 MINUTES PER DAY.
THAT'S A MINIMUM OF THE MATERIALS THAT SHE CARRIES WITH HER.
EVERY DAY, I'VE WEIGHED IT A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES, AND IT MEASURES BETWEEN 16-19 POUNDS EVERY DAY.
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOMMENDS THAT KIDS ONLY CARRY ABOUT 10% OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT.
THIS 16 AND 19 POUNDS IS PUSHING 20 TO 25% ON ANY GIVEN DAY.
THIS PUTS MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING SPINE PROBLEMS, BACK PAIN, SHOULDER PAIN, AND NECK PAIN.
AND THE SECOND THING THAT SURPRISED ME WAS THAT NONE OF THE BONITA SCHOOLS HAVE LOCKERS IN THE SCHOOLS.
I UNDERSTAND IT'S A POLICY, BUT I'M REQUESTING THAT WE PUT LOCKERS BACK IN THE SCHOOLS BECAUSE THE RISK OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS DUE TO KIDS HAVING TO CARRY EVERYTHING AROUND WITH THEM EVERY DAY PUTS KIDS AT RISK OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTEND THEIR SPORTS ACTIVITIES, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AS WELL AS SCHOOL IN GENERAL.
IT PUTS THEM AT GREATER RISK OF NEEDING TO ATTEND DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS DURING THE SCHOOL FOR PROBLEMS THAT THEY'RE FRANKLY TOO YOUNG TO BE EXPERIENCING.
DUE TO THESE REASONS, I REQUEST THAT WE GIVE THE KIDS SOME STORAGE SPACE AND THAT WE PUT LOCKERS BACK IN SCHOOL.
I ALSO HAVE A BACKPACK FOR DEMONSTRATION, IF ANYBODY WOULD LIKE TO FEEL HOW HEAVY THIS THING IS.
>> THANK YOU. WE CONTINUE ON WITH COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC, ANSWER TO ANYONE FROM PTA.
[19. FUTURE MEETING DATES]
THE NEXT REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING WILL BE ON DECEMBER 3, 2025.WE WILL ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:21 P.M. THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.