WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=RCUUk9tfDLY

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: RCUUk9tfDLY):
- 00:12:04: Meeting Called to Order and Attendance Roll Call
- 00:12:37: Public Comments Received for Closed Session, Acknowledgement
- 00:13:20: Special Recognition: Sierra Madre Middle School Students
- 00:18:25: Trusty Harden's Positive Comment; Math Field Day Recognition Intro
- 00:19:34: Los Angeles County Math Field Day Recognition Ceremony
- 00:22:26: Math Field Day Recognition:  Fourth Grade Team Honored
- 00:23:56: Math Field Day Recognition: Fifth Grade Team Honored
- 00:25:21: Math Field Day Recognition: Sixth Grade Team Honored
- 00:26:22: Math Field Day Recognition: Seventh Grade Team Honored
- 00:27:04: Math Field Day Recognition: Eighth Grade Team Honored
- 00:28:17: Math Field Day Recognition: Ninth and Tenth Grade Teams
- 00:30:20: Math Field Day Recognition Concludes with Photo Opportunities
- 00:33:58: Black History Living Museum Speech Winner Introduction
- 00:37:02: Black History Program Thanks Donors and Supporters
- 00:38:13: Black History:  Third Place Winner, Floyd Norman Recitation
- 00:41:16: Black History: Second Place Winner, Ruby Bridges Recitation
- 00:42:41: Black History: First Place Winner, Jimi Hendrix Recitation
- 00:44:36: Comments on Black History Program; New Administrator Introductions
- 00:46:44: Introduction: New CBO and Special Education Senior Director
- 00:49:33: Approval for New Parent Group, Boses Unidas: Intro
- 00:50:18: Boses Unidas: Overview of Mission and Vision
- 00:53:55: Boses Unidas: Priorities and Next Steps for Organization
- 00:57:10: Boses Unidas: Thanks and Closing Remarks
- 01:00:00: Public Comment: Susan Schwarz on Boses Unidas
- 01:01:15: Public Comment: G. Albert Supports Boses Unidas
- 01:02:30: Board Member Questions: Official District Affiliated Group
- 01:04:53: Board Member Comment and Vote: Approve Boses Unidas
- 01:11:29: Public Comments for Closed Session: Overview
- 01:11:29: Public Comment: Warren Bleecker Speaks on Dr. Blanco
- 01:14:41: Public Comment: Sarah Poji Speaks on SCAC Process
- 01:16:23: Public Comment: Liliana Cornado Speaks in Support of Dr. Blanco
- 05:27:13: Special Education Restructuring: Transparency, Funding Accountability Requested
- 05:30:20: Consolidation AB1912: School Board Defends Records Disclosure
- 05:33:39: School Board Member Upholds Transparency, Engagement
- 05:35:15: Acknowledging Financial Challenges, Long Term Fiscal Solutions
- 05:39:35: Total School Solutions: Equity Impact Analysis Report Presentation
- 05:50:59: TSS: Public Comments E-mail; Next Steps and Schedule
- 05:54:19: Equity Impact Selections, Priorities, and Transformations
- 05:59:20: Consultant Experience: Advising Open Enrollment Communities Closures
- 06:03:45: Consolidation Considerations, Metrics and Processes Questioned
- 06:10:31: Student Assemblies, Timeline Data, And Committee Experiences
- 06:14:16: Board Questions Consultants On Analysis Process Modifications
- 06:25:38: Public Comment: Consolidation Done by Board or LEO?
- 06:30:35: Public Comment: Consultant to Committee Discussion and Supervision
- 06:33:49: Public Comment: Cost Cutting Report, No Real Equity Here
- 06:36:49: Public Comment: No Research or Support for PSD Values
- 06:38:26: Public Comment: Protect Special Ed, Reject the Report
- 06:40:23: Public Comment: Questioning Equity, Need Better Data
- 06:42:35: Public Comment: Opportunities Impacted, Inadequate Reporting
- 06:44:07: Public Comment: Super Inclusion, Unacceptable Negative Impacts
- 06:47:11: Public Comment: Most Accessible SCU, ADA Concerns
- 06:50:23: Public Hearing Concludes, Next Item is Board Action
- 06:51:19: Action Item: Approve Receipt of Draft Equity Impact Analysis
- 06:52:54: McKinley-Elliot Consolidation, Long Term and Existing Issues
- 06:59:15: Board Vote, Motion Passes to Reject Draft EIA receipt
- 07:32:59: Board Discussion: School Consolidation Process Next Steps


Part: 1

1
00:02:54.160 --> 00:12:04.440
Happy. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Calling the meeting to order. Calling the meeting to order at 4:01. We're starting the meeting now. >> Okay,

2
00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:22.240
>> roll call. >> Wait, ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention, please? We would like to get started with the meeting now. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Trust >> Okay. Jennifer Holy

3
00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:37.760
>> Scott Harden >> here. >> Kimberly Kenny Mson Bailey >> here. >> Patrice Marshall McKenzie. >> Dr. Jarma Velasquez. >> Tina Frederick here.

4
00:12:37.760 --> 00:12:57.680
>> Dr. Elizabeth Blanco here. Nathan H. >> Uh, Trusty Velasquez, is there a public comment for closed? >> Yes. The board of education acknowledges receipt of public comments via email. These comments will be made part of the

5
00:12:57.680 --> 00:13:20.000
permanent record for this meeting. Be um uh we have three public comments for close session. Um I see. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Trusty Velasquez. Uh

6
00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:34.880
first we'll have the special recognition of Sierra Madre Middle School students recognition for participation in the operation mosquito grid growth reduction increased detention. Dr. Chanhill. >> Thank you, President Frederick's. I want

7
00:13:34.880 --> 00:13:57.279
to invite up here um members of the San Gabriel uh mosquito and vector control district, Carol, Ann and Christian, who will recognize our students. There we go. Thank you, B uh board president uh Frederick's uh honorable

8
00:13:57.279 --> 00:14:15.279
board members and superintendent Blanco. We are education specialists from the San Gabriel Valley. Mosquito and Vector Control District, uh a local public health agency for 26 cities in the valley. We're here today to thank and recognize

9
00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:29.920
contributions made by Sierra Madre Middle School students in the creation of a public health video used to walk students through our AY's public health comm community science projects, Vector

10
00:14:29.920 --> 00:14:48.880
Inspectors, and Operation Mosquito Grid. Grid is a community science program for middle school students brought to Sierra Madre Middle School in partnership with Mr. Dev, eighth grade science teacher and our agency.

11
00:14:48.880 --> 00:15:04.560
So the video these students helped create aids in the facilitation of both programs for u many schools within our jurisdiction. And this video shows participating students clear examples of what they must do throughout their participation in the programs,

12
00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:21.199
eliminating countless instructional hours for our district staff and our participating teachers like Mr. Dev. So, we're most grateful for their hard work making this video possible. Um, and we would like to acknowledge their creative contributions. So, our public health

13
00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:47.360
communication champions are as follows. Arya King, not here. She's not here today. Noah Marquez. >> When you hear your name, come on up. >> And then you can stand up there. We'll

14
00:15:47.360 --> 00:16:31.240
take a photo. Sebastian de los Reyes. Thank you so much, >> Holly Kim. Alicia Dixon. >> Thank you. Congratulations, Josiah Dev. Andenhaniah. Emma Ivasian.

15
00:16:33.920 --> 00:16:54.320
Good job, Emma. >> And our student director overseeing the entire project, Ava Ivan. >> Awesome. And then we of course would be remissed if we did not appreciate Mr.

16
00:16:54.320 --> 00:17:10.360
Dev who really made all of this possible. Thank you so much for always putting in the extra effort. He's an amazing teacher. So, thank you so much. >> Yes, we have some things for you.

17
00:17:12.319 --> 00:19:02.640
>> We'd like to invite Principal Newsome, Mr. Dev to join the mosquito. >> Let me get one of just the kids really quick. Thank you so much. Did any trustees want to make a comments? >> Trusty Harden,

18
00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:20.000
>> I would also uh congratulate the students and to Mr. Dev as well. uh may have a family connection to Mr. Dev. So, um thank you very much for all your hard work. Um very appreciated. >> Thank you. Now, uh next item is Los

19
00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:34.640
Angeles County Math Field Day recognition. Uh recognition of Pasadena Unified School District's math field day teams who placed with top honors at countywide competition. Dr. Chan Hill or Dr. Anderson.

20
00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:49.760
>> Thank you. welcome Karen Anderson who can describe the embarrassment of riches that has overcome our teens. >> Yes. Good afternoon uh President Frederick's board of education, Dr. Blanco, and the superintendent's

21
00:19:49.760 --> 00:20:05.520
leadership team. Uh yes, I am here to celebrate celebrate our incredible Pasadena Unified Mathletes. Um, I will say at the LA County competition, it really was almost embarrassing how many

22
00:20:05.520 --> 00:20:24.480
times they said Pasadena and our teams ran up, right students? Like there was a there was a there was a groan in the crowd after a while. They were like Pasadena again. So, uh, just to describe what this is,

23
00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:41.039
on March 28th and every year, we have a Pasadena Unified math competition, math field day, that mimics the LA County competition. So, teams from um, each school gets two teams per grade level, and they compete against each other in

24
00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:58.159
conceptual understanding and problem solving. And they're also judged on their teamwork using a rubric that's based on the standards for math practice. After our uh March 28th competition, we had overall winners. So, we had winners

25
00:20:58.159 --> 00:21:13.520
at each grade level. And those teams participated in the LA County Office of Education math field day on April 18th at that cap. Can you hear all the medals? They're just they're just clinging over there.

26
00:21:13.520 --> 00:21:28.640
um at that competition there, well there are about 80 districts represented in LA County and there were over 50 districts represented there. So it was heavyduty competition and our students shown. So I

27
00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:44.799
would like to um recognize our students by grade level. Um, so we already know that these were the winning teams for our district, but I'm also going to let you know what happened at the competition. And what I'm going to do is I'm going to call each grade level

28
00:21:44.799 --> 00:22:09.039
and then we're going to just sort of line up here and then we'll come around for a picture that way. So we're going to start with fourth grade. This team is from Field Elementary. Can you please come up? Fourth grade team. come right over here and line up. Listen

29
00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:26.559
to that rattle. So, this team and as you can see, you can you can face this way so they can see you and then we'll turn around. As you can see, every student who participated at LEO had uh Pasadena Unified Mathfield Day t-shirts because they're representing the district, not

30
00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:44.760
their school at that point. This team not only won problem solving the gold medal at the LEO competition, they also were the overall fourth grade winning team at LEO.

31
00:22:49.520 --> 00:23:06.240
>> So this is the trophy from the LA County. So, on this team, we have I'm just gonna say your first names and then I'm going to give you all of them and you're gonna pass them out. Okay. We have Heidi, Maris, Jordan, and Kate. And

32
00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:22.000
there, did I say it wrong? Maris. >> Marcus. >> Marcus. It's missing a K. We will reprint your >> Okay, it's missing a C. We will reprint your certificate. And uh this team is coached by Wani Woo

33
00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:40.039
and Wing Zu. So, thank you so much. It's okay. You keep it for right now and then I'm going to get you a new one. Okay. And you guys can move this way. And Logan is the Yeah, there we go. And Logan as well. Thank you. And we're going to go to the

34
00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:56.240
It's okay. You're going to hold on to it and you'll give it to your teacher. Thank you so much. Stay here. Stay here. Thank you. I know it's difficult. We're not doing math right now, so it's hard. Okay. Thank you. >> And can I have my fifth grade team come

35
00:23:56.240 --> 00:24:20.480
up? Fifth grade team. >> So, this team is the team from Sierra Madre Elementary School, and they won obviously overall at our district. They are coached by Natasha Comr and represented here with principal Jod Marqueso. Um, and this team at the LEO

36
00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:40.480
competition won problem solving bronze and conceptual understanding silver at LEO. So, congratulations to the fifth grade team. And we have Aiden Anderson

37
00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:58.080
is not in fifth grade. Excuse me. Fifth grade. We have Mithran Kosik. We have Lena. We have Hugo. And we have Dean. And we have Brendan. Correct. >> Yes. >> Here right now. >> Dean is an alternate. >> Dean was the alternate. He gets a

38
00:24:58.080 --> 00:25:21.200
certificate. >> All right. Congratulations. It's okay. We'll figure it out later. >> All right. Congratulations to the fifth grade team. Um, okay. Great. Let's have our sixth grade team come up, please.

39
00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:45.360
Thank you. Okay, this is two members of our sixth grade team. They are represented from Marshall, third good Marshall Secondary School and they were coached. And I do want you to see, thank you for

40
00:25:45.360 --> 00:25:59.200
bringing the trophy. These are our new Pasadena Unified Math Field Day trophies. Brand new this year. We had the old ones for, I think, 30 years. So, we we upgraded this year. Um, their coach is Ron Cedo. And on this team we

41
00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:22.080
have Nathan Zu, Michael Arabian, Hamid Moadam, Freda Lukan, and Daniel Kira. Yes, there. Thank you so much. >> All right, let's get our seventh grade team, please.

42
00:26:22.080 --> 00:26:42.799
Our seventh grade team is also from Thood Marshall Secondary School. Here you hold it by the Hold it by the woods so that the Yeah, there we go. Just in case we don't want that pop to top to pop off. Um, and this team is

43
00:26:42.799 --> 00:27:04.480
composed of Zach, Walton, Lucas, Franciscoca, and Kiara. Congratulations to our seventh grade team. Awesome. All right. Next up, we have our eighth grade team,

44
00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:22.640
which um is rep is from Octavia E. Butler. Come on up, eighth grade. >> Just Why don't you guys come over this way? Yeah. then we'll have some space. Awesome. So, this team also

45
00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:38.960
um fiercely competed at um Mathfield Day LEO. I have to say um every the last few years I've had the privilege of proctoring at LEO and it is competitive. It is super hard. So, sometimes some of our kids I think because we won so many

46
00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:54.960
medals, they're like, "But we didn't win a medal at Leo." But they did so well. It was really competitive. I was in an eighth grade room and I was extremely impressed with the students there. So, great competition. Um, we have on this team, oh, coached by Mr. Jason Trap.

47
00:27:54.960 --> 00:28:17.679
Thank you. We have Diego, we have Aiden, we have Grayson, and we have Kai, and we have Lily. So, congratulations to our eighth grade team. Are we missing them? And then we did in the last few years

48
00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:33.440
we've added high school teams. So we do have ninth and tth grade teams that competed. Students from all the high schools have the opportunity to apply to be on these teams and they're coached by Dr. Dylan Repel at Pasadena High School.

49
00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:51.440
So these are Pasadena Unified teams. So if I could have my ninth grade team come up, please. Ninth grade. Do I have any of them here? Yay. I have one of my ninth graders here. This is amazing. So, the ninth grade

50
00:28:51.440 --> 00:29:12.399
team won our conceptual understanding the gold medal at the LEO competition. And on that team, we have Justin, Mila, Reese, and Terry. So, congratulations to our ninth grade team. Oh, wait. I forgot

51
00:29:12.399 --> 00:29:30.200
they won two medals at LEO. Excuse me. They also won ninth grade problem solving bronze. So, they won a bronze and a gold at LEO. Congratulations. All right, one more. Where's our 10th graders? Come on up. >> Yeah,

52
00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:48.240
I think some of these students, it would have been really impressive if they wore all of their medals since fourth grade because some of them have been competing for many years. So, this team really was incredible at LEO. Not only did they win 10th grade

53
00:29:48.240 --> 00:30:04.159
problemolving gold, they won 10th grade conceptual understanding gold and they took the overall medal at Leo. So, that's the the Leo trophy and this and that's the LEO trophy. So,

54
00:30:04.159 --> 00:30:20.960
congratulations to our 10th graders. We have Castello, we have Juliet, we have Le Levi Sbec Anderson who's not here right now. And we have Shara. Did I say that right? Okay, thank you. You can take Who wants to take Levis's? Okay, great. Thanks. So, congratulations to

55
00:30:20.960 --> 00:31:39.320
all of our mathletes. And let's go this way. Oh no, that's fine. We call her >> that was literally almost every Yeah, that's why you >> Yes.

56
00:31:54.960 --> 00:33:58.600
I know you're too tall. All the smiles. >> Excuse me, guys. Let me let me get back here. I got to back up. I got to back up. And then you'll get your opportunity to take pictures. Congratulations everyone. All right. Congratulations,

57
00:33:59.760 --> 00:34:37.200
>> trustees. Did you have any comments? All right. Next item. All right. Black History Living Black History Living Museum winners. First, second, and third place students will recite their speech as their chosen

58
00:34:37.200 --> 00:35:03.760
person. Uh, African-American parent council. Oh, >> Miss Bailey. Got it. Hello again. All right. Um, first of all, thank you guys for having us. It's an honor to be here today. So,

59
00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:19.440
the Black History Living Museum is a celebration of identity, legacy, and student agency. And before I even complete what I was going to say, I just want to congratulate all the PUSD students who were recognized before us. We have amazing students in our

60
00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:38.000
district. So, I just want to just give a special clap to them. So, this event is very special to us. We come here uh year after year to showcase our amazing students. And before I get started, I want to thank do some thank

61
00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:54.480
yous because and I wrote them down and I still might forget someone and it's unintentional. So I'm sorry in advance. Um so this is an experience that turns traditional learning on its head and our students step boldly into the instructor transforming into their chosen person.

62
00:35:54.480 --> 00:36:10.480
They really embody their person and we're so very proud of them. And this doesn't happen in a vacuum. So we want to take a moment to congratul I mean excuse me to thank our partners. So the community and family engagement office the face team some of which is in this

63
00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:29.599
room tonight our amazing communications team Dr. Turley's office including Danny and Angela Dr. Blanco's office. Fatima sitting in front of me. Kalarn. Oh my god. Thank you, Kaylearn, for

64
00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:47.760
documenting this amazing event and really bringing light to it. To our PUSD teachers and principles. Couldn't do it without him. So, thank you so very much for all of our PUSD school principles and teachers.

65
00:36:47.760 --> 00:37:02.560
Scott and Sora have been designing our certificates year after year. So, thank you so much for that. One of our uh AAPC members, Nate at FiveM Media, has been doing our marketing and graphic design for free.99

66
00:37:02.560 --> 00:37:20.480
for years. So, thank you so much. Courtney Scrabbback and the Mure Design Lab has been dedicating their time and energy to making costumes for our students and so we thank them for that. Ernesto Kovarubius at the Jefferson Children's Library who's been helping us

67
00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:36.960
also with making sure that students have the research and information that they need to our judges that I won't name for the people that they couldn't select so they don't get harassed on the side, but you know who you are. Thank you so much to one of our first donors, Beverly

68
00:37:36.960 --> 00:37:52.320
Tate, who gives books. and uh for Robinson Park Recreation Center who houses us no matter how crazy it gets and we dip in the hallway and take over. Thank you for that. And most importantly to our incredible students and their

69
00:37:52.320 --> 00:38:13.040
families. Thank you so much. We appreciate you so much. And of course to our organization to the African-American Parent Council. I'm going to thank ourselves. So, with that said, I'm going to go through our students and I'm going to

70
00:38:13.040 --> 00:39:19.640
start with our third place winner. Emil Griffin is one of his names, but he's coming to you tonight as the outstanding Floyd Norman. He's a third grader at Jackson Elementary. Yeah, it's just test. Test. Okay.

71
00:39:20.960 --> 00:39:36.400
>> Okay. Come on. >> Sorry. >> You good? >> You good? All right. >> Test test. >> Test test. >> I'm Floyd Norman and in between a story artist and the first black anime at the Walt Disney Studios. When I was invited

72
00:39:36.400 --> 00:39:53.359
to work at Disney, it was a wonderland, a dream come true. Here I was at a studio filled with incredible men and women who literally created magic. The Disney Studios in the 1950s was thriving. They were making short cartoons, feature films, and building a theme park called Disneyland. The Disney

73
00:39:53.359 --> 00:40:10.079
Studios in the 1950s was thriving. They were making short cartoons, feature films, and building a theme park called Disneyland. After work, I didn't want to go home because there's so many writers, artists, and creatives to learn from. I first worked on sleeping beauty as an inbetweener which is the artist

74
00:40:10.079 --> 00:40:25.200
responsible for ining frames that make the transition smooth. Then I was an assistant animator for 100 window missions and soaring the stone for Jungle Book. I was a story artist. After Walt died in 1966, I left Disney and co-founder of Vignet Films with Leo

75
00:40:25.200 --> 00:40:42.400
Sullivan. We worked on Fat Albert and Sesame Street projects that featured more black characters. Then Disney called me back. So, I worked on a couple more features like Humptrek of Notre Dame, Mulan, Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc. I think storytelling through animation is incredible because you're

76
00:40:42.400 --> 00:41:16.000
taking an idea and making something relatable that people can connect you. My advice to young people will want Disney. If you have a dream, you got to believe in and put in the hard work. Hopefully, this one's great. Thank you so much. All right. And next we're going to

77
00:41:16.000 --> 00:41:44.400
introduce Enz Barnes as Ruby Bridges. Hi, my name is Ruby Bridges. I was born in 1954 in Mississippi and I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I was 6 years old, I made history. After the Brown v. Board of Education

78
00:41:44.400 --> 00:42:00.560
decision, I was chosen to attend an all-white school. I was the first black child to go to William Friends Elementary School in New Orleans. Every day I walked past angry crowds. The US Marshalss walked with me to keep

79
00:42:00.560 --> 00:42:18.480
me safe. I was very brave even when I was scared. In my first grade year, I learned in a classroom all by myself with my teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry. She supported me and and believed in me. I never gave up.

80
00:42:18.480 --> 00:42:36.119
Because of my courage, schools began to change. Today, kids of all can learn together. My story shows that even one child can make a big difference and be brave. Thank you.

81
00:42:41.280 --> 00:43:00.880
And now our first place winner, who was our second place winner last year and came home and took it all, uh, Langston Griffin as the great Jimmyi Hendris. And if I can just say, he literally said last year, I'm coming back to win this

82
00:43:00.880 --> 00:43:18.079
year. >> And he did. >> You all may know me as Jimmyi Hendris, but at birth, my parents named me Johnny Allen Hendris. When I was 15, I purchased my first acoustic guitar. I'm left-handed, so I just flipped that thing around and played blues like Muddy

83
00:43:18.079 --> 00:43:34.079
Waters and rocked out like Chuck Barry. When I came back from the army, I went by Jimmy James and tooured as a pickup artist with Sam Cook, Lil Richard, and Chris Mayfield. Then I moved to New York and played with the Aussie brothers and and the animals basis Chash Chandler

84
00:43:34.079 --> 00:43:51.280
decided to manage me. This was a side that Jimmy Hendrick experienced with Mitch, my drummer, and No, my basis. People say I had some hits like Stone Free, Purple Haze, Winkard, Mary, Bed Love, Food Child, but I really don't live on compliments, you know. See,

85
00:43:51.280 --> 00:44:06.880
there are a whole lot of musicians out there here today hearing all these compliments so they get comfortable and satisfied and forget what music and art is all about. And that's not hard to me, you know. My goal is to create electric church. I believe that people can not only get

86
00:44:06.880 --> 00:44:22.560
electrified through their eardrums, but through their heart and soul. I made a song called Machine Gun for those fighting in Vietnam with hope that love can overcome violence. When the power of love overcomes a love of power, the world will know peace. Who I say, I say with my guitar. So move over and let

87
00:44:22.560 --> 00:45:18.160
Jimmy take over. So, we're gonna have our students come up so they can take a picture. >> Did any trustees have any comments? Trusty Harden, >> you've outdone yourselves once again. U so many years, this event, you know,

88
00:45:18.160 --> 00:45:33.920
it's been such a community unifying event. And thank you African-American parent council for showing up for Black Excellence. I I love you all. Appreciate you all for doing this wonderful gift to the community. >> Thank you so much.

89
00:45:33.920 --> 00:46:44.079
>> Thank you. Any other comments? Okay. All right. Let's have a picture. >> Okay. so many great accomplishments tonight. All right, next item is the introduction to of our new administrators, our CBO

90
00:46:44.079 --> 00:47:01.440
and senior director of special education, Dr. Kell. Well, it's definitely tough to come after all of that. No pressure at all. I do not. That was the cutest. Um, I'm going to I am going to call uh two folks

91
00:47:01.440 --> 00:47:18.240
up to the uh to be beside me. Uh Mr. Avanessians and Laura Barbara, if they can stand up for a second. I'm going to embarrass them a little bit, but if the kids can be up here, uh so can you guys. So, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Oric Aanessian at Pasadena Unified

92
00:47:18.240 --> 00:47:33.200
School District's new chief business officer. Mr. Aanessian brings more than 20 years of experience in educational finance and operations, including leadership roles as business manager, chief business officer, and assistant superintendent of business services. He holds a degree in accounting and

93
00:47:33.200 --> 00:47:49.920
business administration, a school business management certificate from USC Phon, and has earned the distinguished chief business official distinguished designation from CASBO. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and

94
00:47:49.920 --> 00:48:05.359
collaborative leadership, including overseeing major facility projects, and implementing systems that improve organizational effectiveness and accountability. Most recently, most recently, he was recognized in 2324 Santa Cl Valley's Association of California School Administrators as

95
00:48:05.359 --> 00:48:24.960
business office administrator of the year. We're excited to welcome Mr. Aanessians to Pasadena Unified and look forward to his leadership and expertise he will bring in support of our students, staff, and our community. Welcome, Aric. It is my pleasure to introduce Miss

96
00:48:24.960 --> 00:48:41.520
Laura Barbara to my right as Pasadena Unified School District's new senior director of special education. Miss Barbara brings more than 26 years of educational experience spanning preschool through adulth, including extensive service as teacher, instructional leader, and district administrator. Throughout her career,

97
00:48:41.520 --> 00:48:57.839
she has demonstrated a deep commitment to of improving academic and social, emotional, and postsecary outcomes for all students with particular expertise in special ed, MTSS, and student support systems. Most recently, she has served Pasadena Unified as the coordinator of

98
00:48:57.839 --> 00:49:13.119
comprehensive coordinated early intervention services where she has supported school initiatives focus on literacy, attendance, discipline, compliance, monitoring, and equitable learning opportunities for students. Miss Barbara is recognized by her collaborative leadership style dedicated

99
00:49:13.119 --> 00:49:30.520
to meaningful professional development and strong partnership with families and the school community. We are thrilled to welcome Miss Barbara into the important leadership role and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on behalf of Pasadena Unified students and families. Welcome, Laura.

100
00:49:33.599 --> 00:49:50.400
>> Thank you, Madam President. >> So excited to have you on our team. All right. Next will be um item D1, approval of new Pasadena Unified School District Parent Group, Boses Unidas.

101
00:49:50.400 --> 00:50:18.960
Uh Dr. Mumalo, is there any public comment? >> There are two cards. We can do it after the presentation. >> Okay, great. Good evening, President Frederick's, members of the board, and Dr. Blanco. My name is Nancy Molina, and I'm here with Dr. Shannon Mumulo representing our

102
00:50:18.960 --> 00:50:33.520
office of family and community engagement. It is my privilege to introduce Boses Sunnidas, a group of dedicated parents who have come together with a shared commitment to strengthening partnership, belonging, and elevating the voices of Latino

103
00:50:33.520 --> 00:50:50.400
families in our communities. Tonight they are here to share their vision and seek recognition as an official PUSD pairing group. >> Good evening. Um, good evening, Superintendent Blanco, board members, and the PSD community. My name is Diane

104
00:50:50.400 --> 00:51:08.559
River, and I'm the president of Boss. And I wanted to go ahead and let the board also introduce themselves. >> For having us, I'm Liliana Cornetto. I serve on the board as the communications chair. Hi everyone, my name is Luciana Lald and

105
00:51:08.559 --> 00:51:24.240
I am representing the elementary schools. >> Hello everyone, I'm Heidi Garbaldo and I represent the middle schools. Hola, my Vernandez high school.

106
00:51:24.240 --> 00:51:44.160
>> Hello, my name is Gracia Nernandez and I'm the student representative for Boss. Thank you. Thank you. So who we areas means United Voices. Excuse me. Thank you. And that's exactly

107
00:51:44.160 --> 00:51:59.680
what we hope to build a stronger voice for families across PUSD. Um Sunas was formed. Sorry, do you mind going back one? That's okay. Was formed by Latino parents across PSD to strengthen the connection, representation, and collaboration between families and

108
00:51:59.680 --> 00:52:16.880
schools. Um, our families deeply value education and want to be active participants in our children's success. But many families still face barriers and it makes it difficult to fully engage. Whether those barriers are language, access to information, or simply not feeling represented in educational spaces. For many of us, this

109
00:52:16.880 --> 00:52:31.920
is long overdue. Um, we believe Latino families deserve an organized and collaborative and respected voice here at PUSD. Um, in our community, education has always been um connection to sacrifice, resilience, and hope.

110
00:52:31.920 --> 00:52:49.280
This message is especially personal um to all of us and to all of our children. And I think back on Himescalante, who was a great educator here in the Los Angeles area. And he once said, "The key to success is education." His belief was simple that students are supported, encouraged, and truly believed in they

111
00:52:49.280 --> 00:53:06.400
will rise to the expectations. And that's what we plan to do with BOSAS. And our vision um our vision is to build a united, organized, and represented community of Latino families that work alongside PUSD, not against, but with in

112
00:53:06.400 --> 00:53:22.160
collaboration with PUSD to support student success. And Heidi will go ahead and read our mission. I won't go over the whole mission so you can read it on your own, but in summary, what we are is we help Latino families and communities have a voice in PUSD. We

113
00:53:22.160 --> 00:53:39.839
support student success and we bring families together to connect, share, and work with PUSD for positive change. Then >> I know we introduced ourselves earlier, but this is our leadership team and Oh, no, you can go ahead. Sorry.

114
00:53:39.839 --> 00:53:55.760
But over the last year, we have been meeting with uh different schools um elacs meetings and um sorry, we've attended school events across the district, hosted community conversations, partnered with organizations, and facilitated listening

115
00:53:55.760 --> 00:54:12.640
sessions with families. And what we continue to hear is parents want to help, parents want to participate, and parents want to support their children. And I'll turn the time over to Liliana. >> Thank you. So, as as Diane said, we have been engaging and meeting directly with the community at different school sites,

116
00:54:12.640 --> 00:54:28.319
at different community events. And I know this board, a number of folks have been supportive and have attended those. And what we've done is try to kind of pull from that information what our parent community, our Latino community, and families need from a group like this. And so, we have identified four

117
00:54:28.319 --> 00:54:43.920
priorities. I know that the slideshow was submitted to you, but I'll go over them very quickly of the things we hope to focus on. Uh first and foremost, as Diane said earlier, we hope to strengthen communication with this district transparency and family engagement. We want to be an ally. We

118
00:54:43.920 --> 00:55:00.559
want to be a partner in lifting up our families and communities. Next slide, please. Uh second priority would be to boost academic support for our families and educational opportunities. So a very clear focus on student achievement. We have heard that loud and clear from our families that they need support in that

119
00:55:00.559 --> 00:55:17.920
area. Our third focus area and priority would be to promote holistic well-being and safe environments for our children. At every virtually at every meeting, we heard from families that they have concerns around uh bullying, around safe spaces, special education, around

120
00:55:17.920 --> 00:55:34.400
discrimination and racial inequity. Um and so we heard that loud and clear and we have prioritized that as well. Our last priority um and we realize we're being very ambitious but there is in a compelling need for these um services and for this group. Our last

121
00:55:34.400 --> 00:55:50.400
priority would be to strengthen the unity, representation and empowerment of the Latino community. We all in this I think in this city and this space know that the Latino community has been frankly quite challenged and under attack on all sorts of levels and we want to be sure to recognize and support

122
00:55:50.400 --> 00:56:07.280
our community um as a Latino community and know that they are valued and important part of this city and district. Um we have uh a few next steps here that we plan to uh we have some representatives already at some school sites um and we have this board but we

123
00:56:07.280 --> 00:56:23.920
need to uh fill it out some more and create a representative ideally at each school site. I want to give a a shout out to APC and their model and that we are borrowing a lot from them leading their leadership has been um inval very very valuable. So thank you for that and

124
00:56:23.920 --> 00:56:39.359
so we hope to have that same kind of structure. uh we will try to start implementing these priorities um um slow and steady. We realize we are ambitious. We realize that there is a great need and we think we can help attack it in collaboration with this district. Um and

125
00:56:39.359 --> 00:57:10.839
then we want to develop clear systems to support the communication between our families, the district and this uh governing body. I'll turn it over back to >> Diana. Okay. Mexico. Gracias.

126
00:57:36.319 --> 00:58:28.799
Marshall fellowament. I want to say thank you. Uh I want to just mention this is a whole pillar. Uh we want to I want the support of you with the parents, the school, the communities. Uh all this is a group. We

127
00:58:28.799 --> 00:58:51.280
need your support so we can uh take it uh support on schools or cities. And um I want to say thank you pretty much. Thank you for all your support. >> Okay. All right. Sorry. I just wanted to make sure that Lucy's uh remarks were translated, but they're much along the

128
00:58:51.280 --> 00:59:07.599
same lines. Um and in really just expressing gratitude to the school sites and to this district for allowing us this opportunity. In closing, um I want to give a few thank yous. um because I would be remiss not to thank some of our community partners who have shown up today, submitted public comment and

129
00:59:07.599 --> 00:59:23.440
opened their doors, specifically the Boys and Girls Club and Mario over there. We have G Albert from Collaborate Pasadena also been very supportive of this effort. Um folks at PF, folks at P at Penn also have been very supportive. Again, a number of

130
00:59:23.440 --> 00:59:39.200
trustees on this board have been to our events. Thank you very much. Uh Dr. Velasquez, thank you also for your support in this effort. Um, so we'd ask uh respectfully for your support in recognizing us as an official PUSD parent group so that we can uh get to

131
00:59:39.200 --> 01:00:00.720
work together. There's a lot of work to be done. Thanks so much. >> Thank you. >> Any trustees have any comments? Oh, did we do that? I don't Did anybody have any comments? Okay. Public comment.

132
01:00:00.720 --> 01:00:23.400
>> There are two speakers on this item. The first is Susan Schwarz, followed by G. Albert. I'm afraid to touch it. Right. Hi. Good evening, uh, board members and Superintendent Blanco. Oops.

133
01:00:23.599 --> 01:00:50.400
Yeah. Um, I'll keep my remarks brief. I'm here from Pasadena Education Network. My name is Susan Schwarz and we're just here to say how excited we are about the VOSUS Unidas initiative. Um and just as we

134
01:00:50.400 --> 01:01:15.440
have seen with AAPC um and and any time that parents work across the district, across schools, uh to come together and support all of our children, everybody benefits. So, thank you. >> Uh good evening. Uh my name is G. Albert

135
01:01:15.440 --> 01:01:30.960
and I serve as executive director of collaborate Pasadena. I'm here tonight to offer our enthusiastic support for the approval of BOSUS who need us as an official uh district affiliated parent group. First, I want to congratulate the board for your openness and responsiveness to this important

136
01:01:30.960 --> 01:01:46.799
initiative. Your willingness to create formal structures for family voice and represent and representation reflects the best of what a school district can be. Collaborate Pasadena has the has had the honor of supporting PSD's community schools by facilitating focus groups

137
01:01:46.799 --> 01:02:02.640
with parents and caregivers conducted both in English and Spanish at each of our community schools. My most consistent and striking takeaway from conversations with Spanish-sp speakaking parents was a deep desire for an organization an organized body that truly represents their interests and

138
01:02:02.640 --> 01:02:18.960
concerns and that empowers them in ways that go beyond their current primary avenue of engagement which is through ELAC. This mirrors what I've observed over many years supporting PTAs at our schools, particularly those with predominantly Latino parent membership, where the hunger for meaningful

139
01:02:18.960 --> 01:02:34.079
culturally grounded representation has long been present. We have seen in our community the transformative power of the African-American Parent Council, an organization that not only supports black children and their families, but has actively and positively shaped policies and programs that benefit all

140
01:02:34.079 --> 01:02:50.240
childrens in the in this district. We believe Boss Sanenas can be that same kind of powerful community rooted force for the Latino and indigenous students and families. Collaborate Pasadena is committed to providing BOSUS with whatever technical,

141
01:02:50.240 --> 01:03:07.200
logistical uh and other support that they might need. We're invested in seeing this organization grow and thrive. We look forward to your vote tonight to formalize Vosus Unidas as the official as an official district affiliated parent group and that the great and the great things that we will

142
01:03:07.200 --> 01:03:30.240
accomplish together. Thank you. >> More public comment. Okay, Trusty Kenny, >> it didn't say on the board report specifically, but I was wondering what does it mean to be an official district affiliated group? Are there uh some benefits? Is there certain supports that

143
01:03:30.240 --> 01:03:48.319
are provided? >> Yes. So, uh, Nancy Molina, our assistant coordinator in the office of family engagement, has been a support as the group has been, uh, emerging and developing their goals. And so, we would continue to provide that ongoing support

144
01:03:48.319 --> 01:04:04.640
as well as meeting space, uh, supporting child care when they have events. Um, but really this is by parents for parents and we're open to hearing what types of supports that they feel they need and to see what we can provide wherever appropriate. So, >> and they'll be incorporated into the

145
01:04:04.640 --> 01:04:20.400
LCAP engagement process. >> Yeah. So, Dr. Turley does spend time with our parent groups to look at their recommendations as and share with them our LCAP goals and uh I know that we're about to start a new three-year cycle and goal development. So, their parent

146
01:04:20.400 --> 01:04:36.559
um input will be really important as we develop the new goals for the next cycle. >> All right. And I don't, this may be um a little premature, but I I'm wondering if they will be following the Green Act along with some of our other advisory committees, including AAPC and foster

147
01:04:36.559 --> 01:04:53.440
youth. There's a administrative reggg that we have that lists all the groups. So, but I don't know if if they're familiar with that, you know, the 72-hour notice being open to the public, having public comment. So, >> I'm sure that our parents want as many other parents as possible to know about

148
01:04:53.440 --> 01:05:09.440
meetings in advance and we can share those guidelines with them um as a best practice. >> Okay. Let us know if we need to update uh our policies to reflect that. And then I had a comment. >> Um are there any inquiries other questions?

149
01:05:09.440 --> 01:06:41.119
>> Okay, now we're in advocacy. Thank you. >> I just want to say um thank you to do Dr. Velasquez for for planting the seed for this committee. Um, I was there on the day it happened. participant. I am not going to translate. Thank you

150
01:06:41.119 --> 01:06:57.599
so much to the parents of leaders of bosses for this presentation and the work. Um, I want to acknowledge that this effort grew out of years of conversations with Latinos in the district that wanted stronger representation, connection and a voice

151
01:06:57.599 --> 01:07:14.240
in PSUD. For many, many years, the only space of formalized connection was Eli. But um Eli had its limitations and it developed and invested in leadership that then had to abandon once they understood the process and the system of

152
01:07:14.240 --> 01:07:30.799
this districts and its organization. So it is important for us to have a space that can capitalize on the investment on growth and leadership among all of these wonderful women. Um for the last two years I've been advocating for the

153
01:07:30.799 --> 01:07:48.119
urgent need for this space and I just want to to thank this wonderful group of women for making it happen. We owe you this. The entire Pasadena Unified owes you this, owes you the service for this. And I'm very proud to be able to support you. Thank you.

154
01:07:50.559 --> 01:08:07.200
>> Any further advocacy? Trusty Harden. >> Well, I just want to say this is far far overdue and I'm so happy that we've gotten to this moment and thank you to Dr. Velasquez for really that spark to or the seed is what said to start the

155
01:08:07.200 --> 01:08:22.480
process. Um I think this is going to have farreaching uh implications positive on uh student achievement, cultural awareness, uh fellowship with other parent groups. Um it really is going to be shared advocacy and I'm so

156
01:08:22.480 --> 01:08:39.359
excited about that. Um my experience with this group and its formation has just been to experience the love in the room really. There's just uh uh the the the leaders that the initial board uh the support of the leaders have really shown that love and

157
01:08:39.359 --> 01:08:59.520
support uh for the community and love for the students. So there's um I'm just couldn't this organization couldn't be starting off in better hands and I'm I'm proud to support this. I'm really excited. Any further advocacy?

158
01:08:59.520 --> 01:09:15.279
Okay, ready for the vote? Preferential vote. Trusty Hong, >> I'm sorry. >> I would like to place a motion to approve visas as a recognized group for Pacina Unified. >> Is there a second? >> Is that >> okay?

159
01:09:15.279 --> 01:09:32.480
>> Go ahead, Chie. The student assembly and council voted yes on this item due due to its influence and importance. Latino students and families make up a large portion of the school district and allowing them to advocate for themselves in a stronger way increases

160
01:09:32.480 --> 01:09:53.400
collaboration between the board and individuals. >> And your preferential vote is okay. All right. All those all those in favor any extensions or anybody against motion passes unanimously.

161
01:10:05.040 --> 01:11:29.600
>> Sorry. Quick thank you also to Nancy who has been with us the whole time. I apologize for not mentioning it earlier but thank you guys so much. Nancy She's been fantastic. Don't worry. >> All right. Thank you. Now, uh, now the public comments for

162
01:11:29.600 --> 01:11:44.560
closed. Trusty McKenzie, are there any public comments for closed? >> No public comment on closed session items. >> Oh, wait. >> But these are on the

163
01:11:44.560 --> 01:12:14.800
>> Oh, apologies. We do have three cards. Um, the first speaker is Warren Bleecker. Oh, sorry. >> Three minutes. Okay. >> You ready? So, I understand that um you're going to go into close session and do an a performance evaluation of

164
01:12:14.800 --> 01:12:32.000
Dr. Blanco. And um as you know, I've done some PRA requests and I found some things that are a little bit concerning. Um there's a number of text messages from this fall between Scott Harden, Kim Kenny, Tina Fredericks, and others complaining vigorously um and sometimes

165
01:12:32.000 --> 01:12:47.760
unprofessionally about Dr. Blanco not favoring school consolidation and being an obstacle to their school consolidation plan. And around that same time frame, um, according to these text messages, apparently it was Tina Frederick's began advocating support for

166
01:12:47.760 --> 01:13:04.960
adding back closure criteria to performance evaluation for Dr. Blanco. So, one could look at that and say, "Oh, Dr. Blanco is an impediment to my school closure plan. Maybe we should decide to give her a performance evaluation based on how she blocks or doesn't block our

167
01:13:04.960 --> 01:13:21.199
closure plan, which is a problem." Um, there's a text message from Scott Harden to Dr. Blanco, reminding Dr. Blanco that TF was advocating support for adding back closure criteria to performance evaluation. And Dr. Blanco responded that, well, clear direction would be

168
01:13:21.199 --> 01:13:37.120
helpful. Unless she has clear direction, then she's being evaluated on accomplishing the goal. And creating an evaluation tool without direction is a little backwards. saying in case we decide we want to do in saying in case we decide to do what we want in the

169
01:13:37.120 --> 01:13:53.520
evaluation tool is a little strange to me and I agree with that. If you're going to give um performance evaluation to the person you are supervising, it's important to let them know what the criteria is ahead of time. And if you're concerned that she and her professional

170
01:13:53.520 --> 01:14:10.159
um judgment is blocking your particular school consolidation plan and you're using threats to her to force her to allow you to do that plan, that's a problem. Um so we will be watching this. We will be watching what happens and we

171
01:14:10.159 --> 01:14:24.960
will make sure that you are held accountable for your actions. And it is not correct and it's not appropriate to blame Dr. Blanco for poor decisions or poor actions or unlawful actions you have taken. And it is not fair to blame

172
01:14:24.960 --> 01:14:41.199
Dr. Blanco for concealing information from Dr. Blanco and then trying to blame her for the consequences of your bad decisions. And if that's what in fact is happening, and I hope it's not, but if it is, that may violate the law. And you will be sure that we will hold you

173
01:14:41.199 --> 01:15:10.480
accountable for that. Thank you. The next speaker is Sarah Poji. >> Hi, I'm Sarah Poji. I am a parent of two former Don Bonito students and two current Marshall students. I am also here today to speak regarding the close session

174
01:15:10.480 --> 01:15:26.239
item pertaining to Dr. Blond Blanco's performance evaluation and I wanted to note that regarding the SCAC process and the current potential litigation related to Brown Act violation, taxpayer fraud

175
01:15:26.239 --> 01:15:44.199
and waste and others that rest solely on the shoulders of four board trustees. That's on you. the ESC recommendation against closing schools and the attendant fallout. That's on the four of you.

176
01:15:44.719 --> 01:16:00.560
Do not blame Dr. Blanco for your failures and your backroom dealings. To do so would be disingenuous. It would be unfair, misplaced, and invite additional litigation. Do not project your failures

177
01:16:00.560 --> 01:16:23.520
onto Dr. Blanco. And the last speaker on this item is Liliana Cornado. >> Hi again. Thank you uh for the time. I just wanted to uh comment uh about uh Dr. Blanco and uh terms of her

178
01:16:23.520 --> 01:16:40.480
evaluation when you go into close session. Uh I'm a very engaged parent in many aspects at my school site and now at the district and I've had lots of occasions to interact with SLT and Dr. Blanco specifically and I just wanted to uh support her in the very challenging

179
01:16:40.480 --> 01:16:56.320
work that she has to do as a district even excuse me as a superintendent in this district even before the challenges that we are facing now with potential consolidation etc etc. I think um I have had many occasions to reach out to the district and to Dr. Blanco specifically

180
01:16:56.320 --> 01:17:12.880
and to her team um about um different issues at my school site, different challenges, different requests, including uh visas, which you just approved. So, thank you for that. Um and she has been steadfastly supportive, responsive, communicative, and

181
01:17:12.880 --> 01:17:29.120
incredibly student centered. Um so, I just wanted to share that. That is my experience with her over the last um uh even before she was the superintendent, but certainly over the last few years that she's been um in this in this very challenging role. Uh I know that she's

182
01:17:29.120 --> 01:17:45.199
continuing to engage with the community uh about this consolidation process or potential consolidation process. I know she cares deeply and I do appreciate um her being a role model for uh our district and specifically for the Latino uh community uh as a woman of color in

183
01:17:45.199 --> 01:18:56.440
this uh role. So I just wanted to comment on that and and share my personal experience. Um and uh thank you for your time. >> Any further comments? Thank you. Recessing to close. Heat. Heat.

184
01:20:56.640 --> 01:30:05.560
Hey, hey, hey. I'm happy. Oh yeah. Goodbye. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

185
01:35:23.199 --> 01:44:09.320
All right. Come on. Come on. I'm a Hello. Ha. You don't Heat. Heat. Hello. Hey. Hey.

186
01:44:32.639 --> 01:58:07.320
Data. Doo doo. Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Pink. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat.

187
01:58:22.000 --> 02:08:44.040
Heat. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hello. Hey. Hey. Heat.

188
02:09:00.560 --> 02:52:17.640
Hey, Heat. All right. Happy. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey. Hello. Come on. Heat. Heat. Yeah,

189
02:52:36.080 --> 03:00:08.640
doo. Doo doo doo doo doo doo. Heat. Heat. Woodwork. Calling the meeting to order >> concerning item F1. One, case number concerning item F1, case number 958203. By a vote of 7 to zero, the board took

190
03:00:08.640 --> 03:00:24.240
action to approve the settlement of special education litigation in accordance with the terms of the written agreement concerning item F2, case number 2026040166. By a vote of 7 to zero, the board took action to approve of the settlement of special education litigation in accordance with terms of written

191
03:00:24.240 --> 03:00:41.359
agreement. Concerning item F3, case number 2026010371 by a vote of 7 to zero. The board took action to approve of the settlement of a special education litigation in accordance with the terms of the written agreement concerning item F4 case number 20260828

192
03:00:41.359 --> 03:00:57.279
by a vote of 7 to zero. The board took action to approve of settlement of a special education litigation in accordance with the terms of a written agreement concerning item F5, case number 2026020547 by a vote of 7 to zero. The board took action to approve of the settlement of

193
03:00:57.279 --> 03:01:12.560
special education litigation in accordance with the terms of written agreement. Concerning item F6, case number 2026020752 by a vote of seven to zero. The board took action to approve of the settlement of special education litigation in accordance with the terms of a written

194
03:01:12.560 --> 03:01:29.200
agreement. Concerning item F7, case number 2026020759 by a vote of 7 to 0. The board took action to approve of the settlement of special education litigation in accordance with the terms of the written agreement concerning at item F8, case number 2026030611

195
03:01:29.200 --> 03:01:45.279
by a vote of 7 to 0. The board took action to approve of settlement of special education litigation in accordance with the terms of written agreement. Public employment discipline dismissal release in a close session. board. The trustees approved a resignation

196
03:01:45.279 --> 03:02:03.200
agreement and general release between district and employee number YN3657210. Under the terms of the agreement, the employee shall resign from employment effective June 30th, 2026 in exchange for the release of all existing claims against the district. The vote was as

197
03:02:03.200 --> 03:02:22.160
follows 700 Z. Conference with legal counsel existing litigation GC 54956.9A in close session. The board of trustees approved a settlement agreement between the district and CSEA resolving public

198
03:02:22.160 --> 03:02:38.880
employment relations board case number LA6912E. The vote was as follows. I7 no zero abstain zero abs absent zero. The announcement of close session actions is complete and the close

199
03:02:38.880 --> 03:03:12.560
session stands adjourned. >> Can we please have roll call? >> Here. >> Here. Here. >> Here. here. >> Here.

200
03:03:12.560 --> 03:03:59.160
>> Here. >> Thank you. Trusty Hong, will you do the honors of leading the pledge of allegiance? Okay. Trust Dr. Dr. Blanco, can you lead us? Thank you, Dr. Blanco.

201
03:04:09.040 --> 03:04:29.760
Uh, we have a question about the um public hearing moving the students up. Did we have a answer? Okay. When we get a response, we can address it then. Right. So, how many public comments we have at the beginning

202
03:04:29.760 --> 03:04:44.800
of the meeting? >> Believe the number is 64. >> All right. Uh, one minute. >> Yes. So, I understand that we have reduced But we are doing so in order to allow

203
03:04:44.800 --> 03:05:02.560
every who has taken their time to be here to have the opportunity to speak. So I do hope you understand that and I hope that you will respect the time limit so that we can allow as many people as possible to be able to have their voices heard tonight. We've tried to um pull out the students

204
03:05:02.560 --> 03:05:24.000
who have signed up so that you all can speak first. The first group that I have is the Roland Bond and the JOTC. Okay, we'll come back to Roland when they're ready.

205
03:05:24.000 --> 03:05:50.680
Leonardo Don back to Leo. Gana Dolick Gilana Julian. Okay, that's one. When they're when they're in, we'll call their names there again. Maya Matasuki,

206
03:05:53.760 --> 03:07:17.680
>> Brendan You'll have one minute when the timer begins. And please state your name for the record when you start. Hello, my name is Roland Fawn and I represent the Blair JOTC. I'm sure that over the course of these reviews, you

207
03:07:17.680 --> 03:07:33.840
have heard many examples for the reasons to keep Blair Middle School and High School open. We here to represent another program for which Blair has that is unique to the district. Once upon a time, there used to be several JOTC programs, but now there's only ours. Blair High School's JOTC program in the

208
03:07:33.840 --> 03:07:49.920
PUSD district. The most community-f facing program in all of PUSD. From performing opening ceremonies for Congresswoman Judy Chu to presenting the colors for Mayor Gordo's Veterans Day celebration to the American Legion's Memorial Day ceremony. I'm sure I'm not

209
03:07:49.920 --> 03:08:06.399
the only student, but instead I represent the majority of our participants when I say that the program teaches us how to be better and more involved citizens while also giving us a sense of pride in volunteering for the community. In addition to leadership skills, the program teaches us to be proud for what we believe in. BL has

210
03:08:06.399 --> 03:08:35.279
invested so much in this program that it would be a shame to lose it. >> Thank you. Calling again for Leonardo Donlet. >> Good evening. My name is Leo and I'm in ninth grade. To me, Blair is more than just a school. It is a community where

211
03:08:35.279 --> 03:08:51.840
everyone is welcome. Students from the International Academy and people with different backgrounds. I'm speaking not only for myself, but also for students and families who are afraid to speak publicly right now because of the fear that many immigrant families are feeling. For many of us, Blair is a safe place. It is where we feel accepted,

212
03:08:51.840 --> 03:09:08.560
protected, and supported while we learn, grow, and prepare for the life ahead of us. After CO, the fires, and with so much racism and fear around us, the board should be ashamed to even consider closing schools now. Blair's success should be celebrated, not erased. Please protect our schools. Please protect

213
03:09:08.560 --> 03:09:34.880
Blair. Good evening. My name is Julie and I'm a 10th grader at Blair. Blair is the place where I found my voice. Before Blair, I was quiet and barely spoke in public. Because of this school, my teachers, and this community, I became middle school validictorian and gave a speech to in

214
03:09:34.880 --> 03:09:50.560
front of hundreds of people. Now I am speaking here in front of you. My dream is to become a veterinarian and I'm about to begin the full diploma. I was excited about my future, especially seeing this year's Blair seniors accepted to the best colleges

215
03:09:50.560 --> 03:10:10.080
across the country. Now I am scared. If Blair closes, I lose that path. My teachers, my friends, and the school community that helped me become who I am. Please do not take that away from us. Thank you. >> Uh good evening members of the board and

216
03:10:10.080 --> 03:10:25.920
Dr. Blanco. My name is Maya Madesi. I'd like to start by telling you how PSD's plan for possible consolidation inspired the topic for my 10th grade personal project. For those of you who don't know what the 10th grade personal project is, it's an IB thing. It is the final project at the end of the middle years

217
03:10:25.920 --> 03:10:42.000
program currently only available at Blair. School culture. I can attest to the academically rigorous culture we have with Waldo IB. Even if they don't participate in the IB diploma or career program, all students at Blair benefit from the culture and philosophy of IB. We are a school filled with global

218
03:10:42.000 --> 03:10:58.000
minded, inquiring, and caring young people. On the official Instagram page I created for this project, I asked for alumni input. I believe the value of IB is that students can feel more confident and equipped for higher education beyond, says Jordan Fleshman, a freshman at UCLA. Ailio Stewart Albon, a student

219
03:10:58.000 --> 03:11:19.600
at Columbia, says, "The high amount of writing required for the IB program specifically made my transition to college easier. IB helps these students thrive in all types of colleges. Thank you for your time. I'm asking for all of you to Hello, my name is Brendan and uh I would like to talk about one of my favorite

220
03:11:19.600 --> 03:11:35.920
parts of Blair. Uh I'm in eighth grade and uh I chose to go to Blair partly because of Ovations Theater Company. Uh every fall we do a um Shakespeare play and we dive thoroughly into the text analysis of that play which helps us a

221
03:11:35.920 --> 03:11:52.800
lot academically un works with English and then we also act that out on stage and I've learned some of the most about theater through ovations. Um, and I would also like to say that 25% of the student body o at Blair participates

222
03:11:52.800 --> 03:12:08.920
innovations and it's unrealistic to think that it could be moved without disrupting what makes it work. Part of what makes it work is the fact that Blair uh is a high school and a middle school and closing Blair kills ovations. Please keep Blair open. Thank you.

223
03:12:09.600 --> 03:12:31.840
>> Maline Katon Hi, my name is Maline Keane and I'm here today to ask you to please keep third Marshall open. Marshall is more than just a school to me. It's a place that helped me find myself and become more confident in who I am. One of the biggest reasons why I chose Marshall was because it was a 6 through 12 school. Being able to grow up in the same

224
03:12:31.840 --> 03:12:48.319
community has made such a huge difference in my life. I've built strong relationships with my teacher and staff. After the eat and fire, having a stable and supportive school community has became even more important to me. Before coming here, I didn't I didn't always feel like I fit in. But Marshall gave me a place where I could grow and feel accepted. The teachers and staff pushed

225
03:12:48.319 --> 03:13:02.560
students to succeed, not just academically, but personally, too. Please don't just look at the numbers or budgets. Think about the students whose lives are being changed here every single day. Marshall has helped me and helped me and so many others too. Please reconsider your thoughts and keep thood

226
03:13:02.560 --> 03:13:28.239
Marshall open. Thank you. Elsa Pelzan. >> I'm sorry. If you can pronounce your name when you get to the mic, it'll be helpful. >> Um, I'm Elsa Peltzer. Thank you. Hello, PD board members. My name is Elsa Peltzer. I am 15 years

227
03:13:28.239 --> 03:13:43.920
old and my house burned down last year and I go to Marshall. I would love to continue to go to Marshall, but because of your unfortunate financial decisions, that probably won't happen. You have made it extremely difficult for me and my peers to stay in Pasadena. I myself might have to move 4 hours away to a

228
03:13:43.920 --> 03:13:59.120
town no one has ever heard of because Marshall, the most diverse and college accepted high school in Pasadena, might close down. My parents are saying opportunities will be better in Vicelia, will be closer to my grandparents, and I can always make new friends. But I don't want to make new friends. I don't want

229
03:13:59.120 --> 03:14:16.359
to have to learn a new campus in my junior year of high school. I have already gone through enough. Why do you have to take away the one thing I have left? There is only so much a teenage girl can go through before she gives up. Marshall system works. Why should we change that? Because you made a mistake. >> Thank you.

230
03:14:17.520 --> 03:14:35.680
>> Thank you all. I'm going to ask if you can maintain order in the room so we can continue to get through the speakers. There's a lot of speakers tonight. We want to be able to hear from everybody. Fiona Paul. >> Fiona. >> Hi, I'm Fiona Pit Cough.

231
03:14:35.680 --> 03:14:52.239
Our school is more than just a built Oh, have you started the timer? Do I do I just go? Okay, sorry. Our school is more than just a building. It's stability. It's community. And for students like me, it's an anchor. When I lost my home in the Eaton fire, everything familiar

232
03:14:52.239 --> 03:15:08.800
disappeared overnight. But one thing didn't. This school, it was the place where I could see my friends, talk to teachers who cared about me, and feel some sense of normaly in a time when nothing else felt normal. Closing the school wouldn't just shut down classrooms. It would take away the stability for students who need it the most. There are others like me who are

233
03:15:08.800 --> 03:15:23.040
dealing with loss, uncertainty, or hardship. And this school is one of the few places where we can still feel grounded. We are not just numbers on a budget sheet. We are students with lives, struggles, and futures. Please don't take away one of the few places that helps us keep going.

234
03:15:23.040 --> 03:15:43.920
>> Thank you, German Ever and then after that Nanette Ko >> if Nanette's here go ahead we'll come back to German when he's in the room >> German Ebender but if Nanette is here come on up

235
03:15:43.920 --> 03:15:59.120
>> Gemma >> I'm sorry Gemma good evening board members my name is Gemma Ever and I'm a nth at Marshall. Before coming to PSD, I attended a private school. My family chose Marshall

236
03:15:59.120 --> 03:16:15.359
because we believed in this school, its students, and the opportunity it's given us. If Marshall closes, many families like mine won't stay in the district. They will most likely return to private schools or leave PC completely. Closing Marshall would mean leaving behind all

237
03:16:15.359 --> 03:16:30.399
the memories we have made and splitting up so many people that have known each other for years. Marshall offers a strong community that makes students supported, welcomed, and motivated to succeed. That environment is hard to replace and leaving and would leave so

238
03:16:30.399 --> 03:16:47.760
many students like me without a strong community to rely on. I have learned more at Marshall than any other school I've gone to. And I firmly believe this is because of the amazing teachers and environment Marshall has. Moving around, moving us to PHS may sound simple on

239
03:16:47.760 --> 03:17:11.359
paper, but really it pushes But really, it destrupts many lives and pushes families away from public education altogether. Thank you. >> Hello members of the board. My name is Nanette Ko and I am a ninth grader at Marshall. I'm here tonight to ask you to

240
03:17:11.359 --> 03:17:26.319
please keep Marshall open. Marshall is not just another school. It is one of the highest performing schools in our area. Marshall was named number one high school public or private in the San Gabriel Valley by Money Inc. and ranked number one in PSUD by US News and World

241
03:17:26.319 --> 03:17:42.319
Report. In 2024, Marshall enrolled more students into top UC schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego than any other public or private school in Pasadena. That success comes comes from giving students opportunities to take in rigorous classes while also

242
03:17:42.319 --> 03:17:58.399
participating in arts programs, athletics, leadership, and other activities that help us become well-rounded people. Marshall has also consistently had the highest graduation rates and A throughg completion rates in the district, even without receiving additional funding. Closing Marshall

243
03:17:58.399 --> 03:18:12.560
would take away opportunities from students who are thriving here. Marshall has built a strong community where students are supported academically and personally. Please continue investing. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay. Thank you.

244
03:18:12.560 --> 03:18:34.359
>> Okay. Michael Burner Lab Jessica followed by Jessica Vulpi followed by Tona Rodriguez. We'll keep calling names and come back to them when they're in the room. Sarah Poji. Oh, Michael's here.

245
03:18:40.239 --> 03:18:57.200
>> Hi, I'm Tona Rodriguez. I served on the consolidation committee and what I experienced wasn't community participation. It was community alienation. This committee was a great group of thoughtful people dedicated to the success of our district. And none of our input resulted in even the slightest

246
03:18:57.200 --> 03:19:14.560
change to the proposed scenarios. and don't believe the consultants. We didn't give up our power. We didn't ask for fully formed scenarios. We asked for and never got clear, actionable information for decision-making. Shut out as we were, many of us voted no to express no

247
03:19:14.560 --> 03:19:30.560
confidence in the process. We would have loved to give a more constructive recommendation. Student success requires collective buyin from students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, the whole community. Listen to us. Do you

248
03:19:30.560 --> 03:19:54.960
want community buyin? Do you want a thriving district? Slow down. Build a real community engagement process. Do it well now or pay for it later. Good evening board. My name is Michael Burbar Laauo. I'm been a teacher of

249
03:19:54.960 --> 03:20:11.040
music at Blair since 2008 and I'm this year's teacher of the year. >> And my name is Jess and my name is Jessica Bulpi and I am the theater teacher at Blair and I've directed the last two all-star musicals. You're going to hear many emotional

250
03:20:11.040 --> 03:20:26.880
pleas tonight about school closures and consolidations. However, Mr. B and I are quite pragmatic. Over the last 20 and five years, respectively, we have built extraordinary arts programs at Blair through Modern Band and Ovations Theater Company.

251
03:20:26.880 --> 03:20:43.520
>> And so, we're here tonight to ask you to fully consider the weight of these decisions and their long-term impact on students and school culture. These programs are not easily programs are not as easily moved as people are. What makes these programs successful is the stability of the community and the

252
03:20:43.520 --> 03:21:02.000
collaborative partnerships built over decades. Thank you. >> Thank you. Calling them into the next three speakers, Sarah Poji, Matthew Strusi, and Pel Morales. Thank you. I'm Sarah Poji. I'm a

253
03:21:02.000 --> 03:21:19.040
Marshall parent. For those who might know how we got here today might not know, I'd like to read the following email dated December 1, 2025 in which TSS CEO copying TSS executive vice president Joseph Pandalfo emails Trustee

254
03:21:19.040 --> 03:21:35.120
Frederick's Velasquez and Harden referring to their past secret video conferences and potentially other calls and communications. Hello there. Interestingly, when we were in our meeting, Elizabeth, that's Dr. Blanco called and spoke with Joe. That's Joe

255
03:21:35.120 --> 03:21:52.399
Pandalfo. She was asking about the process, our availability, and wanted to discuss a contract. Joe is arranging a meeting for her and me. I think it would be best to not mention our discussions to the superintendent and let her own the process. In my meeting with her, I'm

256
03:21:52.399 --> 03:22:17.279
not planning to bring up our meetings and conversations with you guys. Joe hasn't done that either. Please let me know if you would like to handle it differently. Thanks >> Tina. I agree and very interesting. >> Hi. Uh my name is Matthew Struski. My

257
03:22:17.279 --> 03:22:31.760
daughter Rain is a sixth grader at Blair. I'm here to urge you to keep Blair open and all the schools open and rethink this consolidation process. Recently the board adopted resolution 2852 which established optimal school sizes for schools with grades 6 through

258
03:22:31.760 --> 03:22:47.600
12 as a student population between 800 to 1200. Blair has 951 students and is projected to stay in the optimal range for the foreseeable future. The current plan would move Blair Middle School students to Octavia Butler Middle School. The combined enrollment would be

259
03:22:47.600 --> 03:23:03.760
938. The resolution states the maximum should be no more than 900. The current plan would also move Blair High School students to John Mure, bringing the combined population to 1778, which is 178 students above the optimal population. And Mirror has a capacity of

260
03:23:03.760 --> 03:23:20.720
only 1698. So in Blair's case, the plan is to take students from newer campuses, an environment the board itself has described as optimal, and move them into older campuses that will be overcrowded on day one. How does this make sense? Just rethink this process.

261
03:23:20.720 --> 03:23:48.399
Pablo Morales. I don't see Paulo in the room. Mimi Fitzgerald. Hello, my name is Mimi Fitzgerald. I've been a resident of Pasadena for 42 years and I'm a retired teacher. I taught in

262
03:23:48.399 --> 03:24:04.000
LA Unified School District for 20 years as a special ed teacher and I know how painful this is because we went through it there too. I know that consolidation

263
03:24:04.000 --> 03:24:19.600
is a very painful process for students, families, teachers and administration. Unfortunately, and reality is that it is a process that

264
03:24:19.600 --> 03:24:44.479
will provide the best education for our students whom we all love. Did you start? Oh, hi. Unless our children learn to live together. Oh, unless our children begin to learn together, there's little hope that our people will learn to live together. This

265
03:24:44.479 --> 03:25:00.239
Thood Marshall quote opened my film about the history of PUSD. So, I found it interesting that the former fundamental school changed from John to Thood. In the 70s, this very room was often filled with angry families intimidating boards with recalls because

266
03:25:00.239 --> 03:25:17.600
the school's special white communities were threatened. Every time the board caved, a federal judge had to come in and do the right thing. In 1976, an appeal and the Supreme Court, he voted against

267
03:25:17.600 --> 03:25:33.680
those families wanting to reegregate. Today I rate parents were sold that their special schools and programs were better with when their specialness is just fewer at risk kids. They were sold better not

268
03:25:33.680 --> 03:25:50.479
>> that's not true >> not equal. >> I'm going to ask that we maintain order in the room if you don't mind. >> I feel like I get into five more seconds at least. Today, the fight between creating fewer inclusive, equitable, and

269
03:25:50.479 --> 03:26:05.840
excellent schools versus maintaining four hollowedout campuses with resource partying with good marshal support. >> All right. All right. >> Great. Let's

270
03:26:05.840 --> 03:26:22.600
>> I need everybody to maintain order. We are trying to accommodate everyone's voice in the room >> and we need you all to be respectful in order for that to happen. >> Okay. We're going to wait. >> We're gonna We're gonna wait. >> We're gonna wait.

271
03:26:25.439 --> 03:26:39.840
>> Okay. We're going to wait. >> Again, this is a meeting of the board that the public is allowed to watch. We're asking you as a courtesy, please allow us to be able to get through all of the names so that everyone can have a chance to speak tonight.

272
03:26:39.840 --> 03:26:56.000
>> And if you are disrupting someone else or taking someone else's time and that's not right, I'm going to move on to the next three names. Jane Patel followed by Anushia

273
03:26:56.000 --> 03:27:21.040
Leeno. I'm going to ask for forgiveness of pronouncing the names as well. And then Franchesca Mariani. Good evening board members. My name is Franchesca Mariani and I have two children in PSD schools and I'm asking you to keep Blair open like many of our

274
03:27:21.040 --> 03:27:38.160
friends here. Blair is succeeding at something the district desperately needs right now. Retaining families. PSD does not just have a birth rate problem. It has a retention problem. Every family that leaves the district takes funding with them. And the truth is it's not a mystery how many students we will have

275
03:27:38.160 --> 03:27:54.800
10 years from now. Many of them are sitting in first grade grade grade classrooms right now. The question is whether those families will still choose PUSD when their children reach middle school and high school. Blair gives us an important clues about how to answer that question. While enrollment declines

276
03:27:54.800 --> 03:28:10.800
across much of the district, Blair's enrollment remains relatively stable because families choose to stay. Blair offers something unique. The district's only 6 through 12 IB program and Spanish 9010 dual language immersion program. IB is not reserved for small groups of

277
03:28:10.800 --> 03:28:32.399
students. Blair is wall-to-all IB and any student can take um classes in IB. So um please do not break what is working and keep Blair open. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Is Jane Patel in the room? >> Good evening.

278
03:28:32.399 --> 03:28:48.080
Uh let's be clear about what this recall threat is really about. It's about being framed or it's being framed as accountability, but in practice, it is an attempt to punish a board member for forcing POSD to

279
03:28:48.080 --> 03:29:05.279
confront a reality everyone knows is coming. declining enrollment, underused campuses, rising costs, hazardous contamination issues from the eaten fire, risks that the district could lose local control if it

280
03:29:05.279 --> 03:29:20.080
refuses to make the difficult decisions in front of it. There are legitimate questions about transparency, and those questions should be reviewed openly and seriously, avoiding assumption and conflation.

281
03:29:20.080 --> 03:29:36.399
But a recall is not a substitute for that process. A recall is a political weapon and right now it is being used to stop an honest conversation about what kind of school district PSUSD can actually sustain. >> Thank you so much.

282
03:29:36.399 --> 03:29:51.359
>> I'll just end and say >> thank you so much. >> Tina Frederick's being targeted because she is willing to face a structural >> finish your last sentence. >> Thank you. Goodbye. And I'm gonna ask again for order in the

283
03:29:51.359 --> 03:30:06.399
room. >> Thank you. Go ahead, ma'am. >> Hi, my name is Anushia and I am a PSD parent and a community member. I hold PUSD dear to my heart and want what is

284
03:30:06.399 --> 03:30:23.520
best for every student, teacher, and staff in the school district. For this reason, although painful in the short run, I support school consolidation in order to expand opportunities for all students. Declining enrollment and the financial deficit as a result of that is

285
03:30:23.520 --> 03:30:40.319
a fact and not anyone's mistake. Further delays will only push the transition by two years, leading to another year of significant layoffs. If we don't take action now, the county will assume control of the district and place it in receiverhip, which would result in

286
03:30:40.319 --> 03:30:56.880
losing our local representation. I urge the board to prioritize consolidation as the cornerstone of building a better Pasadena Unified School District. A new path forward begins with the board's affirmative vote for consolidation.

287
03:30:56.880 --> 03:31:15.680
Thank you. >> Thank you. The next three speakers are Dawn Dennison, Terry Richardson, and Philip Solomon. >> Good evening, board members. Don Dennison. I'm a recall organizer, apparently, according to the newspaper.

288
03:31:15.680 --> 03:31:32.800
Tonight, I'm here to formally serve Tina Frederick's with a notice of intent to recall. Despite what some people think, it's not a political weapon. It's about standing for the process and the substance of what this community stands for. This action is not taken lightly. The

289
03:31:32.800 --> 03:31:50.160
law and the trust in your leadership is broken. Multiple Brown Act violations, closed dooror deliberations, and lack of transparency surrounding anything of this has broken all of it. You focused on real estate development when your responsibility is student development

290
03:31:50.160 --> 03:32:06.960
and achievement. You lied to constituents. Let me get through my minute. I got 15 seconds. You lied about a transparent process while asking the consultant the nicest, softest words for closures. You also issued an email about the board self-evaluating its actions while filing

291
03:32:06.960 --> 03:32:35.359
your 2028 election papers and looking to your political future. This needs to end here and now. We need real leadership. Good evening. My name is Terry Richardson and I am commentating as a proud POSD parent. It is rare today when

292
03:32:35.359 --> 03:32:50.880
twothirds of a diverse group of Americans can agree on anything. But that is exactly what happened with the SC. Twothirds of the SEC came together to say no to school closures and consolidation. As a board who voted to spend $230,000

293
03:32:50.880 --> 03:33:07.520
of public tax money and countless hours of time, sweat, and energy of 30 community members, you must honor their decision and put a halt to this painful process. If there's anything positive that came from this process, it is that families from many of our amazing schools abandoned past mistakes of

294
03:33:07.520 --> 03:33:24.160
pointing fingers at each other to save their one school and instead work together hand in hand to be PUSD proud in support of all of our schools and students. You can do the same. You can roll abandon this process, roll up your sleeves, and do the hard work of finding ways to bring in additional necessary funding to operate our schools. It is

295
03:33:24.160 --> 03:33:47.040
past time for you to make asset management a priority. This should be a regular agenda item at every board meeting. >> Good evening. My name is Dr. Solomon. I am accompanied with some other gentlemen who are concerned fathers in our community. Um, speaking on behalf of a

296
03:33:47.040 --> 03:34:01.760
group of involved fathers who are concerned about the use specifically of screens in early childhood education, we're not anti-technology. We understand that tech has a time and place, especially for accessibility, accommodations, and older students. But for preschool, TK, kindergarten, and

297
03:34:01.760 --> 03:34:17.359
first grade screens should be rare, intentional, and teacher guided and developmentally appropriate. Young children do not learn best through tablets or web-based platforms. They learn through human interaction, movement, play, storytelling, conversations, and eye contact. These

298
03:34:17.359 --> 03:34:31.680
early years are critical for attention span. LUSD has already moved towards restricting usage for these young students, including delaying schoolisssued devices until second grade. They we should be following the same suit. Pasadena Unified should have no way uh should really be held to the

299
03:34:31.680 --> 03:34:48.840
same u standards and criteria of LUSD to consider what the neurological impacts are going to be impacting these children at a young age. Thank you, gentlemen. >> Could I The next speakers are >> Leah Curillo.

300
03:34:48.960 --> 03:35:07.840
>> Well, actually, I was just wondering >> brief clarifying question. >> Could Dr. Hills speak to them and let them know about our our progress? >> Oh, Dr. Hill. Yeah, Dr. Hills got Thank you. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Lea Gario and I'm a sixth grader at Marshall. I came here

301
03:35:07.840 --> 03:35:24.080
tonight to address the decision of closing schools and why it is a horrible decision. One of the things that makes Marshall special is the school being from middle school to high school. Being able to stay in the same school community from middle school through high school helps students feel supported, comfortable, and confident as they grow up and learn. We build strong

302
03:35:24.080 --> 03:35:39.359
relationships with teachers, staff, and classmates. And that stability really matters. I've also spoken to many students who do not want to attend overcrowded high schools. Here at Marshall, there is much more opportunities like school musicals, sports teams, ASB leadership, and academics honors. Students want the

303
03:35:39.359 --> 03:35:53.520
chance to participate, grow, and feel seen, not feel lost in a much bigger school. Closing schools doesn't just affect buildings or budget. It expects families and future students who hope for a strong academic path in the future. This is a turn I've spoken because the students are facing the

304
03:35:53.520 --> 03:36:15.600
consequences the board is just because the students are facing the poor actions that the the board is making. The next speakers are Lisa Cruzie, Marisel Tanzy, and Steven Cole. Good evening. I brought for you a

305
03:36:15.600 --> 03:36:31.520
research paper um that I hope everybody will seriously consider called Preparing Schools to meet the needs of students coping with trauma and toxic stress. As we all know, the process that we've gone through has not been communitydriven. It

306
03:36:31.520 --> 03:36:48.880
has not been transparent. There were plans made beforehand. This has been extremely stressful. And contrary to what many are saying, we are not at risk of being taken over by LEO right now. That is not true. So when you can't be

307
03:36:48.880 --> 03:37:04.880
honest, you can't be transparent. So if you can't be honest and you can't tell the community the truth that we are not at risk, that there are alternatives which you have not explored, there's revenue optimization that you can do. If

308
03:37:04.880 --> 03:37:23.439
you want to downsize something, two of you could resign and we could have a five member board. >> Good evening. My name is Marty Sultansy and I'm a long fellow parent with this being my first year at PUSD. Tonight, I am here to formally serve District 4

309
03:37:23.439 --> 03:37:39.600
board member Scott Harden with a notice of intent to recall. Mr. Harden has fundamentally broken our trust. In 2019, he publicly opposed school closures. Yet, after being elected on those very commitments, he reversed course to

310
03:37:39.600 --> 03:37:55.040
support a consolidation plan that disrupts thousands of students, families, and teachers. Public record indicates he participated in private closed door coordination regarding these closures, raising serious concerns about transparency and Brown Act compliance.

311
03:37:55.040 --> 03:38:10.960
He ignored a committee of parents and teachers who rejected every single closure. And he pushed ahead despite acknowledging this moves won't save money. Elected officials must conduct public business openly and honor their commitments to their students. This

312
03:38:10.960 --> 03:38:35.120
recall is about restoring accountability and ensuring District 4 families finally have a voice. >> Hello everybody, Steve Cole from uh Blair. Um I'd just like to let you guys know that currently the IB program and

313
03:38:35.120 --> 03:38:52.720
its 612 configuration is the optimal configuration for the program. The program is growing. We have more diploma candidates than we've ever had, more diploma recipients than we've ever had, more CP candidates and recipients than we've ever had. The uh the solution that

314
03:38:52.720 --> 03:39:10.239
was provided by TSS. Um they're actually uh we're paid about three times my annual salary. So just remember that when we talk about COLA, that was just an aside. Um, but basically their solution of splitting up the IB, separating it into two things, not only

315
03:39:10.239 --> 03:39:27.200
costs more, but is the least efficient configuration for actually getting students through the program and giving them access to the program. This needs to be a much more open process so that we can actually discuss what the merits and demmerits are for how we're actually

316
03:39:27.200 --> 03:39:44.600
finishing and moving about any kind of process to combine these schools. The 612 is the best that we currently have. so much Mr. Cole. >> The next speakers are Sabrina Lewis, Violet Taher, and Lando Marches.

317
03:39:51.680 --> 03:40:06.800
>> My name is Violet and I'm a student at Third Good Marshall Secondary School. I'm here tonight because Marshall is not just a school to me. It is my community, my stability, and a place where I have grown into the person I am becoming. Marshall is my school of choice. The 6 through 12 model has given me something

318
03:40:06.800 --> 03:40:22.080
that is very important to students my age. Consistency. I've been able to build lasting relationships with my teachers, classmates, and mentors. That stability helps me feel safe, supported, and connected. One of the things Marshall may that

319
03:40:22.080 --> 03:40:37.760
makes Marshall special is the sense of collaboration among students because we grow together. Um, over many years, we learn how to support one another and work through challenges. Tomorrow is my interview for the Bente program at Marshall, and I can't help but feel worried that this great program that

320
03:40:37.760 --> 03:40:52.399
I've been preparing for will be ripped away because of the decisions here today. As a Latina student, my education means everything to me and my family. My family has worked hard to give me opportunities, and Marshall has helped me. Okay,

321
03:40:52.399 --> 03:41:15.439
thanks. >> Thank you so much. Good evening board members. My name is Lando Marquesy and I'm an eighth grader at Marshall. As I'm promoted to 9th grade, I've been reflecting on what made my middle school's experience meaningful. It was feeling like I belonged. Starting middle school can be

322
03:41:15.439 --> 03:41:32.000
challenging, but at a 6th through 12 made that transition easier. Seeing high school students everyday gave me the role models to look up to and showed me what I can grow into. This year, a senior named Waverly Knight wrote me a letter about our time working together in drama program. She told me how much she valued my contribution even as a middle school student. That moment meant

323
03:41:32.000 --> 03:41:47.920
a lot to me because it showed that at Marshall, younger students are seen, respected, and encouraged by older students. That mentorship is something you can't easily recreate. Marshall may not have a turf field or an air conditioned auditorium, but it does have dedication. The students here care deeply about the school. At these recent rallies and meetings, Marshall students

324
03:41:47.920 --> 03:42:04.080
have continued to show up, speak out, and fight for the place they love. That says something important about our school. Marshall is more than a campus. It's a community where students feel connected and supported. Closing this school would impact everyone and destroy a model that has helped so many young people succeed. Please don't make the wrong decision and upset more people than you already have. Key Marshall open

325
03:42:04.080 --> 03:42:23.520
and the 6 through 12 model that has helped so many students grow. Thank you. >> My name is Sabrina Lewis and I made a public comment at a prior board meeting. Things have changed since the last time I was up here and much has been revealed.

326
03:42:23.520 --> 03:42:39.439
I work in television and what's happening with this district right now feels like a scripted drama series. The optics around this board's consolidation plans are not good, but it's not too late to fix that. The recently released communications surrounding the school

327
03:42:39.439 --> 03:42:55.680
consolidation process has made this community feel betrayed. Our family is new to this community and we moved here so that our daughter could attend Dom Bonito. I never imagined that I'd be walking my family into the chaos surrounding this district. But we're here now and I will not back down. The

328
03:42:55.680 --> 03:43:11.120
four board members that betrayed the trust of this community are now like the villains in a superhero movie. Our job as parents is to put on our superhero capes and fight back. We are gathered here today to stand our ground and ask you to do the right thing and put an end

329
03:43:11.120 --> 03:43:31.040
to this consolidation process. Avoid litigation and avoid more disappointment. Thank you. I'm also Oh, sorry. I'm also returning these um employee appreciation uh pins on behalf of some employees that do not feel appreciated.

330
03:43:32.000 --> 03:44:02.880
The next speakers are Amelia Marquez, Nikki Arakawa, and Susanna Castro. Good evening. My name is Nikki Arakawa. You Ford board members are the toxic chaos. You are the four re You four are the reason that the outsiders from our

331
03:44:02.880 --> 03:44:18.479
district say terrible things about us. You perpetuate false narratives and give them life. Let me be an example. On March 21st, I met with Scott Harden for coffee at Phils on Lake. It was a typical meeting, albeit long. I asked for advice on how to approach Tina

332
03:44:18.479 --> 03:44:33.840
Frederick's because it because it is known that Tina is not inclined to meet with her constituents, particularly the ones from Don Bonito. Scott suggested that she be treated gently and with love. Otherwise, she'll retreat and leave. Imagine my shock,

333
03:44:33.840 --> 03:44:50.800
Scott, when I go to read your texts to Trusty Kenny, saying, "I just met with the angry Dom Bonito mob." Me. Shocker. A white man in leadership falsely characterizing a Latina mom as an angry mob. Scott, there was no anger that day.

334
03:44:50.800 --> 03:45:12.880
There was no mob. Shame on you for selling a lie to your colleague. President Frederick's, shame on you for never coming to support our school. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. As a Marshall parent, I want to express my deep disappointment regarding the serial meetings and daisy

335
03:45:12.880 --> 03:45:28.399
chain communications connected to the hiring of TSS and the discussions surrounding potential school closures. The Brown Act exists for a reason. To protect transparency, preserve public trust, and ensure the community has the right to witness how decisions affecting our children are made. Parents should

336
03:45:28.399 --> 03:45:44.640
never feel that decisions of this magnitude were shaped outside of a transparent public process. Our community deserves accountability. Our children deserve decisions that follow both the letter and spirit of the law, especially when decisions carry such life-changing consequences for families.

337
03:45:44.640 --> 03:45:59.199
I will say this again. School closures are not simply operational or budgetary decisions. They impact families, children on every level, emotional, mentally, academically, socially and financially. They affect students stability, sense of belonging, future

338
03:45:59.199 --> 03:46:20.080
opportunities, and overall overall sorry students at receiving schools will also face their own set of challenges. Thank you. Hi, I'm Alia Marquez. I am a PhD parent and believe that the school consolidation process should be

339
03:46:20.080 --> 03:46:36.399
cancelled. The process is illegitimate. It was predetermined amongst board members Frederick's pardon Kenny Velasquez who had consulting firm Total School Solutions come up with the sham consolidation study to justify school closures. According to an external

340
03:46:36.399 --> 03:46:52.399
analysis, TSS equity impact analysis report has 49 mistakes alone and lacks overall credibility and validity. Parents are taking concrete steps to hold PSUD accountable for their corruption and are organizing in ways I

341
03:46:52.399 --> 03:47:07.920
have not seen before. And this gives me hope that leaders with integrity will be ushered in and the ones that are corrupt will be weeded out. I brought my kids here today so they can w so they can witness democracy in action and what standing up against

342
03:47:07.920 --> 03:47:24.880
leaders that are actively abusing their powers and cheating the system for their personal and political gains looks like. I ask that PUD cancel the consolidation process and that the board members involved resign. Thank you. The next three speakers are Alexandra

343
03:47:24.880 --> 03:47:41.359
Santiago, Lisa Santiago, and Fiona Burgess. >> Hi, my name is Allesandre Santiago. >> Hi, my name is Madison Castro. With the closure of Marshall, we would be losing the opportunity to take rigorous

344
03:47:41.359 --> 03:47:57.760
courses. Currently, we are halfway into getting associate degrees as sophomores because Marshall has provided so much opportunities for ourselves. As class of 2028, we'll also be affected as senior year of high school, which is supposed to be a time for creating memories to cherish the last moments with our Marsh

345
03:47:57.760 --> 03:48:14.479
community we have been with since sixth grade. But instead, we're going to be going through a drastic change, having to adapt to new teachers, new classes, new peers. With this, we would be losing our sports clubs, leadership positions, and all of which we have worked extremely hard to accomplish. And most

346
03:48:14.479 --> 03:48:38.640
importantly, friendships would be destroyed. We would sadly be forced to go to separate schools and go down separate paths. Please consider the students and the community we have made. >> Good evening more board members. My name is Lisa Santiago. I'm a proud parent at

347
03:48:38.640 --> 03:48:56.000
Marshall, a proud parent of Alexandra Santiago and another student who's graduating this year. I cannot imagine Pasadena Unified District without the crucial opportunities Marshall offers. As a person of color, I value the diversity at our beloved Marshall. It is

348
03:48:56.000 --> 03:49:13.120
the most welcoming community, no matter your background. The academic opportunities and resources are too many to list. It is truly a campus that nurtures and promotes student success on all levels. If our school is closed, you are

349
03:49:13.120 --> 03:49:27.520
eliminating a community of thriving students, engaged families, outstanding faculty, and passionate administrators. Please listen to our plea. Open your eyesights wide open, your hearts wide open, and be fair to the diverse

350
03:49:27.520 --> 03:49:49.760
population you serve. Thank you. Hello. Good evening. My name is Fiona Bergos. am a Blair parent and a nine-year PUSD parent. I urge the board to halt all school closures and commit to restarting a transparent

351
03:49:49.760 --> 03:50:05.040
community-led visioning process for the future of PUSD. Superintendent Blanco's Friday communicate from May 8th made it clear that closing Blair's IB program is financially and operationally

352
03:50:05.040 --> 03:50:21.760
unfeasible. It's requires massive staff retention and costs over 300,000 plus 90,000 for potential reertification. Merging with PHS is impossible due to the block schedule requirements and MUR lacks the capacity and financially this plan

353
03:50:21.760 --> 03:50:36.720
completely fails. We will lose 140 students that are inter in interd district families involuntarily because they will lose their approval to be in PUSD which will erase the pro most if not all of the projected savings. Please

354
03:50:36.720 --> 03:51:05.520
don't close Blair. Thank you. Thank you, Pamela Negler and Steve Ngler. We are Pamela Negler and Steven Negler, retired local public high school teachers. We are here tonight because we

355
03:51:05.520 --> 03:51:23.680
spoke. We support school consolidation. As former educators, we know what school consolidation can do to optimize student outcomes, particularly for high school students. Right sizing high schools means that a school has enough critical

356
03:51:23.680 --> 03:51:40.640
mass to field the water polo team, the debate team, the visual and performing arts, uh, an IB program, the AP environmental science program, etc., etc., etc. Bill Gates and 2000

357
03:51:40.640 --> 03:51:57.040
experimented with the idea of small high schools and he actually had to uh pull the he spent millions of dollars hundreds of millions of dollars on the project. He pulled it because he actually realized that he wasn't getting the results he wanted from this from the

358
03:51:57.040 --> 03:52:12.399
experiment. Um so um >> thank you so much Miss Nagler. Even with reclining and miss your time has expired. >> Stephen, if you could read he we have

359
03:52:12.399 --> 03:52:32.920
two minutes between us. >> Okay. Okay. They have two cards. >> Fine. That's fine. Okay. But we uh we're I want to make >> Okay. >> Stephen Nagler can speak for one minute.

360
03:52:34.560 --> 03:52:50.399
Okay, >> you don't want to. >> Hi everyone. We are students from Blair High School. We are here to ask you to keep Blair open. IB is a globally recognized rigorous educational program for students. Taking away the IB program takes away from our opportunities and

361
03:52:50.399 --> 03:53:05.920
the plans that we have in our future and is plainly just unfair to us considering no surveying has been done to any students whatsoever when deciding the propositions for our school. Blair has also given an opportunity to learn and grow not only academically but

362
03:53:05.920 --> 03:53:21.439
also as a person. Blair provides them with daily instruction in English language development so they can live their daily life without feeling like outsiders in this country. Especially in times when the government is targeting Latin community like ours. >> Additionally, Blair is creating many opportunities for students in high

363
03:53:21.439 --> 03:53:36.640
school to pursue opport uh the medical field and soon become the next generation of doctors, nurses, etc. Blair's Blair High School is the only health career academy in the PS in PSD and that should not be taken away from us. >> Blair is the only non LA USD school to offer students from LA which trains

364
03:53:36.640 --> 03:53:55.199
students to compete in the LA Marathon. It teaches students commitment, perseverance, character growth, and much more. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Julia Dy and Monty Lever, the next two

365
03:53:55.199 --> 03:54:16.479
speakers. >> Hi, my name is Julia D and I will be speaking on behalf of Zyra Frius, another student of Blair who is currently working on her finals. The closure of Blair's dish is harding and kills my motivation to work. In this decision, it seems only the money is ever considered. Currently, for general education classes, our rooms are already

366
03:54:16.479 --> 03:54:32.399
filled with 40 students. I don't see how relocating our student population to PHS would make our learning any more beneficial or we plan to double this number of Blair closes overwhelm our underpaid teachers with more students than they manage and sufficiently teach. Is impossible for one human to inspire, motivate, support, and help so many

367
03:54:32.399 --> 03:54:48.720
students grow. We see low enrollment for our public schools as parents are choosing private schools and homeschooling. However, we are failing to consider the low-income families such as my own. People like me have a future because of public school. Shutting them down may save you money now, but you are taking away crucial opportunities for young people like I to thrive. Going to

368
03:54:48.720 --> 03:55:04.520
Blair allows my hardworking parents to not have to stress about my tuition, my transportation, or my expenses on lunch every day. We have already watched our homes burn down and their neighbors being taken away. Don't defund my community that keeps my mind, soul, and body alive. Thank you.

369
03:55:06.640 --> 03:55:21.920
>> Good evening. Uh my name is Monty Lever and I am a junior at Blair High School. I'd like to speak not as a student, however, but as someone who has always loved trains. Blair High School and Marshall are the two PSD high schools closest to LA Metro train stations. I could gush all day about this train

370
03:55:21.920 --> 03:55:37.840
line, but to keep it short, I cannot emphasize the number of different neighborhoods which the metro passes through. After school, every single day, I see an enormous amount of students travel to Filillmore Station in order to get rides home, which they may not be able to get otherwise. Consolidation would take this resource away from them.

371
03:55:37.840 --> 03:55:54.000
I myself can attest to the train's value for field trips, which are much more fiscally accessible through the use of trains. As a member of Blair Choir, I've taken the train multiple times with my classmates to perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The value of having access to such superb public transport cannot be understated, and it would be

372
03:55:54.000 --> 03:56:08.880
devastating to take this away through consolidation. Don't don't derail students lives. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. The next speakers are Stephanie Ward, Tatiana Baau, and Emily

373
03:56:08.880 --> 03:56:34.960
Stal. I guess the others are in the other room. >> Hi, my name is Emily Style. I am I have kids at Blair and Mir. I've been in the district for 11 years. Um, I'm asking you to stop the consolidation process. I'm asking you to restart a real

374
03:56:34.960 --> 03:56:51.439
community visioning process where we can all talk about the great programs and the great things about the locations of our schools. The real community visioning process will engage students. It will ask them. It'll ask educators. It will ask families. It will ask staff about what's

375
03:56:51.439 --> 03:57:07.040
important to them and what they need at their school. Not every school needs all things. And we need active outreach to make sure all groups are represented and not just the ones that have time to go to board meetings. We want real back and forth

376
03:57:07.040 --> 03:57:22.000
collaboration. We want conversations, not just times where we say what we want and then we listen to what you want. This process can't be rushed. It will take time. Other school districts that have done this successfully have taken a year. So, I'm asking you to stop and

377
03:57:22.000 --> 03:57:44.399
take the time and engage us. Thank you. My name is Tatiana Brutico. We live in Los Angeles and in 2014 we declined a spot in an LUSD school for Jackson Elementary. I'm here representing the 140 out of out of district students

378
03:57:44.399 --> 03:57:59.359
currently at Blair on in interd district permits for its special programs. If Blair closes and those programs go away, we are forced to leave PUSD because permits require program continuity when changing schools. If the governor's

379
03:57:59.359 --> 03:58:16.800
budget revision passes in June, PUSD gets $28,000 per student. That's $4 million in funding from Blair's out of out of district students alone, twice as much as the operational savings claimed by TSS. PUSD is in this situation

380
03:58:16.800 --> 03:58:31.920
because of low enrollment. Blair has attracted 140 students to PUSD. We need more than more than four months in actual community involvement to develop a plan for a healthy PUSD with or without consolidation. What is the plan

381
03:58:31.920 --> 03:59:01.040
for out of district students? >> Thank you. Calling again for Stephanie Ward. Maline Harbison. Hi, my name is Maline Harbison. I am an alumni of Blair High School and I received my international balorate

382
03:59:01.040 --> 03:59:16.640
diploma in the summer of 2025. I just finished my freshman year of college where my IB training helped me by developing my skills in time management, research, and intensive writing. My IB extended essay titled, "The extent to which capitalism and a desire for new markets were a leading cause of housewife culture in the 1950s, which I

383
03:59:16.640 --> 03:59:31.359
wrote under the guidance of our amazing IB educators, helped me practice higher level thinking and research skills. IB requires mastery across subjects, global thinking, and skill-based learning rather than simply memorization, helping Blair graduates in college and beyond. It is an incredibly unique and important

384
03:59:31.359 --> 04:00:01.199
program to maintain available in PSD. Keep Blair open. Keep IB existing. Calling again for Stephanie Ward. Carolyn Oropez. Carlin Oralopez. Right. >> Thank you. Hi, I'm here this evening in

385
04:00:01.199 --> 04:00:17.279
my Altadena hat and my Blair uh sweatshirt. Um, as a MUR alumni alumnist, uh, I just wanted to say that, um, you know, fire impacted families like mine. Um, we've really lost trust

386
04:00:17.279 --> 04:00:33.199
in all the institutions that are here to protect us. Um, we saw one fire truck deployed to all of West Aladina. um act uh evacuation systems that completely failed, neighbors died.

387
04:00:33.199 --> 04:00:47.760
Um the one institution that remained steady through all of the fire and all the aftermath was our schools, your schools. Um they were one

388
04:00:47.760 --> 04:01:03.359
place for stability, consistency, um that we could depend on while we tried to gather our lives back together. And um we really need you to commit to a true transformational process, resist

389
04:01:03.359 --> 04:01:28.800
closing schools, um and explore all options. >> Thank you, >> Ellis Colomi. Hi, my name is Ellis Coni and I've attended PSD for 11 years. I went to Dominito and have been at Thood Marshall since sixth grade where I am now a sophomore. I speak for a lot of students

390
04:01:28.800 --> 04:01:45.199
when I say that this is an unfair process where a small group of adults are making decisions about our future without knowing how it feels. I can say for myself that I have felt increasingly sad, powerless, and hopeless. After spending five years at Marshall, it has become my home. I've built an such an incredible community there that I love

391
04:01:45.199 --> 04:02:01.680
immensely and for that to be taken away all because of poor decisions and mismanagement is devastating. I'm proud to be part of Pasadena and part of PSD, but this doesn't represent the strength and resilience of our community. Although I didn't lose my home in the Eden fire, I have many friends who did. We as a community have endured so much loss in the last two years and this

392
04:02:01.680 --> 04:02:16.800
feels like salt in the wound. I understand that PSUSD is facing very real challenges and that this is a difficult situation to navigate, but closing schools is not the answer. I know of many students, including myself, who are planning on leaving the district if our schools close. School closures will only lead to reduced enrollment and

393
04:02:16.800 --> 04:02:30.399
lost revenue. Please know that this has a huge impact on my life and the lives of many others. Don't close our schools. Thank you. Thank you. The next three speakers are Neil Tyler,

394
04:02:30.399 --> 04:02:50.800
Matthew Lorshider, and Molly Dodge. >> Good evening. I'm Neil Tyler. I'm a parent at Jackson. Uh you're seeing me here once again, maybe the sixth time this year to talk about the budget. Buried at the end of the agenda are some great things. Lots of teachers, staff

395
04:02:50.800 --> 04:03:06.239
have been saved as compared to a few months ago. But if you look at where that funding is coming from, it's not district funds. It's PEF. It's outside grants. It's other nondist funds that are sh that are saving all these teachers and staff. There's about two

396
04:03:06.239 --> 04:03:22.160
months for you to act, for you to look at your budget, look at what LEO approved, look at the actuals, see all the extra money that has come in. It may not be a lot, but there's extra revenue and there's less expenditures, and you can look at it and not just call those

397
04:03:22.160 --> 04:03:39.359
one-time funds, but look at your two conservative budgeting process and determine what is going to be there for the next few years. You can save more teachers. you can put more staff in the schools and benefit the whole district rather than have everyone be pitted against each other just to save their

398
04:03:39.359 --> 04:04:00.720
own school. Please do what you can to fix the problems and financial mismanagement and save more teachers and staff. >> My name is Matt Lorsher. I have kids at Jackson. One will go to Octavia Butler next year. Um, I'm just here to say that I don't want to advocate for any

399
04:04:00.720 --> 04:04:15.680
particular school to either close or not close. I understand that the district's financial situations have left them, as I said before, in deep and there is a need to potentially consolidate schools. I think the community outcry

400
04:04:15.680 --> 04:04:31.279
warrants revisiting the process even though I supported the process, but I just want to remind people in the room that the school district is going to get smaller every year whether we close schools or not. All right, we're going to run out of students for these schools. We're already almost the size

401
04:04:31.279 --> 04:04:47.600
of Burbank that has half the number of high schools and middle schools we have. All right, and kids at Mirror also lost homes in the fire. So did kids at Octavia Butler. Let's have some sympathy for each other. Let's work together instead of being pitted against each other, being tribalistic and just worrying about, you know, the next few

402
04:04:47.600 --> 04:05:11.439
years for our own particular kids. Let's look at the big picture. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Molly Dodge. Uh I'm an Altadena Arts and a rising Elliott parent. Since the fire, I've engaged uh with the district at length

403
04:05:11.439 --> 04:05:28.000
in an effort for common sense safety measures at our AAM campus in Altadena. I've had really respectful, thoughtful, and um listening conversations with President Frederick's, with Trusty

404
04:05:28.000 --> 04:05:43.279
Kenny, with Trusty Harden, and with Trusty Velasquez. I appreciate those conversations deeply. Reflecting on this investment of your personal time as well as your actions and your board votes,

405
04:05:43.279 --> 04:05:58.319
it's made the recent cycle of rumors and misguided outrage deeply upsetting to witness. I see in you all the leadership our district needs to face our complicated problems and stop the annual downsizing of teachers that directly

406
04:05:58.319 --> 04:06:15.279
impact all our kids and strip our programs to bare bones. I know I'm out of time, but having spent a year and a half away from my kids campus, I have to say to all of you, the building is not the school, it's the people in it.

407
04:06:15.279 --> 04:06:40.160
>> Thank you so much. The next speakers are Stephanie Scriber, Ina Sedano, and Hendrickk Cap. Napa is going to need translation, so if someone can call the interpreter. Okay, I'm gonna keep calling names until

408
04:06:40.160 --> 04:07:09.199
the speakers are in the room. Is this Kayn Pel, Susan Kaine, Jonathan Ferman? I don't have a visual on Emma Green. Hello, my name is Stephanie Scaner and

409
04:07:09.199 --> 04:07:24.880
my children attend Aladena Arts Magnet. Time and again, board president Frederick's and trustee Kenny Harden and Vellesquez have shown that they put students first. Last November, for example, these four trustees voted to protect career technical education from proposed budget cuts and reduce cuts to

410
04:07:24.880 --> 04:07:41.760
high school athletics by 25%. Now, these same trustees are facing accusations of Brown Act violations and malicious intent simply for addressing difficult issues. However, the cure and correct request does not demonstrate that more than three trustees participated in any alleged serial meeting. In fact, it

411
04:07:41.760 --> 04:07:58.160
specifically references Frederick's making a deliberate effort to remain within Brown Act limits by keeping discussions below a quorum threshold. President Frederick's took the initiative to research school consolidation and explore ideas before deciding whether issues warranted further public discussion. That is what

412
04:07:58.160 --> 04:08:15.720
due diligence looks like. Additionally, the ideas in her consolidation 2027 document did different sorry document differed significantly from the recommendations ultimately proposed by the consultant which undermines the claims that there is a predetermined plan. >> Thank you so much.

413
04:08:17.040 --> 04:08:32.720
>> Okay. My name's Hendrickk and I graduated Blair with my IB diploma last year. >> Hold on a second. Um, Trusty McKenzie, we were we're allowing people to finish their final sentence, correct? and she did. >> Okay. But people were there was a little

414
04:08:32.720 --> 04:08:50.399
bit of noise. So I just want to make it clear. >> If you could if you could >> Anyway, >> if you could be please be respectful. >> Can you restart the time for this speaker, please? >> Am I okay? Okay. Anyway, I graduated last year with my IB diploma. And one

415
04:08:50.399 --> 04:09:07.120
year ago today, not today, but in March, I stood at this podium to address your failure to support our teachers. And yet here again I stand to see it's deep deeply disheartening to see that absolutely nothing has changed. So let's break it down. The abhorrent disregard

416
04:09:07.120 --> 04:09:23.840
but of parliamentary integrity and process by ignoring the efforts of the consolidation advisory committee. Cough, Miss Frederick's cough. Second, the terrible idea to disclose to close my alma mater isn't a funding issue. It's a priorities issue. Just like last year,

417
04:09:23.840 --> 04:09:39.199
it's something this board cannot seem to figure out. Perhaps if you wanted to save some money, consider the $432,000 in compensation paid to our superintendent. This represents a fundamental betrayal of public trust. But the solution is clear. Those

418
04:09:39.199 --> 04:09:56.120
involved in this failure have officially forfeited their mandate to lead. For the sake of this district, your immediate resignation is required. You've demonstrated you're no longer capable of serving the interests of this community. Thank you. >> Thank you. And have the night you deserve.

419
04:10:03.359 --> 04:10:19.439
>> Hi, my name is Susan Kaine. I live in Pasadena. Uh I sat in your seat as a board member some 25 years ago. At that time, enrollment in this district was over 23,000 students. Today, it's under

420
04:10:19.439 --> 04:10:34.960
14,000. At that time, 25 years ago, we were opening schools, believe it or not. Uh we reopened McKinley after it had been closed for decades. We opened uh San uh Sierra Madre Middle School, and we were

421
04:10:34.960 --> 04:10:50.560
looking to buy property to open a new uh elementary school in the Northwest. Thank goodness we didn't do that. We were making those decisions. We made those decisions on the basis of current enrollment and demographic data at the time.

422
04:10:50.560 --> 04:11:06.080
Now, we are well beyond the time for you to face reality based on our current enrollment and enrollment pro and demographic projections to consolidate our schools, consolidate our middle schools, consolidate our high schools.

423
04:11:06.080 --> 04:11:34.960
We need to do the fiscal responsib consolidation committee. It's a terrible job. Everyone hates you. But we looked at the numbers. We followed the numbers, made recommendations, the school board closed some schools, and the district

424
04:11:34.960 --> 04:11:51.040
moved on. I would commend uh your consultants for including in their report some of the raw data, particularly on page 12 for the recommended attendance levels and page 93 on appendix C for the actual enrollment levels. It seems to me that

425
04:11:51.040 --> 04:12:07.920
there's a word to describe what happens when public servants are willing, maybe in a ham-handed way, but are willing to face the numbers head on and make recommendations to the community to try to guide us through this problem. And I

426
04:12:07.920 --> 04:12:29.120
think that word is leadership. And I think you've shown leadership because we can't kick this down the road. The numbers are straightforward. We've got to respond. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Sedina with the Madison family would like to petition the PC

427
04:12:29.120 --> 04:12:45.120
superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and the board members to keep Maria Perez as a full-time community assistant at Madison Elementary School. Although our district is facing difficult times, what our schools should never sacrifice our dedication, difficulty, and staff. Please sign the pet. We signed the

428
04:12:45.120 --> 04:13:01.760
petition to keep our beloved community assistant Maria Perez who absence from our community with case with case and reparable harm will cause in reparable harm to our u families and students especially right now with the economic economy straits and imig immigration

429
04:13:01.760 --> 04:13:33.680
rates. The hold of medicine will support community assistant Maria Perez. Please consider our petition. Thank you Kayn Hill. Hello, I'm Emma Green. Um, I have a current Marshall student and have been a

430
04:13:33.680 --> 04:13:50.080
parent at six different uh PUSD schools. Um, so here are the apparent inaccuracies and misleading claims I can identify from the TSS equity report. It says the process is transparent, but the committee itself reported missing information, data inconsistencies,

431
04:13:50.080 --> 04:14:05.279
rushed process, ineffective facilitation, and concerns about TSS board interactions. It frames closure as improving student experience but does not adequately weigh documentation documented harm from school closures

432
04:14:05.279 --> 04:14:21.680
including lower test scores, attendance behavior impacts and long-term college employment earnings impacts raised in the public comment. It treats the ESCAC process as meaningful input while acknowledging the ESCAC voted against every closure

433
04:14:21.680 --> 04:14:38.359
consolidation option. It lists thood Marshall 9 through 12 as a potential closed school which is misleading. Marshall is a 6 through 12. Removing grades 9 through 12 dismantles a secondary model. >> Thank you.

434
04:14:43.120 --> 04:14:58.560
>> Good evening school board members. My name is Kayn Palen. My daughter is a special education student at Don Bonito Elementary School. I'm here to strongly urge you to accept the school consolidation advisory committee's clear recommendation not to close Don Bonito

435
04:14:58.560 --> 04:15:15.439
or any of the schools in the scenarios and pause the consolidation process. Our students and PUSD family deserve a thoughtful, holistic, and ethical process that is not predetermined from the start by backdoor deals, secret meetings, and Brown Act violations. We

436
04:15:15.439 --> 04:15:30.560
chose Don Bonito for our daughter for the campus's location, community, and history of supporting special education students. My daughter is thriving at Don Bonito, but no student deserves to have any of these schools closed based on a

437
04:15:30.560 --> 04:15:48.359
rushed and prescripted process. Please honor the committee's decision, listen to the stakeholders and everyone in this room, and take school closures off the table and instead focus on creative ways to support and invest our schools. Thank you.

438
04:15:51.840 --> 04:16:07.600
>> Hello, my name is Britney Purr and I'm the parent of a junior at Blair and I specifically chose that school. I had to fight to keep her in that school because it's a 6th through 12th school. And that consistency is key. Consistency is key for these students who have been through

439
04:16:07.600 --> 04:16:23.520
COVID lockdowns. Consistency is key for these students who have been through fires, who have had their famil family's homes or their friends family's homes and egregious losses. These kids have been through ICE standing outside of their school and lockdowns through that. And these kids

440
04:16:23.520 --> 04:16:39.920
have been through swatting. And now you guys are doing another rugpool that could have been completely avoided with complete transparency. So I'm asking that this process of consolidation be halted, be held, and that community input is taken because within this room,

441
04:16:39.920 --> 04:16:54.800
within this talking points, you can tell that the people that have no stake, zero stake, are the ones who are for consolidation, >> right? >> But those who are against it are the ones who have everything to lose from this. Especially students who have been

442
04:16:54.800 --> 04:17:10.640
through so much trauma, you are choosing to put them through more. I want you to think about that continued failure. >> Thank you so much, ma'am. >> This is just period fail. Thank you for your comments. >> The last two, if we can get to the last two speakers, thank you for your

443
04:17:10.640 --> 04:17:29.520
patience, everyone. Um, Felita Keeling followed by Ranata Cooper. >> So, good evening. My name is Felita Keeling. All my notes I have to throw them out the door. I'm a PUSD alumni. I am the parent of two African-American students, graduate of Thood Good

444
04:17:29.520 --> 04:17:45.120
Marshall Secondary School. So, everyone knows Marshall is an open enrollment school. So, every student here tonight who spoke on behalf of Marshall chose Marshall. We don't have an enrollment, but anyway, I'm going to change the whole thing. So, something was said tonight, but made me think today we got

445
04:17:45.120 --> 04:18:02.560
to celebrate our validictorians and our saludiatorans. So today we named four students, two saludiatorans, two valadictorians. They were a Japanese, an African-American, a Filipino, and a Hispanic student. Two males, two

446
04:18:02.560 --> 04:18:18.720
females. One's going to UCLA, two will attend UC Berkeley, and one has a full ride scholarship to Georgetown. Those are the students that they're good at Marshall Secondary School. And those are just a few of the amazing, brilliant school students at Marshall. There's

447
04:18:18.720 --> 04:18:42.239
brilliant students everywhere. We want to celebrate them all because they have all made choices. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> I I don't see Miss Ronaldo Cooper in the room just yet. >> Oh, she's coming. >> She's got a card.

448
04:18:42.239 --> 04:18:58.640
>> So, and then Ranata Cooper. >> Okay. In the meantime, I want to read the statement that accompanies the voluminous email correspondence has come in in public comment and that is the board of education acknowledges receipt

449
04:18:58.640 --> 04:19:28.640
of public comment by way of email. These comments will be made part of the current record of this meeting and here comes Miss Cooper. >> Interesting to be on this side. Okay. My name is Ranata Cooper and I'm Liza's grandmother.

450
04:19:28.640 --> 04:19:46.319
Liza Spears. She goes to Marshall. She's on the part of the award-winning dance team at Marshall. And when she started Marshall, she came home the first day totally excited about the student government

451
04:19:46.319 --> 04:20:03.279
association and that she wanted to be a part of that and she has been the entire time she's been there. They do a lot of right things at Marshall and the enroll and I understand the demographic issues that face the community, but I think it's important to do things the right

452
04:20:03.279 --> 04:20:20.880
way. not in private meetings, in public meetings. And if you want to make significant changes to the school district, then you should do so in such a way where you have buying in from the community that you are elected to serve.

453
04:20:20.880 --> 04:20:47.920
So is that my time? I'm beeping. I don't know. >> That is your time, Mr. We were >> That is my time. Okay. So I'm done. So I'm ask I'm here to support Marshall. I'm here to to speak as a as a grandma. So leave it alone. >> Is there any more public comment? Trusty

454
04:20:47.920 --> 04:21:03.040
McKenzie. >> That is all for the general public comment. >> Thank you. >> portion of the meeting. >> We have items speakers at the item and there's also a public hearing coming up. When we get to those items on the agenda, we will call your names.

455
04:21:03.040 --> 04:21:26.319
Okay. So, >> they were telling people the wrong color in the hallway. >> We asked for that. So, when are those going to be called the blue? >> Um, okay. So, did we ask get the response from legal?

456
04:21:26.319 --> 04:21:45.439
>> We were told to fill out blue. We were told that we be called at the beginning. >> Did you want to say something? >> There are cards that requested to speak at the actual item and not at general public comment. When the item comes up on the agenda, we will call your name at

457
04:21:45.439 --> 04:22:01.920
that point in time. >> That's not what we were told. >> Is there someone who filled out a blue card who wanted to fill out a yellow card that did not get to speak? >> Yes. We're gonna go up. We were told when I specifically asked

458
04:22:01.920 --> 04:22:19.279
is it yellow like last time and they said no it's blue. >> Okay. >> I was misguided why >> if if the board doesn't mind can we just >> me let me ask the board actually. >> Okay. >> So the >> your suggestion is trusty McKenzie to

459
04:22:19.279 --> 04:22:36.080
get the support of the board. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> How many people are in this scenario? There are five of you. >> All right. >> I see five hands. Take the five, please. >> Trust uh board, are you okay making this exception?

460
04:22:36.080 --> 04:22:52.560
>> So, so just so I'm clear, so we're asking people if they want to speak now and give up their option to speak during the public hearing. >> No. >> Oh, we have public hearing cards and some people filled out the public hearing card erroneously. I think they want to speak now instead of at the

461
04:22:52.560 --> 04:23:09.120
public hearing. So, I'm wanting to be >> mindful. Yes. So, >> okay. I'm sorry. Yes. >> So, just pretend those are yellow cards, basically. >> That's correct. >> Okay. Come on up, whoever wants to come up now. >> Please state your name for the record when you get to the microphone so we can

462
04:23:09.120 --> 04:23:27.680
find your card. >> And um can I can I make a request? >> Yes. >> Can we prioritize the students because we're in finals week? >> Thank you. Let's leave all the students that are speaking go first and then all of the

463
04:23:27.680 --> 04:23:46.960
adults, please. Thank you. Okay. There's too many people talking. >> Go ahead, please. >> Does this work? >> Okay. Hello, members of the board. I'm Uh Herur, entering my junior year at what might not be Blair High School. I have followed the process of this

464
04:23:46.960 --> 04:24:03.600
district for a vast majority of my high school experience. And for the last few months, I have been plagued with nightmares, both metaphorically and literally. I have seen time and time again my friends and I being used as statistics to justify the termination of our own community. I have seen countless spreadsheets listing the experiences of

465
04:24:03.600 --> 04:24:19.439
nearly a century of generations as a commodity to be moved as pleased. And I have seen the fear of parents, teachers, and students as a threat of uprooting the last five years of our lives is tossed along as an inevitability to stop the bleeding. Never once have I met someone at these schools who's visited

466
04:24:19.439 --> 04:24:35.199
me or any of my fellow students at the source and asked us how we feel, where we'll go after these closures. And to me, this is absolutely insulting. Teachers will move to places that don't threaten hundreds of layoffs every year. Students will go to a place with stability for their education, and it is

467
04:24:35.199 --> 04:24:50.080
not PUSD. If you truly believe that closing schools will improve your experience, I want to see the IB program in my senior year. Not our juniors, but the class of 2023 30s. Mine. This is my future and I do not want to see it wrong.

468
04:24:50.080 --> 04:25:08.399
>> Your time has expired. >> Let me remind you all that uh the if it beeps then just finish your final sentence. Thank you. >> Good evening board members. My name is Leonardo Tahari and I'm a seventh grader at Marshall. I am here to present you with a student petition currently signed

469
04:25:08.399 --> 04:25:24.720
by 438 Marshall students. These students represent all grade levels 6 through 12 and all cities within PUSD. This petition will continue to circulate and may be resubmitted at a later date for your consideration. On behalf of the many students in this school community, here is a summary of the petition we've

470
04:25:24.720 --> 04:25:41.439
signed. We do not want Marshall to consolidate with any of the other schools. We value the opportunities we have and feel those opportunities may diminish if Marshall is forced to consolidate. We want a 6th through 12th grade experience and feel strongly that this model is beneficial. We feel Marshall adds great value to our communities like diversity and social

471
04:25:41.439 --> 04:25:58.000
connections across the district. We understand the district is trying to find money, but budget issues are not our fault. So students so students should not have to pay the price. We believe we should be able to choose our school. If our leaders are truly student centered, our choices should be respected. Lastly, many of us have

472
04:25:58.000 --> 04:26:27.920
suffered because of the Eden fires, but our school did not burn down, and it would not make sense to close it when so many of us are still struggling like me to get >> time has expired. S, I need you to fill a card out cuz I can't find your card. >> Hello board members. My name is Cameron Taherryi and I am in seventh grade at

473
04:26:27.920 --> 04:26:43.279
Marshall. I do not understand why we'd want to close my school or any schools in this district. First, Marshall is one of the highest performing schools in PUSD. It has the most students and has been a part of the Pasadena community for over a hundred years. Second, Marshall has many students like

474
04:26:43.279 --> 04:26:58.560
me who are affected by the Eden fire and who need their school to continue supporting them. Marshall has kept me strong. Many of my friends feel the same way. Why would anyone want to mess that up? Lastly, the consolidation committee that you put together strongly voted against

475
04:26:58.560 --> 04:27:15.120
all merger scenarios. The committee had lots of community members who are knowledgeable about our public schools here in Pasadena. I researched the role of PUSD board members and found that that one of your duties is to reflect the community's values and priorities and ensure their input is integrated into district

476
04:27:15.120 --> 04:27:33.520
decisions. I hope you will carry out this responsibility and show your integrity when it is time to vote on consolidating schools. I hope you will think about all the students like me who need you to take a stand and keep our schools open. Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Edward Martinez representing

477
04:27:33.520 --> 04:27:50.000
Blair High School. When I first came to Blair, I was absolutely stunned by all the opportunities it gave me and all the programs they offered. Those same programs got got me into my passion for playing music and I was able to participate in ovation to play guitar for it. Now, I can never see a future where my school closes down because the

478
04:27:50.000 --> 04:28:05.040
district cannot make good money decisions because this is my home and I'm sure it is for other students. Since I came to the school, it gave my sense of community to its purest form, which is why I'm here at this meeting. I hope the board will be transparent and fair for the sake of the students, staff, and

479
04:28:05.040 --> 04:28:24.399
Blair families. Thank you very much. >> Good evening, board members. My name is Darcy Naganuma and I have been a teacher at Marshall for the past eight years. During that time, I have watched students grow from children into competent young adults and I can say without hesitation that Marshall is one

480
04:28:24.399 --> 04:28:39.760
of the most extraordinary school communities I have ever been part of. Marshall was recognized as a California exemplary arts education award program school. Our school has produced Olympians, a World Cup chair, and a Super Bowl champion. Academically,

481
04:28:39.760 --> 04:28:54.640
Marshall consistently achieves outstanding results while remaining one of the most cost-effective schools in the district, spending approximately $2,000 less per student than PHS or Blair and hundreds less than Mure. We are doing more with less, and our

482
04:28:54.640 --> 04:29:10.560
students continue to thrive. Finally, despite a quarter of a million dollars being spent on a proclosure consultant, the ESCAT committee voted against closures by a twothirds majority. I urge you to listen to the students, families, educators, and community members you

483
04:29:10.560 --> 04:29:30.319
serve. Please keep Marshall open. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Jennifer Collins. Those who say it's time to make hard decisions for the greater good and accuse a few parents of prioritizing our own children are ignoring who under the

484
04:29:30.319 --> 04:29:45.840
proposed plans will actually bear the consequences of these hard decisions. I'm asking all of you, even those who support closures, to pay attention to the serious problems with the equity impact analysis. One concerns McKinley, a school my daughter attended. This

485
04:29:45.840 --> 04:30:01.680
school has the highest concentration of black students in the district. The equity impact analysis served up by Total School Solutions, acknowledges the McKinley serves 18.06% black students and that closing it would burden those families with longer travel distances. The California Attorney

486
04:30:01.680 --> 04:30:17.760
General's guidance cited in that same document requires funded transportation mitigation in exactly that situation. Yet, the document concludes there is no disproportionate harm to any racial group in these closures closure scenarios and no transportation funding

487
04:30:17.760 --> 04:30:37.439
appears anywhere in the document. In the rush to close schools, this inconsistency should not be brushed aside. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Anne Matrunich, a Blair parent and a Pasadena resident.

488
04:30:37.439 --> 04:30:54.239
Please respect the consolidation committee and protect our schools. Stop this process. Of the 11 schools that were recently closed, nine, according to Elizabeth Pomemeroy's editorial in Pasadena Now, nine of them were fully or partially

489
04:30:54.239 --> 04:31:11.439
occupied by schools that compete with PUSD. Let's establish a vision for the district in a new process. Let's involve City of Pasadena experts as I have asked. It is reasonable in Blair's case for Pasadena taxpayers to expect PUSD to

490
04:31:11.439 --> 04:31:27.760
operate a high school south of the 210 when it has three north of it. Blair is public property paid for, maintained, and improved over generations. Closing it would shrink enrollment while maintaining the same tax burden. Blair's a modern 612 school. the most convenient

491
04:31:27.760 --> 04:31:44.159
to affordable housing along the train and the closest to the biomed and arts careers partners. If you aim to reduce costs, generate revenue, or privatize public assets, then please close this building and protect our schools. Thank

492
04:31:44.159 --> 04:32:04.960
you. My name is Adakus Moes. I'm a youth leader at Pastina Learns at Sir Majre Medical School. I came out in support of Tina Fredericks in her decision to consolidate schools and close Marshall Fundamental. About seven years ago, I was here with Marshall's former principal, Dr. Mark Anderson, and

493
04:32:04.960 --> 04:32:21.120
advocated to keep my childhood school open. However, I recognize that this problem of school funding is not a problem created by Tina, by billionaires defunding public education. This is truly an act we should all grieve. Today, the real reason I am here is to help the children like me who cannot

494
04:32:21.120 --> 04:32:37.199
frame this in a way to deal with the grief and pain this defunding has and will continue to impact our city. However, to fund public schools, Tina and I have worked to ensure that Tommy Star will win the governor's race and endorse healthc care for all through the billionaire's tax. This June, make sure

495
04:32:37.199 --> 04:33:00.000
you vote for these principles. Thank you. Hello, I am Jen Deus. I have been a student through PUSD. I have been a parent throughout PUSD. I am now a teacher in PUSD. I teach music at at

496
04:33:00.000 --> 04:33:17.039
Blair which offers a extremely unique curriculum uh which I think many of you are aware of as you are connected to it in some way. Um, the IB program is the only program that centers the arts in the curriculum. By definition, every student, 6th through 10th grade,

497
04:33:17.039 --> 04:33:34.799
has either a visual or a performing art. You've heard students say that 25% performed just innovations. There are more once you add in all of the instrumental music, once you add in the choir, all of the these things, right? Um,

498
04:33:34.799 --> 04:33:52.240
I would say that the IB program is worth saving simply for that alone. Um, I know that there are many economic considerations that you need to make, but uh, serving students is the most important and closing Blair would not

499
04:33:52.240 --> 04:34:12.719
serve your students. >> Thank you. Um hello, my name is King Gadoros. I'm a parent of two children at Blair. Um the skeleton school concern is real, but consolidating into two massive high

500
04:34:12.719 --> 04:34:27.920
schools treats enrollment as the only variable worth optimizing and it isn't. Blair and Marshall families have already chosen the 6 through 12 model. That's demonstrated demand, not sentiment.

501
04:34:27.920 --> 04:34:43.600
Destroying the IB program to fund more sports teams is a trade many families never agreed to make. Location also matters. Blair is the only PUSD school, secondary school south of the 210 with easy metro access. Coming from Highland

502
04:34:43.600 --> 04:35:00.320
Park, that proximity was a real factor in our decision. Blair has also received significant recent investment. Keeping it open and potentially incorporating the Allenale campus for additional space makes practical sense. I'm not sure why the option of a third campus has not been part of this

503
04:35:00.320 --> 04:35:21.359
conversation. Um, thank you. Good evening. My name is Kim McDuffy. I'm a five-year parent at my son's seven-year desired career at Blair's middle and high schools. We live in

504
04:35:21.359 --> 04:35:37.600
Highland Park, just down the road from the freeway. We are one of 140 families coming from outside the district for the unique community that only Blair provides along with the exceptional education opportunities for our son who

505
04:35:37.600 --> 04:35:54.160
will complete his his biiteracy program this year and move on to the IB program next year while playing basketball with a group of young men whom 80% come from outside the district and 75

506
04:35:54.160 --> 04:36:12.160
5% of those young men are on the honor role. Some travel as far as one hour with many opportunities between their home and PUSD, but they choose Blair as we did. Not necessarily PUSD, but Blair.

507
04:36:12.160 --> 04:36:32.959
Thank you. Good evening, board members. My name is Anelica Romero. I have two PUSD students at Marshall. I'm a resident of Altadena, a taxpayer, a voter. The horrific eaten fire just a year and a half ago traumatized a lot of students in this

508
04:36:32.959 --> 04:36:48.240
school community and displaced families continue their efforts to stabilize. But there's still a long road ahead. You can just drive up there and look and see. The losses that families are grappling with should have been more than enough for any school board who purports to be student centered to halt the discussion

509
04:36:48.240 --> 04:37:04.879
of school consolidation. And yet this process with all its bias and its flaws continues. So let me be clear. Our communities have not healed from this tragedy. And what is needed now more than anything at this stage is time, not school closures. Perhaps the quarter of a million dollars that was wastefully

510
04:37:04.879 --> 04:37:20.799
spent on TSS consultants could have been better spent researching the impact of school closures in districts who have displaced students as a result of wildfires. Studies indicate that districts must avoid closing schools in an effort to provide students with stability, routine, and normaly.

511
04:37:20.799 --> 04:37:43.600
>> Thank you. >> Good evening all. Here we are yet again. Multiple PUSD boards have kicked the can of secondary right sizing down the road so many times. down the it so many times that it

512
04:37:43.600 --> 04:37:59.680
appears we have finally reached a four-way stop, a crossroads if you will. But when you guys vote this down yet again, and you will. I'm afraid the next time this issue arises, the entire community and you, the board, will be stripped of your

513
04:37:59.680 --> 04:38:17.199
voices and your powers when LEO comes in and orders high schools to be closed. We will obviously be in receiverhip by then and I'll probably end up retiring from PSUSD with the district still under LEGO's thumb and I hate that for us. But hey, I guess I'll just have to get over

514
04:38:17.199 --> 04:38:46.719
that in order to finally get the right thing done because I have zero confidence that this board will do the right thing and rightsize skeletal secondary schools right now. Good evening. My name is Elizabeth. I am a proud former Don Bonito parent and

515
04:38:46.719 --> 04:39:03.279
Upper Hastings Ranch resident. Tonight I submitted 535 written signatures from neighbors and 339 online signatures from verified PUSD stakeholders. 928 signatures supporting keeping Don Bonito open. We are here because the community

516
04:39:03.279 --> 04:39:18.719
has spoken. On May 11th, the superintendent's own school consolidation advisory committee rejected every closure scenario and specifically protected Don Bonito. The committee recognized that closing schools will not solve enrollment loss.

517
04:39:18.719 --> 04:39:34.879
It will make it worse. Many families have made clear that if Don Bonito closes, they will leave PUSD entirely, taking vital ADA funding from them. Saving short-term costs while losing students and long-term revenue is not

518
04:39:34.879 --> 04:39:50.080
sustainable. We urge the board to honor the advisory committee's recommendation, listen to nearly 10,000 stakeholders, and reject consolidation plans in the June vote. Work with families to strengthen enrollment, not displace

519
04:39:50.080 --> 04:40:19.360
students, ma'am. Keep Don Bonito open. Thank you so much. I'm just following the ones you brought in to support you. There we go. Okay. I'm Kathy Greg, also an Upper Hastings Ranch resident, and I I'm oldest girl of eight kids. I love

520
04:40:19.360 --> 04:40:38.320
children and I am happy to say that K through five classes and children are as important as anybody else. They are, you know, they're there to get things

521
04:40:38.320 --> 04:40:52.560
started, get get out on, you know, the right foot to make things happen. And so I really care about Don Bonito School and it's an exceptional school with

522
04:40:52.560 --> 04:41:10.560
great teachers and I love to see that these young kids are blessed with good teachers, good school. So uh God bless all of them. So anyway, that's

523
04:41:10.560 --> 04:41:33.440
all I have to say. Good evening. My name is Patricia Herrera and I have proudly lived in the Upper Hastings Ranch community for over 30 years where Don Bonito has served generations of Pasadena families. I'm here for Don Bonito, but also for all

524
04:41:33.440 --> 04:41:50.000
the schools that this board is closing. Today is a very, very sad day for the city of Pasadena. Closing neighborhood schools is not just a response to decline. It becomes a driver of decline.

525
04:41:50.000 --> 04:42:05.760
Schools are one of the main reasons families choose where to live. When Pasadena closes elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, it sends a message that our city of Pasadena, a beloved city, is shrinking

526
04:42:05.760 --> 04:42:22.480
and losing confidence in its future. Families want stable neighborhoods, schools, strong academics, and confidence that their schools will still be there tomorrow. School closures do the opposite. They are getting people

527
04:42:22.480 --> 04:42:45.680
out of the city of Pasadena. >> Thank you so much. >> Good evening. My name is Jonathan and I'm an Upper Hastings Ranch resident. What I don't understand is why we are even here to discuss closing more schools. You already closed 11 schools and you

528
04:42:45.680 --> 04:43:01.280
still can't get the budget right >> and now you want to close more and six more. You want to close six and merge six more. What are you going to do? Close so many schools that you don't even have a district anymore and then you'll be out of a job

529
04:43:01.280 --> 04:43:24.320
>> or do you need the state to take over? You will then be stripped of your power, which wouldn't be a bad idea. >> Get it right or get out. What kind of legacy are you gonna leave? >> Thank you very much. >> My daughter started at Jefferson

530
04:43:24.320 --> 04:43:39.680
Preschool. And while I cannot claim to have fully endured a school closure, I was at the board meeting when that vote happened in 2019 and was heartbroken by the reactions of the people around me. What I would assume I would feel five years in at our school now. I will say

531
04:43:39.680 --> 04:43:55.440
though that Longfellow is a full thriving place with lots of new faces and great programs. From my perspective, I can see the positive impact of consolidation. I once again want to reiterate that I know if my kids school was on the chopping block, this would be a harder pill to swallow. I guess

532
04:43:55.440 --> 04:44:11.440
without ciding one way or another, I am really hoping that the outcome of this will be a clearer vision of what it means for our aching school district. I do believe that school consolidation can be a positive step for our district but only if it is done with care and intention and at this time there is so

533
04:44:11.440 --> 04:44:26.560
little trust and so much division between the board and the people and the people and the people. I know that there is a lot of chatter about money how much or how little will be saved. But I guess I'm interested in more than just numbers like what do we get out of this? What

534
04:44:26.560 --> 04:44:44.400
instead of just what will we lose? Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Good evening, board. I'm Donna Perkins. I live down the street from Blair High School. I'm also a school occupational therapist working with special needs

535
04:44:44.400 --> 04:45:01.200
youth. So, I know how painful it is to close schools like Don Bonito. And I'm concerned that a LEO takeover will do just that and also take away our voice in what happens within the rest of

536
04:45:01.200 --> 04:45:17.040
our district. So I support Tina Frederick's and I support consolidation now in order to immediately expand opportunities for all students. Any delay will just push the transition two

537
04:45:17.040 --> 04:45:35.600
years away, resulting in another year of significant layoffs to our precious teachers. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Denise Arnst. I'm a resident of Upper Hastings Ranch and my children attended Don Bonito and

538
04:45:35.600 --> 04:45:50.798
Marshall. And I'm here today to ask you actually to urge you to stop the discussions about closing schools. When schools close, enrollment declines. School closing schools hurts the students and also hurts the surrounding

539
04:45:50.798 --> 04:46:08.958
community. The PUSD's own strategic plan cites school closures in 2019 and 2020 as one of the reasons for declining enrollment. When enrollment declines, funding goes down. Closing schools will only make the district's current financial problems worse. Please work to

540
04:46:08.958 --> 04:46:34.440
find alternative solutions. Thank you. >> Is that all the public comment? >> I think we've made it. Okay. >> Part one. >> All right. So, we're now at the item uh comments from recognized employee organizations.

541
04:46:41.840 --> 04:46:58.958
Um, so we'll change it up. Today we'll have our bargaining chair and vice president, uh, Bethl LRA, and she will be presenting. >> You click it. Sorry. Click this to move. >> Okay. I'll try and be five minutes, but might just be a little bit over. All

542
04:46:58.958 --> 04:47:16.080
right. Good evening, school board. Dr. Blanco Blanco Beth El Dura Marshall teacher UTP vice president bargaining chair here to talk about the state of bargaining and UTP's perspective.

543
04:47:16.080 --> 04:47:33.680
This presentation provides the school board with a bargaining update from our members perspective. The educators working directly and in support of our students every day. What we do at the bargaining table is we bring

544
04:47:33.680 --> 04:47:50.718
proposals forward. And here is what we value as we write those proposals. Learning conditions that improve student outcomes and well-being, recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators, strong schools, and a connected district

545
04:47:50.718 --> 04:48:06.958
community. We come to the table to advocate for the safe, stable, fully staffed schools our students deserve. priorities PUSD itself has publicly identified in its strategic pillars. We've reached a few agreements this

546
04:48:06.958 --> 04:48:23.840
year. Some of them include health and welfare benefits, maintaining the status quo for our members, special edou continued supports for teachers and students um in the special ed program. We've also added to the language

547
04:48:23.840 --> 04:48:40.080
something new this year which are fade plans and staff training to support increasing student independence. We're continuing the joint special ed committee and I think that's been a really positive collaborative effort between the two parties.

548
04:48:40.080 --> 04:48:56.718
Where do we stand current and upcoming 202526 bargaining cycle? We still have unresolved class size and salary and then going into 2627 we have proposed some salary and hours.

549
04:48:56.718 --> 04:49:12.320
Um so the district has those now in their possession. Class size students and and teachers need support. Our current class size reality outdated staffing ratios are producing significant imbalances in

550
04:49:12.320 --> 04:49:29.680
class sizes. We see for example 44 students in a sixth grade cla math class, 70 in a secondary PE class, 36 in upper elementary. Those are some examples. Those erode our ability to effectively meet the needs of today's

551
04:49:29.680 --> 04:49:46.958
students. Some necessary changes, class- size caps that support effective teaching and meaningful student learning. Oversized classes undermine student learning, educator retention, and family confidence in PUSD schools.

552
04:49:46.958 --> 04:50:03.600
For 2526, salary, competitive compensation supports, excuse me, student stability. Currently, we are in the bottom quartile in LA County for mid-career educators. Inflation has outpaced now our prior

553
04:50:03.600 --> 04:50:17.840
salary improvements and inconsistent and e uneven salary schedule progression. We'd like to correct necessary changes a 2.35% cost of living adjusting adjustment

554
04:50:17.840 --> 04:50:35.120
sorry add longevity steps 1621 and 26 to support recruitment and retention of experienced educators. California gave PUSD and all the other districts an annual COLA funding. Yet, the employees of the district haven't seen any of it

555
04:50:35.120 --> 04:50:51.680
apply to their salary schedules. Teachers can't afford to live in this community and stay in this profession. for 2627 professional wages for professional work for salary. Our current reality is extra

556
04:50:51.680 --> 04:51:08.160
work is paid at a fraction of people's hourly rate of pay. Uh consistently PUSD budgets less than 55% on classroom instruction. necessary changes, a 5% cost of living adjustment, career and

557
04:51:08.160 --> 04:51:25.520
technical educator pay parody, and fair wages based on our salaries for supplemental work. Show educators that their contributions and expertise are valued by paying them what they are worth. Competitive compensation is essential to retaining experienced

558
04:51:25.520 --> 04:51:42.240
educators and maintaining stable school communities. And for hours 2627 bargaining cycle respect teachers time to strengthen student outcomes. Our current reality only one day for parent conferencing at

559
04:51:42.240 --> 04:52:00.080
the elementary through middle school. Uh inconsistent weekly planning time for elementary teachers and there are no limitations to workload. Necessary changes dedicated parent conference week. We've brought this idea before. Um, our teachers are 100% behind this.

560
04:52:00.080 --> 04:52:17.280
Guarantee 100 minutes of planning time weekly for elementary teachers. Compensate and limit adject duties. Establish a sustainable number of course preparations for secondary educators. And minimize combo classes and compensate teachers for the additional

561
04:52:17.280 --> 04:52:34.400
workload when assigned. Sustainable workloads and working conditions mean better prepared teachers and better learning environments for our students. So PUSD's upside down budget priorities. Our current reality less than 55%

562
04:52:34.400 --> 04:52:51.280
budgeted for classroom instruction. This goes on repeatedly. 20% is spent on contracted services. Um that's more than neighboring districts. No planning for increasing employee compensation instability for students and educators.

563
04:52:51.280 --> 04:53:09.280
What do we need to change? 60% or more of the budget should be for classroom instruction. Greater investment in students, classrooms, and the educators who work with students daily. Budget priorities that center classrooms and support student success. Teacher working

564
04:53:09.280 --> 04:53:24.798
conditions equal student learning conditions. whose interest. In our bargaining sessions with the district, we have repeatedly been told that our proposals are not in the interest of the district. We believe strong schools require

565
04:53:24.798 --> 04:53:40.000
investment in both students and the educators who support them every day. To date, there has been no movement on class size or salary, and the district has now received our salary and hours proposals for the 2627 bargaining cycle.

566
04:53:40.000 --> 04:53:56.160
As the board adopts next year's budget, these unresolved issues should be placed at the top of the list with planning that also reflects our 2627 proposals. Again, we urge the board to prioritize students, classrooms, and the educators

567
04:53:56.160 --> 04:54:21.798
who make student success possible. Keep PUSD strategic pillars in mind as you budget for safe, stable, fully staffed schools. Thank you. Do I have to do something? Any other um

568
04:54:21.920 --> 04:54:54.320
recognize employee organizations? Booya. There we go. So, I'm here on behalf of ABSA. Uh, want to say first, uh, good evening, President Frederick's, uh, board members, Superintendent Blanco, and SLT. Uh, we're just here to say something. Um, it's a very special

569
04:54:54.320 --> 04:55:14.560
day, and we can't let this day go by without saying something to this person. So, we wish Dr. Blanco a happy birthday from ABSA. I know there's a lot of other places you'd rather be, but you are here this evening with us. So, thank you for giving up your time on your birthday to be with us. Uh, and also just we just

570
04:55:14.560 --> 04:55:40.560
want to thank you for your leadership and for your support and u appreciate all you do, Dr. Blanco. So, happy birthday from Absa. any other labor organizations out there? Okay, thank you. And then we have the student board

571
04:55:40.560 --> 04:55:59.920
member report. Thank you, President Frederick's, esteemed board members, Superintendent Blanco, and PSD leadership team for continued contributions and dedications to PSD students. We appreciate how in 2023 the board accepted the student think tank's

572
04:55:59.920 --> 04:56:17.040
proposal to give students a platform for our voice and the student assembly was found. However, today we are left with the question whether our voice truly has an impact on board's final decisions that impacts the students. With all the issues unfolding, it leaves

573
04:56:17.040 --> 04:56:32.320
us to wonder what is the value of our voice? How does our voice affect the board's final decisions? Sometimes we feel the voice student assembly has been tokenized, leaving us feeling that we aren't being treated as an equal partner.

574
04:56:32.320 --> 04:56:49.840
Right now, the district is navigating a deep crisis of trust. And it's very disappointing to see where our district has come to. Since the consolidation committee was first formed, the student assembly and council has voted and spoken out against school consolidation at this time. When

575
04:56:49.840 --> 04:57:05.600
we voted against school consolidation, we're worried our position where the school consolidation advisory committee's recommendations would not change the majority of the board's final decisions. School closures will impact all students lives.

576
04:57:05.600 --> 04:57:21.280
If solutions to PUSD's ongoing physical challenges are to be found or created, we believe the process needs to be truly collaborative. A different process or method must be found. We appreciate that students were invited to participate in

577
04:57:21.280 --> 04:57:36.798
the SCAC. Our colleague who served on the committee told us, quote, "It was weird to have an outside party evaluate our district because they didn't or couldn't understand it like how members of the committee would.

578
04:57:36.798 --> 04:57:53.920
Some of the proposed situations didn't make sense. Many committee members didn't feel as if they had a say. We had to hold questions until after presentations. important questions weren't really being held heard or listened. Overall, it wasn't a nice environment for people to

579
04:57:53.920 --> 04:58:10.320
speak up. As a high school student, the the student assembly understands that all campuses will be affected by consolidations or mergers. We understand that action has to be taken so that the district doesn't have to continue laying off our essential

580
04:58:10.320 --> 04:58:26.240
teachers and staffs. actions that ultimately impact us. We are not sure what the solution is yet, but we will work over the summer to present some new ideas. The student council has always been putting student voices first. As a

581
04:58:26.240 --> 04:58:42.160
junior from PHS, I can share that when student assembly and think tank gets together. There has never been hostility or tensions between students from different campuses. Instead, we operate as equals working together with mutual respect and unity. We have a rigorous process of

582
04:58:42.160 --> 04:58:59.280
preparations for each meeting. This makes it incredibly disheartening when major decisions are happening behind closed doors. It inherently leaves our student board members without a meaningful platform to voice our group's positions. We hope to move away from a superficial inclusions

583
04:58:59.280 --> 04:59:16.000
and towards a shared ownership. We do appreciate board members visiting us in our and your interest in our views. This week, President Frederick's attended our meeting and answered some answered some inquiries and questions. At the end, she invited us to share our voice and our

584
04:59:16.000 --> 04:59:33.040
agenda and told us we can make a difference. We are taking her up on her invitation. And today, we are here to say one, a different and more collaborative process needs to be solved, needs to be used to solve the district declining enrollment and consequently financial issues. We

585
04:59:33.040 --> 05:00:00.320
agree with the school consolidation committee. None of the closures proposed by TSS should happen at this time. Thank you. >> Thank you. The next item is um is Mr. Jsky here? No.

586
05:00:00.320 --> 05:00:18.000
>> Okay. So once he gets here, we could All right, that was the options for order of election for the PUSD. So next item is uh public hearing um will be conducted to allow for public

587
05:00:18.000 --> 05:00:34.320
input regarding 2627 special education plan budget and service plan for PSD SULPA. Uh a public hearing will be held. Do I need to read this? No, just if there's anybody uh

588
05:00:34.320 --> 05:00:56.798
want to speak on the Okay, thank you Trusty Mackenzie. >> Okay. >> Okay, Mr. Johnson, did you you want to speak now? Yes. Okay, might as well.

589
05:00:56.798 --> 05:01:27.840
Okay, back to item M. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. >> How you doing? Mark JSK, city clerk. Uh just to go over the resolutions for the upcoming election.

590
05:01:27.840 --> 05:01:44.878
Um school districts election is coming up Tuesday, November 3rd. Uh the board of education districts are 1, three, five, and seven that are up. It'll be a plurality election. Um so that's the

591
05:01:44.878 --> 05:02:00.958
most votes decides the winner in each race. Uh in the case of a tie, the charter says section 706, the winner will be determined by lot. So u has not been a case since I've been here uh in

592
05:02:00.958 --> 05:02:16.958
21 years. Uh each board member serves a 4-year term uh and that would start on December 7th, 2026. The nomination period, excuse me,

593
05:02:16.958 --> 05:02:33.200
uh will open on July 13th. Um and that happens in the Pasadena City Clerk's office. We will administer that. Uh eligible candidates must be registered to vote and live and be registered in the same geographic subdist.

594
05:02:33.200 --> 05:02:48.798
The period will be open from uh July 13th to August 7th. In the event that the incumbent does not file, the deadline will be extended to Wednesday, August 12th. Uh for everyone except for the

595
05:02:48.798 --> 05:03:08.240
incumbent, there are two resolutions before you. The first resolution is to call and give notice of the election. Is a standard resolution. Um it declares which seats are open. It submits a request to the county superintendent of schools to to

596
05:03:08.240 --> 05:03:24.320
consent and agree to the election consolidation with the statewide uh election that occurs on on November 3rd. Um and then the county would then direct the registar recorder county clerk to run the election on behalf of the POSD. Uh in the resolution it also

597
05:03:24.320 --> 05:03:41.120
acknowledges that PUSD will pay its prora share of election costs and uh that will be as build by the uh RRCC's office. The second resolution uh sets forth regulations relating to candidate

598
05:03:41.120 --> 05:03:57.440
statements. Um and these are the standard uh regulations that we've used in the past. The candidates are responsible for paying paying for paying for their um printing of their statements in the candidate booklet.

599
05:03:57.440 --> 05:04:13.600
Uh the school district will pay the cost for the translated statements. Um the statements are limited to 200 words and it's related to the candidates's qualifications, nonpartisan, and they're due at the time of filing nomination papers. uh working with the county that

600
05:04:13.600 --> 05:04:28.718
the deposit amounts have been set at $600 for each board of education race. If you look at the uh chart that I've provided here, so English only, $600 for each race. If you choose to uh to print

601
05:04:28.718 --> 05:04:43.920
an English and Spanish translation of your English statement in the English book, uh it's $1,200. So, you're paying for both statements. Um, and the the county only allows Spanish as the uh alternate language to be printed in the

602
05:04:43.920 --> 05:04:58.638
English book. They also offer, and this is new, a uh online only uh uh option that's less expensive, $279. Um, but if you choose English or English

603
05:04:58.638 --> 05:05:14.400
Spanish option, uh, that's included. You don't have to pay the extra. So, uh, before you there were requests from, uh, board members, uh, to me to see if there are opportunities for election

604
05:05:14.400 --> 05:05:31.200
cost savings. Um, and so there's a section that we can add to, uh, um, the calling of the election resolution or not. Uh, if you don't add that, then it's status quo. So, all races, regardless of the number of qualified

605
05:05:31.200 --> 05:05:48.160
candidates, would proceed to the ballot. uh contested and non-contested races appear on the ballot. So in the case of the last election, there was one race where someone ran unopposed that stayed on the ballot. There's another reason for that, too, because there was a measure and when you have a measure

606
05:05:48.160 --> 05:06:03.680
that's district-wide, then you don't have the option to cancel any elections because the the election code says if there's another election in the same agency that covers that period, you cannot that area, you cannot cancel. But in this case, you're not going to have a

607
05:06:03.680 --> 05:06:19.920
measure on the ballot that I'm aware of at this point. And so um you have the option uh to appoint in lie of election due to insufficiency of candidates. And this is provided by educ educ education

608
05:06:19.920 --> 05:06:37.360
code sections 5326 and 5328. So, um, is the is the process of cancelling a school district sub geographic race in the event there's only one or no qualified candidates nominated during the nomination period.

609
05:06:37.360 --> 05:06:54.000
And we've never had a case where no qualified candidates has ever has ever happened for a race. So, we in all the history that I've seen for PUSD, there's always been somebody who's run for an open seat. So, uh, but in the case of

610
05:06:54.000 --> 05:07:10.718
this, this would allow if there's one qualified candidate, you could consider an option to cancel that election rather than just put that out to the voters. Um, but an election race cannot be cancelled if a race is contested, meaning there's two or more candidates.

611
05:07:10.718 --> 05:07:27.920
So, you cannot obviously that just proceeds. An election race cannot also be cancelled if a petition is signed by at least 50 v voters in that geographic subdist and they submitted to the elections official prior to the close of the nomination uh period requesting that

612
05:07:27.920 --> 05:07:43.600
the election can be held. So even if you adopt the resolution, the community has a right to force an election even if you have this resolution in place. they can uh circulate a petition and say we want the election to proceed because they

613
05:07:43.600 --> 05:07:59.920
want writing candidates. So um if by the close of the nomination period either August 7th or August 12th there's only one or no qualified candidates then and we haven't received a petition uh then the city clerk's office would notify the

614
05:07:59.920 --> 05:08:17.920
registar recorder county clerk. Um the RRCC would then post a list of canceled elections. If you look at attachment C in your packet, uh I given you an example of what just they of the notice that they just posted for June 2nd.

615
05:08:17.920 --> 05:08:34.160
So it so in the event uh this happens if one candidate if there's one qualified candidate that qualified nominated person this is pursuant to the education code shall be seated at the organizational meeting of the PUSD board

616
05:08:34.160 --> 05:08:52.480
of education and shall serve as if for uh elected for the four-year term if there were no candidates that qualified during the nomination period and we didn't have a petition in case, then it would be the PUSD board uh um uh to act

617
05:08:52.480 --> 05:09:08.480
collectively at a meeting prior to the election to appoint a qualified registered voter from the subgeeographic uh district. And the appointee would serve the four-year term as elected as if elected.

618
05:09:08.480 --> 05:09:24.638
Just so you understand um the cost that's coming up for this election. This is the estimated cost for PUSD general election. Uh the general election is about $295,000. Uh the actual costs will vary on several factors. Number of candidates on the

619
05:09:24.638 --> 05:09:41.840
ballot, the fluctuations in voter registration, vote by mail uh counts, things of that nature. So when you're considering this um I wanted to also point out that in that attachment C and I took a little screen grab other school

620
05:09:41.840 --> 05:09:57.120
districts do take advantage of this education code section. Um and they do appoint in lie of election due to insufficiency of candidates. So Arcadia Unified School District they may be elected at large and so they didn't have

621
05:09:57.120 --> 05:10:14.560
an election this last period. Uh Compton Unified School District cancelled two uh races in area A and in area G. Uh and Long Beach Unified School District canceled their district three race. So what is the fiscal benefit of

622
05:10:14.560 --> 05:10:29.680
cancelling the election? uh running an election with only one candidate. When you send that out, when you send out the ballot materials, you send out the vote by mail materials, um it costs approximately60,000 to $75,000.

623
05:10:29.680 --> 05:10:45.200
So, if you were to cancel it, you would not be spending that that money uh on that race. By cancelelling though, you do eliminate one aspect of the election, which is the writing candidate period. Um my

624
05:10:45.200 --> 05:11:02.080
suggestion on how to proceed is if there's public comment you obviously take that and during your deliberations or following your deliberations you would make a motion uh to include or exclude the provision and that way you can come to consensus as a board and

625
05:11:02.080 --> 05:11:17.520
then a motion on the overall staff recommendation incorporating whatever action you take whether to include or exclude whether to allow for cancelling elections or not allow uh and just proceed as you have in the past. And

626
05:11:17.520 --> 05:11:35.760
with that, I can handle uh answer any questions. >> Thank you, Mr. Johnsky. >> Trusty Kenny, >> on the newer resolution, I just wanted to point out that there was a typo on the first line of the last paragraph on

627
05:11:35.760 --> 05:11:51.440
page three. It just says where geographic subdist is not held. I think the word election might be missing. So, >> okay. >> Um, >> so the city I was going to ask if the city does this, but it sounds like this is based on education codes, so they

628
05:11:51.440 --> 05:12:07.920
wouldn't have an opportunity to do it. >> Uh, right. And we haven't, uh, in this last election, uh, district 5 is, uh, running unopposed, uh, and we're proceeding with the election. >> But I mean, would the city ever contemplate doing this?

629
05:12:07.920 --> 05:12:22.480
>> I've never been asked by the council to contemplate it or bring it forward. There's options for us to do that as well, I think, uh, in the elections code. >> Okay. >> Um, but at this point, we haven't. >> So, it it seems like some of the trade-off or the main parts of the

630
05:12:22.480 --> 05:12:40.638
trade-off is saving the money and losing the opportunity for right in votes. >> That's correct. >> Thank you. >> PCC does it. PCC. >> Okay. Trusty Holly and Trusty Harden.

631
05:12:40.638 --> 05:12:58.000
I was Hi, thank you for being here. No problem. >> Mr. Jsky, >> I guess my question is at PCC, I know that they had one trustee in the last election who ran unopposed. Was that trustee on the ballot?

632
05:12:58.000 --> 05:13:13.600
>> Um, I don't run PCC elections. Um, and I'm >> okay. >> Not familiar with what they've done. >> I don't know if they chose not to do that or not. Uh I just uh in terms of city council elections, I've uh we have

633
05:13:13.600 --> 05:13:28.638
not cancelled elections in the past and that's what I'm that and PUSD. I know in the PUSD there have been just in the last since 2010 there's been three instances where uh a PUSD board member

634
05:13:28.638 --> 05:13:46.320
ran or a a candidate ran unopposed in a seat. Um, and in one of those three cases, I think it I believe it was in 2011 with Ranata Cooper, there was a writing candidate. Um, >> so you have had experience with writing? >> I have. Um, it's interesting with the

635
05:13:46.320 --> 05:14:02.878
writing candidate because the um deadline to be a writing candidate is October 20th, I think. Meanwhile, the ballots have been out for a week and a half or two weeks pre previous. So, it's almost as if you're people are voting

636
05:14:02.878 --> 05:14:18.560
once they get their ballots, people start to vote right away. So, you're already losing the opportunity to get those votes if you're not a right qualified writing candidate um as ballots are sent out to voters. So, uh it's a little

637
05:14:18.560 --> 05:14:34.638
um interesting that there's a deadline that's at, you know, so late in the process and yet ballots are still out and people are voting. So because once a ball ballot's cast and then then your opportunity as a writing candidate to gain that voters's vote is is lost.

638
05:14:34.638 --> 05:14:49.360
>> People have done it. >> They have there has been write in candidates that have um been successful. The one that I've heard of and I don't exactly remember the agency, but it was an incumbent that missed a deadline or

639
05:14:49.360 --> 05:15:05.200
something like that. And so they had name recognition and then they ran a very strong writing candidate campaign. But to be a qualified writing candidate, you have to go through the same nomination process as a regular candidate. You have to circulate your

640
05:15:05.200 --> 05:15:21.600
nomination petition, get your signatures, um, and you still have to pay your $25 for the filing fee and things of that nature. Um, so you're still doing the same work as a candidate. you just do not get your name on the ballot. And so

641
05:15:21.600 --> 05:15:36.718
people, the voters are not going to see your name. They have to know that you are a qualified writing candidate to write in your name. And um and so there's there's a number of um ways to handle that. >> Thank you,

642
05:15:36.718 --> 05:15:52.000
>> Trusty Harden. >> Mr. Jsky, good to see you. Um you >> I just wanted to clarify in the instance where there's one candidate uh and they're not you know they've considered nominated um that's an automatic seating

643
05:15:52.000 --> 05:16:11.680
process there's no board action where they actually have to >> right >> appoint the person it's that's only in the case of no candidate okay >> that would be the appointment >> okay just check >> pros cons you're right I I don't know. Do you have a personal opinion on the

644
05:16:11.680 --> 05:16:27.200
two options? >> I, you know, I don't have a an opinion on it. The b the pros are you save 60 to $75,000. Um, if there's a race that is unopposed,

645
05:16:27.200 --> 05:16:44.798
I do know that voters often question why a race is on a ballot at all if they're running unopposed. um because you technically only need one vote for for that person to be elected unless there's a qualified writing candidate in which case you need to count the votes and they need to if it's a plurality

646
05:16:44.798 --> 05:17:04.638
election they need to have the most votes but um I don't have pros or cons beyond that it's up to the board and actually do we just need to do a motion on one of them is that How do we

647
05:17:04.638 --> 05:17:19.600
>> right? I would I would suggest you you take up the matter of whether or not you want to include the section that allows for the uh election to be cancelled or not include the section. That would be the way I would handle it. And then you

648
05:17:19.600 --> 05:17:35.280
could just take a motion on the the rest of the staff recommendation. >> It was agenda as a board discussion. I was under pressure that you guys were going to discuss and >> um decide on which option and we were

649
05:17:35.280 --> 05:17:52.958
going to bring it for approval at the next. >> Okay. Okay. >> Then I don't >> Yeah. So did did someone have an opinion on leaning to one or the other at this point? >> Trusty Harden >> saving money. I mean that's I mean the

650
05:17:52.958 --> 05:18:08.480
right in issue is is a little bit of a concern but I think it's expensive you know to run a a race in a precinct with one candidate. So >> are you talking about the insufficient candidate option option? Okay.

651
05:18:08.480 --> 05:18:30.560
>> So can you clarify what we're go can we have like a recap on the two options? >> Oh you want to ask him for a recap? >> I can ask him for a recap. The option is no no action >> meaning you wouldn't add anything to your resolution. You would just leave it

652
05:18:30.560 --> 05:18:47.360
as you've had in the past. So not adding that not including that section. I think it's section five in one of the in in the resolution that you would add that I think it's section five or if you wanted the option to cancel

653
05:18:47.360 --> 05:19:02.638
not the option if you choose to cancel elections if someone runs unopposed then it would be uh adding that section to the resolution >> just >> yes >> I'm sorry so um insufficiency of

654
05:19:02.638 --> 05:19:18.798
candidates so I'm sorry that made me think If we go with our status quo and no one runs, which as you said has never happened, I'm assuming something takes over, but by having this language, it's a more streamlined process.

655
05:19:18.798 --> 05:19:34.560
>> Well, if if no one were to qualify in the in the nomination period, you would still have and you didn't add it, then you would still have the right in candidacy option. I mean, that would someone could be a writing >> would still run the election even if no one qualified.

656
05:19:34.560 --> 05:19:50.320
>> Correct. because there would be >> do this >> right >> and then if no one did a write in then we would then we would still have to appoint >> you would have to appoint >> I mean I'm assuming there's another procedure somewhere that tells us what to do if no one wins an election >> right

657
05:19:50.320 --> 05:20:12.798
>> but this is >> we could we could cross that bridge when I don't I haven't seen that happen >> okay >> we could cross that bridge when we we get there >> you have a question Dr. So I believe we are the consensus is to go with insufficient what what is on the

658
05:20:12.798 --> 05:20:31.360
item. We need to figure out >> I believe this is a discussion item so we don't have to take action on it. So, >> well, we need to we need to be able to give direction to what should be on the agenda next time. Unless you want both of them there and we choose at that time.

659
05:20:31.360 --> 05:20:50.080
>> Well, wouldn't that be creating a >> Okay. Well, so I heard I heard your views and and I think >> if someone runs unopposed, we'd want to save the money. So, we really don't want to leave it as you want insufficient candidates, >> right?

660
05:20:50.080 --> 05:21:05.360
>> I just want your opportunity to express if you need to. you want to weigh in? We're not really voting. We're just expressing. >> So, given that we just heard an hour plus um public comment that has expressed significant unwitness about

661
05:21:05.360 --> 05:21:30.000
our fiscal situation, I think that we should be exercising all options in our power to be able to save money. >> I agree with those sentiments. this this process does not impact um the candidates, but it only benefits

662
05:21:30.000 --> 05:21:48.958
the district. So, I'm in support of it. >> So, it sounds like you're uh moving forward to include it. And so that would be the resolution that would include the section and uh allow for you the option again and just for you and the public if

663
05:21:48.958 --> 05:22:04.878
there are two or more candidates the election proceeds as normal. >> Um in the event that there's a petition that's submitted by voters that they want the election to proceed no matter what the election would proceed as normal. In the event that there's no

664
05:22:04.878 --> 05:22:20.798
petition and there's only one candidate, that's the option when it would be cancelled and you and the district would save the 60 to 75,000. Okay. >> Do you have any more? You look like you have a question. >> I just want to make sure that Miss

665
05:22:20.798 --> 05:22:35.520
Mononttoya is okay with this because this is going to be on for next month. >> Actually, no. We were planning to bring it back on June 11th. >> June 11. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Trusty Bailey has a question.

666
05:22:35.520 --> 05:22:52.480
>> I do have a question about if um a trustee is appointed, are they afforded the same rights and the responsibilities that been elected?

667
05:22:52.480 --> 05:23:15.040
>> Yeah, this is uh under the education code and the wording that's in the education code and I think I provided that as an attachment. Let me just >> And so there's nowhere where it says that

668
05:23:15.040 --> 05:23:31.760
>> if no person has been nominated or if an insufficient number is nominated, the governing board shall appoint a qualified person or persons as the case may be at a meeting prior to the date fixed for the election. And such appointee shall be seated at the organizational meeting of the board as

669
05:23:31.760 --> 05:23:46.718
if elected at a district election. That's the wording in the education code, >> but it doesn't say that. It doesn't say who specifically the appointee is. So, does that mean that it could be a board

670
05:23:46.718 --> 05:24:04.798
member who is running unopposed who should be appointed? But if the board decides that there's someone else who's qualified, >> no. So in the case of one candidate >> or sorry one >> qualified candidate that goes through

671
05:24:04.798 --> 05:24:21.760
the nomination period and is nominated and is a qualified candidate and they are unopposed then per the code they would just be seated. In the event that no one is nominated, then the board would make an appointment and that would be of a

672
05:24:21.760 --> 05:24:40.000
qualified elector of the district that the board chooses and they would do that before the election. Does that make sense? >> It makes sense, but there's always a loophole somewhere. I'm finding >> not always something. So, so then my

673
05:24:40.000 --> 05:24:55.840
next my next question um is whether or not that appointment can be withdrawn by the board at any time. >> No, once you make an appointment, then

674
05:24:55.840 --> 05:25:12.480
they are uh seated as if elected. That's the language in the education code. >> Okay. >> I'm just reading from the education code. I'm not an attorney. You may want to talk with your legal counsel, but that's my understanding of how it works.

675
05:25:12.480 --> 05:25:29.200
>> Okay. Do you know any districts that have done this? >> Um, the appointment part, I haven't heard of a district that had to. I've I've heard of districts that have canceled elections when there's just one qualified candidate that's uh done the nomination. >> And those are the ones you showed us on the

676
05:25:29.200 --> 05:25:46.320
>> That's just the ones that happened in June 2nd. There are probably others. >> Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. >> And so for this to take effect, it has to go on the June 11th, no later, >> right? >> Thank you.

677
05:25:46.320 --> 05:26:04.160
>> You're welcome. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next item. >> Good to see everybody. >> All right. We're at item N, public hearing. Now we're at the public hearing um for the SULPA.

678
05:26:04.160 --> 05:26:20.080
The governing board of the Pastine Unified School District is now opening the public hearing for public input regarding 2627 special education plan budget and service plan for Pastine Unified School District SULPA. Anyone wishing to comment either verbally or in

679
05:26:20.080 --> 05:27:12.200
writing may do so at this time. >> There is one person who sent to give public comments under this public hearing. Cindy Jin. Okay. >> How many minutes? three minutes.

680
05:27:13.840 --> 05:27:30.480
>> Good evening, board members and superintendent. I'm requesting that the board withhold approval of the 2026 2027 Sulpa plan until it is amended to accurately reflect the significant restructuring of the special education department and presented transparently to the public. The current public

681
05:27:30.480 --> 05:27:46.240
hearing notice references approval of the SPA plan. Yet, it does not provide the public with critical information regarding restructuring of the special education department, changes to administration or fiscal fiscal oversight, staffing changes, allocation

682
05:27:46.240 --> 05:28:02.558
of the idea part B funding, low incidence funding expenditures or medical billing reimbursement revenue, and how those funds are being used. As board members, you have a fidiciary responsibility and oversight obligation to ensure that the public funds designated for students with

683
05:28:02.558 --> 05:28:18.718
disabilities are being used appropriately, transparently, and in compliance with the IDEA requirements. I have serious concerns regarding low incidence funding, which reportedly totals approximately $1 million. These funds are intended to support students with low incidence disabilities through

684
05:28:18.718 --> 05:28:34.400
specialized equipment, materials, services, and supports. The public deserves a clear accounting of how these funds are allocated and whether they are directly benefiting students asend as intended. I also have concerns regarding medical billing reimbursements generated

685
05:28:34.400 --> 05:28:49.360
from special education related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, nursing, and other services provided to students with disabilities. The board should publicly clarify how much reimbursement funding

686
05:28:49.360 --> 05:29:07.200
is received, whether those funds are deposited, whether those funds are being redirected into the general fund, and how much is being reinvested directly back into special education programs, staffing, and student supports. Additionally, if the district is significantly restructuring the special

687
05:29:07.200 --> 05:29:22.638
education department, the board should not approve a SEPA part B plan that may no longer accurately reflect the district's operational structure, fiscal oversight, staffing model, or service delivery system. Before approval, I respectfully request that the board

688
05:29:22.638 --> 05:29:39.280
require a publicly updated and amended SEPARB budget and service plan, disclosure of restructuring impacts, transparency regarding special education funding streams, and confirmation regarding whether the California Department of Education has been notified of these significant changes.

689
05:29:39.280 --> 05:29:53.600
Parents and the community deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation before decisions affecting students with disabilities, funding allocations, and FAPE obligations are approved. Thank you. Cindy Jyn, parent of students with

690
05:29:53.600 --> 05:30:20.878
IEPs. >> Are there any additional comments? Hearing none, the public hearing for input regarding 2627 special education plan budget and service plan for Pest Unified School District SULPA is now closed. Uh we're now at item 01

691
05:30:20.878 --> 05:30:47.798
AB1912 school consolidation board member statement regarding records disclosure. Uh anybody would like to go have a turn. >> Okay. You want to go first? >> Okay. Trusty Harden.

692
05:30:50.160 --> 05:31:07.120
>> Public trust and transparency are essential to effective governance. The Brown Act is a valuable check against conducting the public's business in private. On this, I want to be clear. At no point was there any intention or attempt on my part to facilitate

693
05:31:07.120 --> 05:31:24.638
majority discussion of any topics. Effective governance also requires that board members diligently prepared for public deliberations through independent research, rigorous factf finding, and a commitment to finding common ground. The compromises that led to the passage of

694
05:31:24.638 --> 05:31:41.360
resolution 2852 were centered around granting the superintendent the necessary authority and autonomy to stabilize our district, including consolidation scenarios should they be required to ensure that we protect the vital programs and services

695
05:31:41.360 --> 05:31:57.200
that PUSD provides to every student in our community. The resolution was intended to initiate the process, not enter a final conclusion. Furthermore, there was never any attempt on my part to influence the selection of

696
05:31:57.200 --> 05:32:12.400
any consultant. It had always been my position, one well communicated in the public disclosures to allow the superintendent complete autonomy and authority to select a consultant as she saw fit. I was invited to a single

697
05:32:12.400 --> 05:32:28.320
meeting with Total School Solutions so that I could watch a presentation of their services. I made no effort to endorse them, recommend their hire to anyone, direct their work, or conspire to achieve any specific result.

698
05:32:28.320 --> 05:32:44.160
On the matter of informal personal texts between myself, individual board members, or members of the public, I made sarcastic and cynical statements in references to others. I regret having made these statements. I value the engagement of the public in our

699
05:32:44.160 --> 05:33:01.200
governance process. I have been myself a longtime member of various parent advocacy groups and I know that while words matter, actions matter even more. And I believe my record of showing up in our community supports how I truly feel about those in it. My sincere apology

700
05:33:01.200 --> 05:33:17.520
extends to anyone I may have offended by any of the comments made. Finally, as it relates to the portions of communications that have been referenced in various publications, I observed some misconceptions about some of the messages. I would encourage the public

701
05:33:17.520 --> 05:33:39.200
to review the entirety of messages and understand the context context in which they were sent. Transparency is essential to public trust. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Trusty Kenny. >> I believe in parent and community

702
05:33:39.200 --> 05:33:54.400
engagement and transparency with our school district. These beliefs have been a focus of mine since I joined the district as a parent and they have continued during my time on the PUSD board. I believe strongly in the Brown Act and its goal of allowing the public

703
05:33:54.400 --> 05:34:09.520
to see what the government is doing with taxpayer dollars on the public's behalf. As a result, I'm careful to avoid participating in communications that might cause a violation. Additionally, I want to make clear that I did not meet or talk with anyone from

704
05:34:09.520 --> 05:34:27.120
TSS until the day they presented their proposal at our January 22nd meeting. Also, Miss Frederick's did not share any plan for specific school closures with me, and I did not see any part of it until reading the summary in the recent newspaper article.

705
05:34:27.120 --> 05:34:42.240
I do regret my sarcastic tone and facicious texts with fellow board members. While I believe the messages as referenced in recent media have been taken out of context, it was never my intention to do something that would cause a distraction from the important

706
05:34:42.240 --> 05:35:15.120
work we are trying to accomplish. Anybody else? As a board member, I take my responsibility of making difficult decisions and seriously and I want to acknowledge

707
05:35:15.120 --> 05:35:30.480
that public trust matters especially during a moment like this when our district's facing serious finan financial enrollment challenges that affect every school community. Our community is asking the district to

708
05:35:30.480 --> 05:35:46.400
preserve teaching positions, protect academic programs, maintain student opportunities, provide wages that reflect the rising costs of living. These are all important,

709
05:35:46.400 --> 05:36:10.878
but financially they're increasingly in tension with each other. I have not made up my mind or have a final determination regarding any specific school closures, consolidations or outcomes.

710
05:36:10.878 --> 05:36:28.798
My concern has been the long-term fiscal structural challenges facing Pasadena Unified and the need to address those responsibly. I also recognize that these conversations are deeply personal for students, for the educators that are

711
05:36:28.798 --> 05:36:43.920
impacted by those by the neighborhoods and both as a board member and as a parent of two children in this district. I take that responsibility to balance those needs of the current students and

712
05:36:43.920 --> 05:36:59.440
the future students of Pasadena. I have been guided by I what I believe in good faith to be the long-term interest of the district and its

713
05:36:59.440 --> 05:37:19.280
students. I want to briefly address my consolidation slides that recently shared through the public records process. These slides were first created in October 2025 as part of my own personal notes created independently

714
05:37:19.280 --> 05:37:36.558
using my personal email account. October 2025 was when the district was addressing its 35 million fiscal deficit. I saw I saw school consolidation as a potential solution at least in part to address the district's ongoing structural deficit.

715
05:37:36.558 --> 05:37:53.200
The facts are number one, I started working on the slides before total school solutions was hired. Number two, I met with total school solutions on a recommendation from board members from multiple districts. At no time did total T total school solutions ever review or

716
05:37:53.200 --> 05:38:10.240
contribute to my slides. This was intentional because I wanted to ensure the integrity of the process. Part of being a board member is being well informed. As such, I met with toll school solutions forformational purposes only to ensure the process is correct

717
05:38:10.240 --> 05:38:26.958
and to understand what services they would provide. Notably, the conclusions of total school solutions were significantly different from mine. Number three, the fact that Total School Solutions was eventually independently chosen by the superintendent is just a

718
05:38:26.958 --> 05:38:44.400
coincidence. Total School Solutions is well known in the school consolidation space. So, it's not unusual for them to be consulted for information and not unusual for them to be chosen as a facilitator. But the board had no part in the selection of Total School

719
05:38:44.400 --> 05:38:58.878
Solutions. Any assertions or accusations that the creation and existence of the slides in any way tainted or influenced this process is patently false. I apologize that these documents have distracted others from the good work that this

720
05:38:58.878 --> 05:39:14.400
board is doing. In particular, the board has taken care to make sure the process involves appropriate factf finding, recommendations, and discussion among interested members of the public. I hope that we can continue to move forward, understand the state of our district,

721
05:39:14.400 --> 05:39:35.280
and work toward the best solution for our students. It has been my goal to keep this process open andformational, and we will continue to do so in the future. All right. Item Z2, total school solutions presentation on the equity

722
05:39:35.280 --> 05:39:57.360
impact analysis report, including the school consolidation advisory committee recommendations. >> Good evening. I'm Dr. Joseph Bandalfo and this is Dr. Jody Wells uh with Total School Solutions. And uh tonight we're going to go over the draft equity impact

723
05:39:57.360 --> 05:40:14.080
uh report uh that you've received. Um this uh AB1912 process is the gold standard in the state and and it's really designed to help um school districts avoid uh disproportionality or discrimination when they're considering

724
05:40:14.080 --> 05:40:30.798
closures. Um so the whole process is is is really um geared to look at metrics um that that can lead uh to the district to making wise decisions when when it has to consider closure. enclosure. Of course, you know, we do a lot of this type of work with a lot of school districts all over the state and and

725
05:40:30.798 --> 05:40:47.520
it's these are very difficult um conversations. They people do tend to get very upset. It's a very personal uh matter. Closing schools are part of the community. Their places of belonging and it's understandable that people are upset and have strong opinions on this.

726
05:40:47.520 --> 05:41:02.638
So, um what we're going to talk about tonight is just the background information uh that led up to this process. uh we're going to talk about the superintendent school advisory committee uh that met and and and u how that uh decisions they made and

727
05:41:02.638 --> 05:41:18.240
information they saw and then we'll talk about assembly bill 1912 the metrics and other factors that were reviewed during this whole process. Um and that being said um any one of these topics in this report you know could be a couple hour

728
05:41:18.240 --> 05:41:34.400
presentation. So that's that's for a normal board meeting. That's not something we typically do. And the board does have a study schedule uh a study session scheduled that can get into a lot more detail than what we're going to go over tonight because this is going to be more of a a 35,000 foot view of the

729
05:41:34.400 --> 05:41:52.160
process. So, um I think what's driving this discussion uh like most of the districts in LA County is just the historical enrollment and projected enrollment. You can see that uh you know since 1516 you know thousands of students have been lost and um of course

730
05:41:52.160 --> 05:42:08.160
the school districts are always geared up for whatever their enrollment is and as they lose students it's difficult difficult for them to cope with that in a lot of ways but this is really what what what drives the conversation mostly. Um there was a board resolution that was referred to previously uh 2852

731
05:42:08.160 --> 05:42:24.718
about enrollments that established minimum optimal maximum enrollments and that also put all this uh motion this uh process in motion to start looking at this um gave the superintendent specific instructions on next steps and and part of that was the superintendent form

732
05:42:24.718 --> 05:42:40.160
formed a committee um to look at this. So this committee um and and h having led the uh facilitated committee, you know, really impressive people on the committee, very dedicated, very passionate, very intelligent. Um

733
05:42:40.160 --> 05:42:57.120
everyone shared um personal experiences about how this district impacted them personally or their families. Um so there there was a lot of ownership of that committee and they took their uh job very seriously. There were 33 members, over 150 applicants. I think it

734
05:42:57.120 --> 05:43:13.120
was more like 160 something. Um they they're they were tasked with reviewing the board approved metrics and factors and um they began by trying to narrow down a list of schools. Um basically to funnel down the number of schools that

735
05:43:13.120 --> 05:43:29.680
would be looked at a little more closely for consolidation. It's a big district. You wouldn't want to look at every single school for closure. That wouldn't make any sense. But there might be opportunities with some of the schools. So they were asked to do that at about I think it was the third meeting. We had a roundt discussion and they were um the

736
05:43:29.680 --> 05:43:47.440
committee was pretty vocal about uh feeling like that the the schools it was causing a lot of stress on the schools to feel like they were under microscope about closure and that um it was there was a discussion. My interpretation was they wanted me to come up with some scenarios to come to to um to to come up

737
05:43:47.440 --> 05:44:04.480
with some types of closure scenarios so they could you know move the process along and and make some good decisions. Um so that's what I did and I brought back scenarios and we started with the uh TK8 scenarios and then we went with the high school scenarios and there there is an infinite um scenarios and

738
05:44:04.480 --> 05:44:20.958
and TSS works with a lot of school districts and and does that type of work. So, we were we uh were accustomed to doing that. We brought and narrowed down some selections. Um, and what you're going to see in the EIA is actually every um every scenario that was brought forward to the committee.

739
05:44:20.958 --> 05:44:36.718
That's a little bit more unusual than most districts with this report. Typically, it's already narrowed down to, you know, a couple of schools or so that that they want the board needs to consider for closure. This has scenarios. The board would could not um

740
05:44:36.718 --> 05:44:53.680
uh approve all the scenarios because some of them are conflicting nor was that the intent. It was just to give the committee options. But since the committee made no recommendations, all the options were brought forward to the board for their consideration. Um and at the May 11th meeting, the committee decided not to vote for any closures at

741
05:44:53.680 --> 05:45:10.558
this time. Um the committee always reviewed the board desired outcomes um because that was important. And I think the board did a good job of really kind of setting um the committee on track to what they wanted the committee to do. And they and and so you know part of these outcomes was were uh were always

742
05:45:10.558 --> 05:45:26.878
reviewed especially about you know um you know what the students would get out of this. That was always a big part of the conversation because that was important to the board. And then there were also objectives. You can see the last bullet. um they could recommend to consolidate not to consolidate schools, recommend

743
05:45:26.878 --> 05:45:41.920
consolidate one or more schools at the end of the process or um recommend future years consolidation and they just voted not to consolidate anything. Um this is the the final vote. So it wasn't consistent. Um some of the schools uh

744
05:45:41.920 --> 05:45:58.480
you know were fairly close in the in the in the vote tallies so that um you know it wasn't it wasn't all the same because I think some of the situations weren't all the same. So people were um you know voting on what they thought was best. So with AB1912 like I said that's the um

745
05:45:58.480 --> 05:46:15.120
gold standard. Um and again all the options were included in the in the IIA that the committee saw um and they were through these metrics um and uh the the board can uh you know the board has the ability to accept the committee's recommendations to reject the

746
05:46:15.120 --> 05:46:31.200
committee's recommendations. uh that board can come up with their own recommendations. If the board wants to come up with different scenarios than what was presented, it can also do that. However, that will um extend the timeline because it has to go through this whole process again and that has to

747
05:46:31.200 --> 05:46:47.760
be analyzed through equity impact analysis. But that is possible if there's a feeling the board wants to do that. Um and um and the options that were analyzed, this is a TK8 options. So you can see the potential closed school is on the second

748
05:46:47.760 --> 05:47:04.558
column. So that would have been Bonito, Webster, Kums, and Webster and Kums. There's a 2A and 2B because those are um inverses of each other essentially with um you know Longfellow uh as a likely receiving school on 2A, but otherwise

749
05:47:04.558 --> 05:47:20.638
it's an inverse. And then there was McKinley um and that was broken into 68 and TK5 into two parts um because it's a because it's a K8 school and then the secondary options um there

750
05:47:20.638 --> 05:47:38.240
were there were um you know basically two schools looking at to be uh closed here Thood Marshall and then Blair and then there were um with Thood Marshall there was really only one option um and then Blair um depending depending on what happened with Thood Marshall had

751
05:47:38.240 --> 05:47:54.480
several options in terms of where the high school students would go or where the middle school students would go. And so that was all analyzed. And so uh when when narrowing down the schools, the geographic locations and where the students reside was looked at.

752
05:47:54.480 --> 05:48:11.440
Um that's obviously an important factor. You want to put have schools open where students are. And then of course enrollment is a factor, you know, and where that enrollment is. the the one very unique thing about Pasadena and one of the committee members said the greatest strength is with a school district is it's its um district choice

753
05:48:11.440 --> 05:48:27.360
and and students can enroll anywhere in the district. That also makes for some really unorthodox um analysis of this because students for some of the schools uh most of them in many cases don't live by the school. So, it's not typical um in in many districts, you know, they're

754
05:48:27.360 --> 05:48:44.798
neighborhood schools. And so, if you're talking about merging schools, it's pretty clear that the students will go from this school to that school, but in a situation like this where the students don't live by the school to begin with, um that's less assured. uh for for purposes of the study, we had to assign them to a school just so um so there

755
05:48:44.798 --> 05:49:00.718
would be um you know a proof that they could actually the district could house those students, but they may not necessarily go to that school since it's a district of choice. Um and and so that that's a little bit unusual. Uh the metrics um you know the and these you've

756
05:49:00.718 --> 05:49:18.240
seen before they were approved by the board and that other other required information that's also in the plan is listed here. Um and so and that's the AB1912 uh you know meets the criteria that's required. Um uh there's also uh the

757
05:49:18.240 --> 05:49:33.840
important part of AB1912 is you may have noticed that there's draft on this uh report which may seem a little odd because you know it's it's a report being presented at the board but that's um the reason that is is because um the report isn't final right now. it's still

758
05:49:33.840 --> 05:49:50.160
a living document and as as public comment comes in and and um ideas come in um the report can be modified and it's required that those comments are are responded to. So as the process goes on there may be some some comments that

759
05:49:50.160 --> 05:50:07.120
um change essentially change the report or change the the closure plan based on the comments that's in the report. So it's it's it's an opportunity for the public at this public hearing. There's another public hearing. There's also a website for people to write into and those comments will be responded to as

760
05:50:07.120 --> 05:50:26.400
the process goes uh uh through. And then again the metric analysis these are the these are all the uh this is a summary of what was in the um in the report. And again, these are each one of these topics is is most of them are pretty big, take a a while to go through and um there's a scheduled study session

761
05:50:26.400 --> 05:50:41.520
that would be uh you know, a lot more detail on all of these uh topics, the metrics. Um and so the um the the the equity impact analysis which is posted that has all the the information in it.

762
05:50:41.520 --> 05:50:59.360
Um, also there's there's a website uh that that people can um uh write their comments to and I believe it's uh help me Miss Fatim as a >> public comments. Could you repeat what it is? >> Public comments at PUSD us.

763
05:50:59.360 --> 05:51:16.798
>> Yeah, public comments at PUSD. Okay. So that's that's where a public can write in and we'll notate those comments and we'll we'll we'll respond to them and incorporate comments into the report. >> You would ask that they increase impact analysis as part of their subject line. >> Yeah. And the subject line uh if people

764
05:51:16.798 --> 05:51:32.480
going to write into that shouldn't should say uh EA EIA draft public comment. So we know that that's what it's about because other comments come into that um line as well. Okay. Okay. And so the next steps which the board is going to look at and consider later, but this is currently uh

765
05:51:32.480 --> 05:51:49.280
what uh the the um process is um on May 28th tonight, we have um the SESAC recommendation of the board and the draft um analysis. And the draft analysis is just basically the board is just asked to acknowledge receipt of the

766
05:51:49.280 --> 05:52:05.520
uh document, not approval of it, just that the the board received it. Um and then on June 11th there's a second public hearing that the p the board can get more public comment. Um on June 13th there's scheduled a board study session and on the 25th uh on this schedule will

767
05:52:05.520 --> 05:52:22.558
be the final um uh meeting where the board would decide to take action or not take action on any of the uh proposed closures. Okay. So that is um that is the uh presentation and uh Dr. Dr. Wales and I

768
05:52:22.558 --> 05:52:38.878
will be glad to answer questions on the report or the process. >> Before we continue with the conversation, I would like to make a motion to extend the meeting till 12:30. >> Second in favor.

769
05:52:38.878 --> 05:52:54.718
>> Good. >> Okay. We're we're we're an hour behind the schedule time in the agenda. >> Miss Kenny says possibly longer. >> She's asking for longer. Oh, okay.

770
05:52:54.718 --> 05:53:20.760
>> 12:30 is an hour and 30 minutes. >> He hearing would take a significant portion of that. So 32 >> 1 a.m. >> 1 a.m. Just in case. Just in case. >> All right. Thank you.

771
05:53:20.958 --> 05:53:35.280
Okay, we'll try. Trusty Harden, then Trusty Kenny question. We need to vote. >> Oh, okay. Sorry. Motion uh motion to extend to 1:00 a.m. and

772
05:53:35.280 --> 05:53:54.320
then I I seconded it. All those in favor? All those against? Abstensions? Okay, motion passes. Okay, back to >> I just want to add I I know I can't stay that long. >> We'll try to finish as as much as

773
05:53:54.320 --> 05:54:14.840
possible. >> Okay, >> any questions for Mr. Pandalfo County? >> So, this is a discussion item. So, I should do a question and any comment simultaneously.

774
05:54:19.120 --> 05:54:35.920
So um if I were to ask you why did you not recommend Don Bonito to Webster was and the reason behind that question is I'm trying to understand whether there was analysis and and how

775
05:54:35.920 --> 05:54:53.680
you ended up on these selections. >> Yeah. I I think um and in reflecting back on that I I think the thought was that um Webster is got an enrollment about 250 students and it looked like that would e Webster was either going to

776
05:54:53.680 --> 05:55:09.920
be closed or merged with another school. Um so uh Webster wasn't really available for Dominito in that in the scenarios we had. Um so um uh you know so that's why it wasn't considered further.

777
05:55:09.920 --> 05:55:27.360
>> Okay. Thank you. Um I think that the reasons for having a transformation and consolidation conversation now um the reasons for it still exist and are still urgent. And the two reasons, at least for me, are the very impactful cuts we approved in

778
05:55:27.360 --> 05:55:42.558
November, which took away services from students at schools and districtwide that we'll be implementing next year, and the fact that we're in the middle of spending 500 million of bond funds and are planning how to spend the next 1 billion without a clear understanding of

779
05:55:42.558 --> 05:55:58.320
our decisions are prudent given the future use of each building. And these are funds the taxpayers will be paying off for the next 25 years. The board gave direction for a draft district transformation process to be prepared. The board hired a consultant

780
05:55:58.320 --> 05:56:15.040
in January with a proposed timeline. From the beginning, there were concerns about that timeline. If you go back and look at the January meeting, as I observed the committee process, my concerns multiplied, but there were no opportunities for the board to discuss the process, modify the process where it

781
05:56:15.040 --> 05:56:31.520
was lacking substance, ensure that the town halls and survey were authentic engagement. engagement or any opportunity to slow the process down when it felt rushed. This process as designed was not transparent for the majority of our parents in the community.

782
05:56:31.520 --> 05:56:49.280
I think that most would agree that at the SCAC process and the outcomes are problematic. Entire components of the stated timeline were given little time. For instance, programs at sites and feeder patterns to name only a two.

783
05:56:49.280 --> 05:57:06.000
Looking at the new attendance zones, transition timelines, and an overall view of the potential changes were not part of the process or proposed scenarios. There should also be a recommendation for the future l use of any closed sites, as the community has often pointed out.

784
05:57:06.000 --> 05:57:22.280
I think there are numerous issues with this EIA that I don't have enough time to point out tonight even with the extension in time but I would not be able to support these scenarios at written at this time

785
05:57:22.480 --> 05:57:41.958
this it's not clear to me that the selected consultant was a good fit for the process that we needed and that the board requested. I would have also liked to have been informed about the pre-existing relationship between our legal firm and TSS.

786
05:57:42.958 --> 05:57:59.360
>> These short changed areas and missed areas need to be addressed before the board reviews the proposed scenarios. Parent and community questions and concerns should be at a minimum answered if not incorporated into the plan. All the components of the plan need to

787
05:57:59.360 --> 05:58:14.878
be shared and be part of the decision on how to move forward rather than put off into some later phase as has been proposed. This is needed in order to meet our own board goals for the process and to regain the trust of the community.

788
05:58:14.878 --> 05:58:31.440
We have a similar review process going on with our facilities master planning starting off with a report from a demographer and review of our site capacities. Then there is planned outreach for each of our school sites. These steps are also part of district transformation and can help us move

789
05:58:31.440 --> 05:58:49.558
forward with this work. Okay. Trusty Kenny, are you expecting a response or this is just are you expecting do you want him to respond to some of it? No. Okay. Or you're free to respond if there's any issues you want to address.

790
05:58:54.718 --> 05:59:20.160
We of course respect the board's input. >> Okay. Any other questions for Mr. Pandalfo? >> Oh, Trusty McKenzie, >> I think I have um two questions. The

791
05:59:20.160 --> 05:59:39.760
first one is um given your statement that it's unique that this is a open enrollment district. And typically if there's a recommendation to consolidate schools or programs and the

792
05:59:39.760 --> 05:59:53.760
feeding schools or receiving schools are typically in neighborhoods where students live given that that is not our reality. Um, what experience does your firm have in advising communities on how to

793
05:59:53.760 --> 06:00:15.840
navigate such a scenario? >> Well, I think um it it just makes uh you know, it makes the closures of the schools um for you know, a little bit more hard to predict where students will you will go. So, um, you know, it it might be just a little different

794
06:00:15.840 --> 06:00:31.920
perspective in terms of, um, looking a little closer at where the students reside rather than where they go to school because if the schools can move closer to where the students reside, you know, that actually makes, you know, makes some sense, too. So it's so to me

795
06:00:31.920 --> 06:00:48.718
that's a little bit different you know like um I I think with McKinley if you look at the scatter plot maps and the heat maps it's it's the the school is not well enrolled but the area isn't um the the en the area seems to have uh

796
06:00:48.718 --> 06:01:05.440
considerable enrollment. So you know there's a little disconnect there. um you know is that um you know would it be better to get something that's more attractive in an area that more students live in? Um so you know that that's just kind of an observation that's a little bit different from uh you know because

797
06:01:05.440 --> 06:01:20.080
other school districts have open enrollment but I you know the when you look at and you see in the report there's these scatter plot maps of where the students live. I mean it looks like the universe because there's a there's you know there's there's some students who live around the school and then they're all over the district. So, um

798
06:01:20.080 --> 06:01:36.400
you know that that's um you know it may be more important you know where the students live per se than the enrollment at the school um in in a district like this. >> So then what information do you use to make recommendations then? What kind of data are you gathering? What kind of um

799
06:01:36.400 --> 06:01:52.400
information is used to make an appropriate assessment or recommendation? >> Yeah. Well, I mean typically it's it's you know the the enrollments for the school where the students live. Um, and you know, I think the added layer with this is, uh, you know, what, you know,

800
06:01:52.400 --> 06:02:08.480
what programs are attracting the students and where they're located and is that makes sense? You know, where they're at for where the students are at since the um, you know, the the enrollments just dispersed. Um, so it's, you know, I mean, that that's just my opinion, but that's that's what's a

801
06:02:08.480 --> 06:02:23.520
little different here. But if we've already established that geography is immaterial essentially to where students go to school, then how are we relying on geography as the basis for making said recommendations? >> Well, I I didn't say geography was not

802
06:02:23.520 --> 06:02:39.840
important. I I still think geography is important. Um but you you know it's I think it's uh you know where the schools are at and um you know if there's you know if you have one school in the northeast corner of the district does that make sense regardless of where the student is going to close it if it's

803
06:02:39.840 --> 06:02:55.440
well enrolled. You know I so it's not it's not you know things like this aren't like a straight ahead math problem. It's it's something that's got to be analyzed and looked at from a lot of different perspectives. I'll correct my wording perhaps not immaterial

804
06:02:55.440 --> 06:03:12.160
but definitely different. And so what I'm hearing is that you've identified scenarios that are atypical but a typical process was still used. And I don't know that that's going to net us the opportunity to have the appropriate

805
06:03:12.160 --> 06:03:45.680
information, due diligence or um data that would be needed to make an appropriate informed assessment. Trusty Velasquez. I don't even know how where to start. Um I guess one of the questions I have is

806
06:03:45.680 --> 06:04:01.680
um why wasn't it considered if we were having if if if some of the scenarios were considering schools like McKinley and Blair, why a consolidation of uh McKinley into Blair, was it considerate among the scenarios?

807
06:04:01.680 --> 06:04:17.040
>> Yeah. Well, I don't think um the scenarios catch every possibility. There's just ones that seem logical to us and and and maybe that's one that could be considered. >> Okay. uh and and and

808
06:04:17.040 --> 06:04:32.558
what type of information did you use to or did you rely on to make these assumptions or this conclusions? >> Yeah. Well, the board provided guidelines and essentially there's you know enrollment geography where students live you know that that's that's a big

809
06:04:32.558 --> 06:04:48.400
uh part of it and um and that was the basis for you know you know at least the first step at looking at you know what schools might be considered for consolidation. So outside of what's required from the law, the only other category that this

810
06:04:48.400 --> 06:05:06.878
board requested was for the sake of this conversation, it's geographical location or where students live. That's the only category that this board approved to add to the metrics. >> Yeah. The other factors were enrollment

811
06:05:06.878 --> 06:05:22.958
and uh geographic location slash where students live. >> Right. So that was a decision from this body. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Trusty Harden. >> Um in the comments that came from the

812
06:05:22.958 --> 06:05:38.480
committee as they were doing their work, a lot of recurrences of, you know, we need more time. You know, that the process felt rushed. In your experience, has that happened with other districts where a committee has said, in other words,

813
06:05:38.480 --> 06:05:54.558
first question is, is was this a standard footprint for the kind of work that you normally do with districts in terms of a time duration and and then also have you experienced committees that would say, you know, we need more time and then what was the process to

814
06:05:54.558 --> 06:06:10.320
extend that? >> Yeah, that's a good question. So I think um you know anecdotally anecdotally typically the uh committee would meet more like once a month. Um and I think uh that gives the committee a little bit

815
06:06:10.320 --> 06:06:25.920
more time because I think one of the complaints with the committee is like they would get um data on Friday and then have to meet on Monday and go through it and then some there were there were one time where there were um you know backtoback meetings. So it was it was pretty tight. So typically with

816
06:06:25.920 --> 06:06:41.360
the work we do, there's a little bit more time in between those meetings. Um and and by the end, you know, not, you know, it's it's typically typical with these things that not everybody's happy about the decision, but it it's um it's unusual to

817
06:06:41.360 --> 06:07:10.080
have a majority of people feel like the process was rushed. Um, okay. Oh, I'll put you down. Uh I want to go back to McKinley and just sort of the theme of you know there could have been different configurations

818
06:07:10.080 --> 06:07:27.760
and just from uh the the pattern I saw I think is that you know you looked at the capacity enrollments you know you're basically trying to fit two schools together at a you know if smaller school larger school

819
06:07:27.760 --> 06:07:43.600
they had space put them there but then the other layer I saw was the programmatic alignment and that's I think that's what sort of is the tiebreaker. Just correct me if I'm wrong. If there's three schools and then you can put this

820
06:07:43.600 --> 06:08:03.840
school here or there, it's the tiebreaker is really like the programmatic similarities. And so um is that how generally you came up with scenarios or Thank you. The um specifically with

821
06:08:03.840 --> 06:08:19.920
McKinley because it is already across the street merged with Elliot and the program focus is very similar between the two schools. We looked at that as a reasonable fit moving forward for a continued consolidation. Merging it with

822
06:08:19.920 --> 06:08:36.480
another option of Blair seemed programmatically very diverse. So we looked again at the very rich art programs um at those two schools as they existed harmoniously across the street and felt that moving forward that that was a good

823
06:08:36.480 --> 06:08:52.718
continuation. So yes in that case then it was the programmatic tiebreaker. >> Okay. And then sorry followup uh what what was involved in that programmatic analysis like what did you get from our district and was there any sort of your

824
06:08:52.718 --> 06:09:08.558
own insight into that? Thank you. Um I used a a a significant amount of different research primarily though looking at PUSD's program matrix that they keep through their education

825
06:09:08.558 --> 06:09:24.240
division looking at magnet programs DIP programs IB um you know early um like the the um in early college. Yes, excuse me. It's

826
06:09:24.240 --> 06:09:43.600
very late for me right now. Um, and so I um I looked at that. I also looked at the school accountability report cards which is housed on dataquest through the state. It also shows programmatically what um schools have. I looked at school

827
06:09:43.600 --> 06:09:59.680
websites. Um I I looked at the different sources and they are listed in your EIA report. the the websites that I used to gather that programmatic data. And under each of the scenarios, there's a summary of the programs and how within those

828
06:09:59.680 --> 06:10:14.718
merged programs, those programs could enhance one another. >> And did did the district kind of get a secondary review of your scenarios or or you just took their information and then you did your additional and that was it?

829
06:10:14.718 --> 06:10:31.200
They didn't get a second pass, too. No, they they were checked. >> Oh, they did check it. The district staff did look at your scenarios. >> We I ran my my program to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything.

830
06:10:31.200 --> 06:10:48.480
>> Okay. So, >> um I'm going to have Trusty Hong first and then Yeah, because he didn't get turned yet. Um, a major concern from the student assembly was that there was no survey

831
06:10:48.480 --> 06:11:07.200
and the students were not consulted. And I would like to restate that a different process or method needs to be used like what board member McKenzie said. >> And um, I have to get Trusty Holly first

832
06:11:07.200 --> 06:11:29.760
and then Trusty McKenzie. Do I have your mic? Um, in your vast experience, which I know you have, the resolution that was that was passed here had timelines and dates in other districts. Did this

833
06:11:29.760 --> 06:11:45.360
process have significant, you know, specific dates to follow? Yeah, usually um when the process starts um like in most school districts for instance, they're trying to make sure

834
06:11:45.360 --> 06:12:00.878
that they make decisions by March because those are the deadlines for um any types of layoffs or you know any type of uh you know effect that might happen with consolidation. So that so that the calendar usually works backwards that they want to have a decision by January or February. So

835
06:12:00.878 --> 06:12:16.240
then, you know, they typically want the draft EIA in October and then another hearing November. So then that backtracks to, you know, how often they meet. So that that's typically the how the timeline is put together. >> So you would you backtrack it like from

836
06:12:16.240 --> 06:12:32.558
a January January February date, you backtrack. Would it go all the way back to spring? >> Would seem to me. >> Yes, ma'am. It's it's you it's usually uh you know, these meetings start later in the spring. Uh sometimes they go through the summer. Um, and then, uh, you know, they finish up sometime in the

837
06:12:32.558 --> 06:12:49.000
fall, >> but this is how this process would go. >> I'm sorry. >> This is how this process would go in other districts. >> In other districts, that's it's typical, but it's, you know, um, it can vary, but that would be, you know, my opinion, typical. >> Okay. Thank you.

838
06:12:49.440 --> 06:13:08.000
>> Trusty Mckenzie. >> Just have one more question. Um I want to make sure that I heard correctly that if in fact um the board does not consider um the SCAC recommendations, does that mean that we have to complete

839
06:13:08.000 --> 06:13:26.878
a new um equity impact analysis? if if um the the only reason you would have to um put a scenario through the equity impact analysis um would be because it's something that isn't already in the report. So if there's a

840
06:13:26.878 --> 06:13:43.440
different idea for consolidation, then you you wouldn't necessarily have to reconvene a committee, but you could um have that um analyzed to to see if that was um you know, you know, for the reason they have AB1912, make sure it's not disproportionate or unequitable. So

841
06:13:43.440 --> 06:13:59.120
yeah, it would to to follow the AB1912 process, you would have to um you would have to add that or or add it or have a new report with that scenario in it. >> And then what would be the process for obtaining um any amendments or

842
06:13:59.120 --> 06:14:16.638
modifications to set analysis? Is that your firm who does that body of work or information gather? I mean, so, uh, you know, going forward, you know, the district of course can do whatever it feels it wants to do or work with whoever it wants to work with, but the,

843
06:14:16.638 --> 06:14:32.160
um, but the, uh, the format would have to stay the same and and the format is pretty well laid out on what, you know, what the crit, you know, what the criteria are and what you're looking at. Um, so it could, um, it would have to be done typically by an outside party and that's that's um, the attorney general

844
06:14:32.160 --> 06:14:48.638
recommended that Oakland Unifi tried to do it in house and, uh, the attorney general wasn't pleased with that. So, it's it's probably better to get somebody on the outside to do it. >> Thank you, >> Trusty Bailey. >> Yeah. My question is,

845
06:14:48.638 --> 06:15:04.240
did you all use this metric analysis these these um metrics to make your recommendation on your metric analysis overview sheet?

846
06:15:04.240 --> 06:15:19.200
>> Yeah. So the so the process is um you know first to so so based based on you know the basically the other factors that kind of narrow down the list of what um is possible you know because you know certainly you know for instance

847
06:15:19.200 --> 06:15:36.400
like um Pasadena High School not possible or MURE to close it you just there's nowhere to put the students um so so that would be you know not something that would be considered but as it's whittleled down to what is possible then the metrics come into play in terms of evaluating what's the impact

848
06:15:36.400 --> 06:15:53.120
if that school were to be closed. >> So, I'm asking because I don't know that these are listed in order of um any type of priority. Um but you have condition of a school facility as your number one bullet. And I just want to

849
06:15:53.120 --> 06:16:09.840
know, have y'all visited Blair? >> Yeah, the the information we get on the facilities is from the facility master plan. and and so we're trying to be an objective um benchmark. >> Blair Middle and Blair High are two of the most modern buildings that we have

850
06:16:09.840 --> 06:16:27.440
in this district, yet you have them on your list as a potential uh campus to be closed. So, I'm just concerned about the the strategy that you use to apply the

851
06:16:27.440 --> 06:16:44.160
metrics to come up with the selections that you did. I mean, I can't that you came up with I cannot see um a pattern >> on how to follow how you were able to come up with the selections that you came up with.

852
06:16:44.160 --> 06:17:01.040
>> Yeah. So, I think with the secondary schools, you know, a lot of it comes down to capacity and uh the the report shows options, not recommendations. So, it's looking at well, what what could be done, not what should be done. So, um, the the the option for like the

853
06:17:01.040 --> 06:17:17.200
secondary schools, you know, there were some options with Marshall and and being close to passing a high school and and the upper grades and then there was an option because Marshall's a smaller, you know, 6 through 12 school that that could also fit in other places. So, that that was um that's not that wasn't

854
06:17:17.200 --> 06:17:31.040
possible with the other secondary school. But if you look at where the students live, our students all live in almost one major geographical area, right? And so they're

855
06:17:31.040 --> 06:17:46.958
transferring to go to Marshall and Blair and PHS. And so if you look at where they live, I can see that, you know, that wasn't considered because of the schools that you

856
06:17:46.958 --> 06:18:02.958
considered moving the students to which are further away from where some of them live. So I'm trying to figure it out because >> yeah, >> the condition of the school facility, I would say the Blair campus, both middle and high school, that that's number one.

857
06:18:02.958 --> 06:18:20.558
I wouldn't think of closing that campus for one. And then when you talk about moving Marshall to Pasadena High School, you're moving those students further away from where they live. Marshall doesn't even have a zone. So those students are coming from somewhere. And

858
06:18:20.558 --> 06:18:37.680
so I'm just for me it's it's a challenge trying to even accept what you're presenting here. um as something that should be considered because it just it's not

859
06:18:37.680 --> 06:18:54.080
making sense um just in the way that it's written. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Any more questions? Trusty Bailey or >> Trusty Kenny?

860
06:18:54.080 --> 06:19:10.240
>> I wanted to follow up on something Trusty McKenzie said. I think what I was expecting was that the EIA would look at the overall plan. Um, especially when looking at how it impacted different groups because I

861
06:19:10.240 --> 06:19:26.718
think if you look at each piece of it in isolation, you may not see anything, but if you look at it in totality, um, when I was looking at just the elementary ethnicities, um, Normacums and McKinley, um, have two

862
06:19:26.718 --> 06:19:42.080
two there like one, two, or three of the highest percentage of African-American students and yet we're talking about touching both of them. So it wasn't clear that it was kind of looking at the totality of what does this mean for the entire student body if we make all of

863
06:19:42.080 --> 06:20:01.360
these changes at the same time. And so that's what I was looking for. So I just want to express that >> I have a question. Um, I want to Yeah, I want to go back to McKinley. Uh, with the concentration of African-American students, um,

864
06:20:01.360 --> 06:20:21.200
we'd be breaking up that community to the three schools. So, what is the how is that equitable? Can you explain how that would not be a concern, you know? >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, I think of Yeah. I

865
06:20:21.200 --> 06:20:38.798
mean for for one thing um the the board of course gets the final say. So if the board feels that there's a disproportionate impact of any of these scenarios u then they obviously don't happen because the board gets to decide on that. I think when when we're looking at um uh the you know the the

866
06:20:38.798 --> 06:20:53.840
demographics and the the ethnicity and the percentages um the state average for African-Americans is about I think it's about four and a half percent. uh Pasadena districtwide is about 9%. Um so uh you know when you start getting to

867
06:20:53.840 --> 06:21:09.920
some of these schools that are um you know over the 9% at what point especially if the enrollment is fairly low at what point is that considered disproportionate um and also the uh you know McKinley is at 18% and and the report does uh highlight that and say

868
06:21:09.920 --> 06:21:24.480
that you know that's care needs to be taken if that is going to be considered because um the you know the school does have the highest percentage of African-Americans in the in the district and that's a that's a group that's been historically discriminated against. So, you know, obviously there needs to be caution taken if that's going to be

869
06:21:24.480 --> 06:21:42.400
considered. >> Trusty Velasquez, >> um, hi. Could you share um the formula that was used to determine the uh to determine the condition of each of the

870
06:21:42.400 --> 06:21:58.798
schools? >> Yeah. So the um the district has a facility master plan and the facility master plan rates has a rating for the schools and I think um like most the and I think the report even says and none of the schools would be considered for

871
06:21:58.798 --> 06:22:14.320
closure based on their condition. Um there are some that are considered over 10% uh rating by this whoever did your last facility master plan which I think was J something. But yeah anyway they so they rated it.

872
06:22:14.320 --> 06:22:30.240
That's what we used in the plan. That's um that that plan was used for capacity and also for condition also for cost of um you know of of how much work uh was needed. That plus the five-year plan which is more up to date.

873
06:22:30.240 --> 06:22:53.120
>> So that's our number. >> Yes. Can you speak to the transportation? uh for those who are not have you know not able to have transportation to a new school because uh you know they normally

874
06:22:53.120 --> 06:23:10.080
walk to school and I think uh it was stated that because we are you know we have choice that that no longer matters or I didn't quite understand the logic of >> yeah and and certainly transportation

875
06:23:10.080 --> 06:23:25.920
matters. Um the the difference is because um like I think Webster is a good example. There's um there's a core of students if you look at the scatter plot map that live around Webster and everybody else is all over the district. So the people who are all over the

876
06:23:25.920 --> 06:23:43.200
district are likely driving their student to Webster anyway. So if they go to another school instead of driving to Webster, they'd likely drive to the other school. So So from that standpoint, you know, there's not probably a change for them. the the change is going to be the people who live near Webster in this case because

877
06:23:43.200 --> 06:24:00.718
they can't walk to their neighborhood school. So, you know, that the district does provide transportation and passes for the public transportation system that um students can get to school with. Um so, that would be the the option for those students or their parents would have to transport them. The um the state

878
06:24:00.718 --> 06:24:16.000
um special education transportation doesn't change because it's mandated by the state and it's in the IP. the district has to do that. The district doesn't mandate home to school transportation. So in a way that's a task endorsement of it's not a district

879
06:24:16.000 --> 06:24:37.760
responsibility. Um so the district doesn't have to provide that because it's not mandated. So if if there's a if a school is not within walking distance, you know, the district has to work with the parents to, you know, figure out the best solution for that situation. >> Any further questions from the board?

880
06:24:37.760 --> 06:24:55.080
Okay. So, we are at Oh, so public comment at the item. Okay. How many cars we have? Okay. So, we I feel like one minute because we did one minute for Okay. >> We have to be I feel like we have to be equal.

881
06:24:56.320 --> 06:25:22.958
>> Okay. One. No, but we're doing Yeah, we're doing the yellow. I think we've done the same We've done the same amount of time as we did with the public with the >> Well, there I think there's two

882
06:25:22.958 --> 06:25:38.798
different issues here. These are the people who signed up specifically to speak to item O. We haven't gotten to item P, which is a public hearing. That's a different set of cards. These are speakers at the item specifically. >> All right. So I hear two. >> There are six of them.

883
06:25:38.798 --> 06:26:03.840
>> I mean I'm sorry. Two minutes. >> Okay. Two minutes. >> Two minutes. >> Lahara Jimenez. Am I saying your name correctly? Or is it Ilhana? Lilyana Jimenez. I'm sorry.

884
06:26:03.840 --> 06:26:25.000
This this handwriting has tested me tonight in ways that you don't know. Um, I'll call her back when she comes in. Um, this is Pamela Negler, Steve Negler. Gone too, Donna Perkins,

885
06:26:26.000 --> 06:27:04.240
Molly Dodge, Skip Higen Bottom. There's one in the room thus far. Uh, good evening. Um, the last time I was here, I sued you guys, so sorry about that. Um, >> I'm sorry.

886
06:27:04.240 --> 06:27:19.840
>> I'm sorry. Excuse me. >> Uh, my name's Skip Hickim, Elkimbot, Jr. The name on the outside is my father. Um, like I said, the last time I was here, I think I filed a lawsuit against you guys, so I apologize for that. settled that um the elephant in the room

887
06:27:19.840 --> 06:27:36.958
is to take over by LEO. I don't know if it's imminent. I don't know if it's coming this year, next year, or you know, the year after, but I've heard a lot of talk this evening about the how good schools Blair and and Marshall are. I have no doubt that's true. They seem

888
06:27:36.958 --> 06:27:52.718
like they're very good schools and they seem like uh the people who go there are very passionate about that. But I think the choice is not whether or not we close Blair or school or the choice is do we have the take the consolidation of

889
06:27:52.718 --> 06:28:08.958
schools the closure of schools done by this board or by LEO. Um we've already closed 11 schools. I went to Franklin that's closed. My father went to Cleveland that's closed. Um I went to Elliot you guys are talking about closing it. I went to Webster you're

890
06:28:08.958 --> 06:28:25.280
talking about closing it. I think to suggest that you can deal with your structural budget deficit without closing schools is wishful thinking. Sooner or later there's going to be more school closures because we have declined enrollment. I heard it go from 23 to

891
06:28:25.280 --> 06:28:41.280
14,000 and the projection is not for more students but for less students. So if you kick the can down the road again then the next person who persons who sit on this st will have to make that choice. If somebody successfully get

892
06:28:41.280 --> 06:28:56.878
recalled, the person who takes that person's job will have to make that choice. So, particularly to my friends, Miss McKenzie Marshall and Miss Richardson Bailey, I appreciate your service on this board and I appreciate your ability to make these tough

893
06:28:56.878 --> 06:29:24.320
choices. They're not going to be popular, but somebody has to step up and keep this district from being taken over by LEO. So, I appreciate your time. Thank you very much. One more call for Liliana Jimenez. I'm not sure if she's still here.

894
06:29:24.320 --> 06:29:41.280
Okay. And I think that's all for this item. Thank you. We are at the um Yeah. Item P1, the governing board of Pass Unified School District is now

895
06:29:41.280 --> 06:30:00.240
opening the public hearing for public input regarding the equity impact analysis for school consolidation. Anyone wishing to comment either verbally or in writing may do so at this time. So this is the blue cards. How many do we have? I have one

896
06:30:00.240 --> 06:30:35.040
specific card for the item and then I have the 32 public hearing cards. One one minute one minute is the consensus meeting. >> So for the public hearing cards,

897
06:30:35.040 --> 06:31:03.520
the time to speak will be one minute. I'm going to call names in groups of three. Isabella Aken, >> Ellis Con Okay, >> one minute. Okay. Tona Rodriguez spoke

898
06:31:03.520 --> 06:31:22.558
earlier. >> It's so late. I'll be quick. >> So, yes, just real quick nuts and bolts kind of stuff. Three items stood out to me. um one on page 14 when it says that

899
06:31:22.558 --> 06:31:38.080
the consensus was reached that the facil facilitator would provide options for closure. We need to modify that wording in the document make it clear that the committee requested actionable information and the consultant interpreted um the request as providing

900
06:31:38.080 --> 06:31:53.440
options and I'll follow up on all this by email. In section two, the probable cost comparisons for the 6 through 12 schools need to be split up into 6 through 8 and 9 through 12 when they're compared with their respective middle

901
06:31:53.440 --> 06:32:08.240
schools and high schools. So, we have an applesto apples comparison. In section five, um you're all smart. I'm not going to lecture you, but I think that the academic benefits that are laid out are greatly superficial.

902
06:32:08.240 --> 06:32:36.718
So, please ask TSS for additional details as needed on those matters. >> Britney, Maya Matasuki, and Sarah Poji. >> Go ahead.

903
06:32:36.718 --> 06:32:52.798
Uh AB1912 prohibits any affirmative action to implement closure until the district adopts a resolution concluding that community engagement in the process has been completed. The SCAC voted against recommending any closures

904
06:32:52.798 --> 06:33:07.360
um a lot due to their concern regarding interactions between board members and TSS. The questions that I would like answered are what contact did TSS have with board members and or district admin

905
06:33:07.360 --> 06:33:24.558
prior to the SCAC's formation? Did any of those communications involve the identification of schools for potential closure or the structure of the scenarios the SCAC would evaluate? And for each, please provide the date or

906
06:33:24.558 --> 06:33:45.400
dates of those communications and a description of the communications, including written communications, video conferences, phone calls, text messages, and any other form of communication. Thank you. Sue Parker,

907
06:33:49.440 --> 06:34:08.958
Franchesca Mariani, Dr. Denise Rob will follow. Hi everyone, my name is Franchesca Mariani. Um, I want to critique the equity analysis and urge you to reject any closures based on this report. Uh, where is the equity analysis? We heard

908
06:34:08.958 --> 06:34:24.638
the report today and there was no discussion about equity. The this report reads like a cost cutting report with the word equity placed on the cover page. There's no meaningful analysis of transportation, walking access, commute patterns, how families navigate an open

909
06:34:24.638 --> 06:34:40.400
enrollment district. No serious discussion of Pastine's history of segregation and school boundary disputes or how these proposals could reinforce those patterns. The report recognizes many of the district's most vulnerable students, including students with disabilities, those that are struggling with trauma and mental health

910
06:34:40.400 --> 06:34:58.400
challenges, LGBTQ students. Have you asked where those students are located in our district at all? Students involved in ch child welfare welfare systems and still recovering and those still recovering from the eaten fire. How many students in affected school communities lost homes and um where are

911
06:34:58.400 --> 06:35:26.878
they located? Um, please do not uh make decisions based on this report. Thank you, >> Denise Rock. Hi everybody. I'm Dr. Rob uh from Blair and I want to tell you some things missing from your report. You didn't

912
06:35:26.878 --> 06:35:43.280
mention that five weeks ago PUSD um PUSD got a positive budget certification from the LA County Board. You didn't mention um in the report it says declining birth rates are going to level out. So that means they're not

913
06:35:43.280 --> 06:35:59.920
going to keep declining. Plus you didn't mention the 2,000 affordable housing units large threebedroom that are being built right now and in the next couple years. Um, you forgot to mention many schools share resources instead of closing.

914
06:35:59.920 --> 06:36:15.600
Um, equity. Poor families can't just drive anywhere. Blair is across the street from the metro. And the research, there's so much research about how dangerous and damaging it is to students to close schools, declines in student

915
06:36:15.600 --> 06:36:32.718
achievement, displacement of students, modest or uncertain long-term cost savings. Um, last I'll just close with uh one of the reports says uh Trump's plan is to dismantle education and we

916
06:36:32.718 --> 06:36:49.360
may be doing just as much to undo public education as Donald Trump. >> Thank you. The next speakers are um Yuna Lee Jo, Carla Orza if she signed up again

917
06:36:49.360 --> 06:37:09.760
um and Stephanie Ward if she's here. Hello everyone. I'm Unily Yoast, PD parent and um on PSD's website um under PSD values, it says our students come first. Our decisions are driven by what is best

918
06:37:09.760 --> 06:37:25.680
for them. And this includes a commitment to using evidence-based approach. But nowhere in the 97 pages of the equity analysis analysis uh do I see any reference to research on school

919
06:37:25.680 --> 06:37:42.718
closures. And in fact, it contains conclusions that contradict what the research shows. Two weeks ago, Stanford released Getting Down to Facts Three, the most comprehensive review of our California public education system, produced by leading educational policy

920
06:37:42.718 --> 06:37:59.280
researchers around the country, which includes a technical report just on the fiscal consequences of school closures in California. And the technical report concludes, the findings are clear that school closures do not improve the financial outlook of school districts.

921
06:37:59.280 --> 06:38:26.718
>> Thank you. have more, but I know >> Monty Lever >> Natasha, spell your last name, please. >> Natalia Kushima. >> Canila. >> Yes. Thank you. Okay. Hi, everyone and

922
06:38:26.718 --> 06:38:43.840
good good evening. So my name is Natalia Karnosa and uh my son tends dominito and he's a special education student. He feels safe at that place and he's making a lot of progress. I'm asking you to not move forward with

923
06:38:43.840 --> 06:39:01.840
the consolidation. I'm asking you to do your research and listen to the parents and take a look at the research rather than looking at this report that we heard today. It's a joke. And I hope that taking the bus or giving

924
06:39:01.840 --> 06:39:18.000
parents a tap card is not going to do be the basis of you for you to close the schools and actually um create a scenario where you have more um students leaving the districts. you're you're

925
06:39:18.000 --> 06:39:34.478
creating a scenario where you have an enrollment of um I think it was 50 seats um at Don Bonito uh I'm sorry at Willard. 50 seats. Is that really worth it? >> Thank you so much.

926
06:39:34.478 --> 06:40:03.040
>> Thank you Ashley Lincoln. >> Ashley Lincoln. followed by Emily Sta and Neil Tyler. >> Good evening. I've spoken with you previously about how scenario one of the consultants elementary school recommendation sending Dominito students

927
06:40:03.040 --> 06:40:18.718
to Willard makes no sense and I don't understand how anyone who did appropriate factf finding could have suggested it. The reasons have not changed. Merging an early start school with a late start school. school staff being forced to manage nearly 200 IEPs at a single elementary school site and Don Bonito families who intentionally

928
06:40:18.718 --> 06:40:35.440
chose a school without an IB program who wanted a traditional elementary school experience. No IB, no deal it, no magnet. Some families still want that. In a district that values school choice, who are you to tell us that our choice is wrong? My children are thriving at Dominito despite an overdue IEP and IP amendment which has little to do with

929
06:40:35.440 --> 06:40:52.558
the dedicated on-site school staff and everything to do with PSD systemic sp issues. How could you uh can creating a sped superconus at Willard save us more money? More sped lawsuits will not save the district money and perhaps more creative solutions are needed to fix that problem. In closing, the CAC voted

930
06:40:52.558 --> 06:41:14.080
down scenario one. Overwhelmingly, 20 out of the 29 members who voted said no. I encourage you to listen to the community that you trusted to represent the PD PUSD community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hello, I'm Emily Sao. I'm very disappointed in the report. Um, the

931
06:41:14.080 --> 06:41:31.040
equity analysis, uh, the POSD consolidation fact sheet says, "An EI anal analyzes metrics regarding how consolidations affect students and communities, reviewing impacts on student groups, access to programs and services, and plans for smooth transitions, and future use of closed

932
06:41:31.040 --> 06:41:47.280
sites." I didn't see any of that. The report also ignored that 6 through 12 is a special program. It ignored fire survivors as a demographic. It largely ignored transportation by saying, "Oh, open enrollment, it's fine." It also ignored where out of district families

933
06:41:47.280 --> 06:42:03.680
live. The report compares demographic numbers from closing schools to receiving schools and says, "Ah, these are close enough. That's equity." I don't think that's an equity analysis. It also has a lot of qualitative words about increased peer collaboration and broader

934
06:42:03.680 --> 06:42:32.840
perspectives, but there's no way to quantify that. Those things haven't actually been measured, and we need real data before we can make decisions. Thank you. >> Is Neil Tyler still here? >> Okay. Tayia Edwards. Kaitlin Wheeler.

935
06:42:47.200 --> 06:43:03.760
Hi, my name is Caitlyn Wheeler and I'd like to talk about an aspect that the equity report did not address. In 2018, my daughter joined Blair's ASB. The president that year was a young woman who graduated with an IB diploma and went to Binmar College, a prestigious women's college that provides amazing opportunities for women in STEM. Last

936
06:43:03.760 --> 06:43:19.520
year, my daughter served as Blair's ASB president, graduated with an IB diploma, and just finished her first year at Binmar College, where she's majoring in math. This past fall, my son played Charles in a Blair production of Beetlejuice Jr., which was entirely produced and directed by high school

937
06:43:19.520 --> 06:43:35.760
students. This winter he assisted direct he assistant directed a one-act play entirely produced and directed by students. These are just two examples of the modeling, mentorship and opportunities that come from 6 through 12 schools which TSS has completely eliminated under the equity impact plan.

938
06:43:35.760 --> 06:43:51.760
There's also benefits like preventing the academic drop off of transition years, helping students develop relationships with our teachers, making transportation easier for families, and allowing continuity of programs like IEP uh like I international academy, the

939
06:43:51.760 --> 06:44:09.558
middle years program of IB and the Spanish DIP. Thank you so much. The next three speakers are Susanna Castro, Lisa Santiago, and Alesandre Santiago. >> Aland.

940
06:44:13.200 --> 06:44:28.798
>> Hello. Super inclus superficial inclusions. This student assembly and council council hit the nail on the head. Instead of spending nearly a quarter of a million dollars on a consultant to simply check boxes, facilitate meetings, and produce a report that fails to adequately reflect

941
06:44:28.798 --> 06:44:44.958
the diverse needs of our district. Those funds could have been invested directly into our schools, expanding student opportunities, strengthening community outreach, and marketing the incredible successes of PSUSD students in order to retain and attract more families to the district. Again, I'm urging the board to

942
06:44:44.958 --> 06:45:01.120
reconsider school closures and instead explore real sustainable solutions to generate revenue for our district. Merging schools will affect all students and I repeat all students. Students that are receiving schools will face overcrowding, reduced opportunities, and strained resources. The reality is this

943
06:45:01.120 --> 06:45:23.040
consolidation will directly affect college admissions opportunities for high achieving students navigating this merge environment and it may negatively alter the trajectory of our students futures. Good evening again board members. I start behalf

944
06:45:23.040 --> 06:45:38.478
of all the immigrant parents that do not have the freedom to speak up during this difficult time in our country. This process has left everyone highly disturbed, let alone those who face greater struggles to comprehend it. Please use your power wisely. I am sure

945
06:45:38.478 --> 06:45:55.440
you chose this profession for a reason. Do not misuse your power. I urge you to please work on strengthening our district and developing budgets that can work long term for entire district. Our district needs to align with the beautiful city we call home. Please

946
06:45:55.440 --> 06:46:12.160
remember you are shaping the future generation. My Latino community chooses Marshall by a large number. 70% of us chose Marshall. This is no coincidence. Marshall works for a diverse community. Please keep it open. Thank you.

947
06:46:15.680 --> 06:46:31.040
I'm Carlin Arop. I wasn't going to talk during this time. I did do a blue card um on accident, but I noticed that nobody mentioned um that the >> Say your name again, please. >> Carlin Arop or O R O P E Z. Um I noticed

948
06:46:31.040 --> 06:46:49.280
that the equity report doesn't take into account or mention that Blair is the most accessible SCU school for students with disabilities. you have a student in a wheelchair um who can go to class um with everybody else and ex fully access the school campus and um that parent has

949
06:46:49.280 --> 06:47:11.760
mentioned numerous times the difficulty of being able to do that at other school campuses. So um please consider that piece that was left out. >> Is Lisa Santiago still here or she gone? No, >> ah, very good.

950
06:47:11.760 --> 06:47:29.638
>> Thank you. >> Um, is Julia Dy still here? >> I don't see Matthew Lord Chester. Emma Green gone. Oh, Em's still here and was hiding in the back. And after Emma Green, we Lisa Cruzie.

951
06:47:35.600 --> 06:47:52.000
Thank you. Hello, Grim. Um, it so the document claims there would be no reduction in services for Marshall 6 through eight, but removing grades 9 through 12 changes the school identity, staffing structure, mentorship model, culture, course pathway continuity, and

952
06:47:52.000 --> 06:48:08.718
all those 612 benefits that you've been hearing about. It assumes Pasadena High School can absor absorb Marshall students because capacity exists. But capacity alone does not equal program equivalency. student fit, safety, academic continuity, or preservation of

953
06:48:08.718 --> 06:48:24.558
school choice. It presents bond savings as a benefit, but these are not operating budget savings and does not necessarily solve the stated financial problem. It says the district would likely save several million in bond funds, not guaranteed general fund

954
06:48:24.558 --> 06:48:51.600
savings. It claims PHS improvements would be appreciated by Marshall students, but that's speculative and does not address what Marshall students lose by leaving their chosen 612 campus. Thank you. Um, I would like to address

955
06:48:51.600 --> 06:49:07.840
um the email regarding Don Bonito to Webster. This is from Tina Frederick's. Don Bonito is one of my schools and it has the worst ADA violations of any PUSD school. She goes on to say, "Based on the student hate app, Webster is closer

956
06:49:07.840 --> 06:49:24.798
to where more students live. Choice is only available to those who have transportation. Don Bonino is also located in a prime real estate location, ideal for additional housing. When you passed measure R, I'd like to remind you that you did a five-year bond

957
06:49:24.798 --> 06:49:40.478
plan. I'm not just bringing your attention to doito. This is 23 pages PUSD sent home in English and in Spanish asking parents to help you pass this bond. And now you're telling me that you

958
06:49:40.478 --> 06:49:56.798
need to save this money and close our schools. It says one of the things that will be done is that you will be providing ADA access to lower field and enhancing ADA accessibility throughout the campus to ensure all buildings are

959
06:49:56.798 --> 06:50:14.440
compliant and accessible to everyone. You would not have passed this bond without our help. >> Last call for the last two speakers, Stephanie Ward and Maya Mazuki. I think Maya's gone for Stephanie Ward here.

960
06:50:23.680 --> 06:50:49.120
I think that concludes the public hearing speakers at this point. >> Thank you, Trusty McKenzie. >> So, um >> Oh, so the Next item is the item Q1 AB1912 school consolidation

961
06:50:49.120 --> 06:51:04.878
process action item approving receipt of the draft equity impact analysis in compliance with and pursuant to ED code section 41329. Oh, Miss Oh, somebody representing Miss Abraham

962
06:51:04.878 --> 06:51:19.600
OH Mr. Yeah, I think it's to speak on the um approval of the receipt of the equity impact analysis. Oh, >> okay. So, the resolution before you is

963
06:51:19.600 --> 06:51:35.920
just to uh receive approve the receipt of the draft EIA and then to move forward with the next steps. Again, this is a draft. You can direct uh further changes to it, different scenarios that you want.

964
06:51:35.920 --> 06:51:52.718
Again, this is not something that's being presented as final. We do have a public input process, a public comment process that's been noted earlier with you can send in by email or mail comments on the EIA and the consultant

965
06:51:52.718 --> 06:52:07.760
in working with the district. will prepare responses to those and incorporate it into a next iteration of another draft and then there will be uh further revisions and then finally at one point if it's decided it'll go final

966
06:52:07.760 --> 06:52:23.520
for consideration. But tonight you're not taking any action on closing or making any recommendations on that. you're just accepting the draft report and essentially opening up the public comment period for official comments to

967
06:52:23.520 --> 06:52:40.240
be submitted. I mean, of course, the what's been said today is recorded and will be included in the analysis, but written responses will be generated in the end and incorporated in the next version of the of the draft. >> Thank you. Any questions on that? Trusty

968
06:52:40.240 --> 06:52:54.958
Kenny, >> at the bottom of this uh resolution, it says section three, the superintendent or design is directed to carry out all necessary actions to implement the resolution. Can someone clarify what

969
06:52:54.958 --> 06:53:10.958
that what are the steps or actions that will be needed to implement this resolution? Yeah, that's that's pretty much a a coverall, but essentially we're going to move forward with the next steps, which is continue on with the public comment

970
06:53:10.958 --> 06:53:33.120
period, get analysis of those comments, and then modify the EIA as the draft EIA accordingly, and move forward with the process. >> That's it. Any other questions? Trusty McKenzie,

971
06:53:33.120 --> 06:53:51.440
>> who is tasked with responding to the comments that come in on the draft EIA? >> That'll be the consultant in consultation with the district with district staff. >> Is there a requisite turnaround time in terms of when um members of the public

972
06:53:51.440 --> 06:54:06.160
can expect to receive a response to their inquiries? It'll be when the next draft version comes out and I believe that's would be the close of comment period would probably be around June 15th. So thereafter that that would be

973
06:54:06.160 --> 06:54:23.520
incorporated into a new section of the EIA which is the comments will be presented and the responses will be included with that and then any changes that are necessary for the EIA would be included would be essentially redlined in the document. So for clarity, if a

974
06:54:23.520 --> 06:54:38.958
member of the public um submits comment on the document, they have to wait to see the next iteration of the draft to see what their response is their comment. >> Yes. Because that has to go through an analysis by the by the consultant along with district staff in order to come up

975
06:54:38.958 --> 06:54:55.440
with with that response and how to incorporate that into the new draft. >> I I understand. I'm just trying to make sure that I'm clear about what the expectation is in terms of how responses are received so that people are not, you know, watching their inbox

976
06:54:55.440 --> 06:55:10.080
waiting for a response to their questions. >> Oh, the response will not be uh directed back to the the commenter. It's going to be what I was looking for. >> Yeah, it's just going to be incorporated into the next version of the document and any member of the public will have

977
06:55:10.080 --> 06:55:31.958
access it access to it and can read it and see what the response is. But there's not going to be a mailing uh to each individual. That's just that's impractical. >> Thank you, >> Trusty Velasquez. >> So, what happens if we don't approve?

978
06:55:32.160 --> 06:55:59.920
Then then you the process the process essentially halts. >> Okay. Um other question was uh in line with Trusty McKenzie. the questions that we get from the public, will the

979
06:55:59.920 --> 06:56:17.360
U report have a link to that raw data to the original questions? >> Yes, it'll it'll present just like with environmental documents like with an EIR, you get public. It's set up the same way. you get it'll be outlined and

980
06:56:17.360 --> 06:56:33.920
then there'll be an identification number for that particular comment and then that number is going to be used in the response and so you can see the direct the question or the comment from the from the member of the public and you can see the response that's going to be detailed in the report.

981
06:56:33.920 --> 06:56:49.440
>> The question will not be altered. >> No, it's okay. >> No, they'll be presented in the fashion that they were received. So, it'll be it'll be just an image of that email. uh or letter that has come in and with an identifier and then the next page will

982
06:56:49.440 --> 06:57:06.320
have that identifier with the actual responses to it. So there's there's no alteration, no summary. It's presented as is. Has it ever um I think I was I'm thinking of Trusty Mckendy's line of thinking is is there a

983
06:57:06.320 --> 06:57:23.680
way to provide the answers earlier than separately from the report just sort of post it on our website or >> that made available earlier? Well, earlier the the the the problem

984
06:57:23.680 --> 06:57:39.840
with that is is that there can be responses, but then if there's requirements for changes in the actual draft TIA, you're not going to you're not going to get that. You're going to be missing a piece of the of the response. So, part of the response is going to potentially alter some of the

985
06:57:39.840 --> 06:57:55.840
analysis in the EIA. So, I mean, you could do that, but then you're going to be missing part of the the overall response because the answer is going to be, "Oh, yes, we need to make a change, but why not have that change available as well as the

986
06:57:55.840 --> 06:58:24.320
response?" >> Oh, so you're saying a question could result in a change in the recommendations or the an the analysis? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. Any further questions? >> I guess I don't know. This is classified

987
06:58:24.320 --> 06:58:47.320
as advocacy. I I'm not sure, but All right. So, is there a motion to approve the receipt of the EIA? >> Well, I actually I'm not going to say it. Well, what? >> Yeah, you can say it after we do the motion. Okay. Is there a motion?

988
06:58:48.000 --> 06:59:15.040
>> Okay. I would like I will make the motion. Is there a second? I'm moving to approve the receipt. Motion to approve receipt of the draft EIA. I'll second it.

989
06:59:15.040 --> 06:59:31.798
>> Okay. Any >> any question? >> I mean, sorry, now is the advocacy portion. Sorry. Okay. So, here are some of the concerns that I have. Um,

990
06:59:32.160 --> 06:59:49.760
starting in August of 2026, in two months, um, Mckenley and Elliot will share a principal, an assistant principal, two community assistants. Um

991
06:59:49.760 --> 07:00:09.600
they will share a clerk uh clerical staff, elementary staff and um they will start sharing electives that is a procedural consolidation.

992
07:00:09.600 --> 07:00:25.680
It already happened. Yet, we do not have guidelines or a process to evaluate the long-term consequences of that that already happened.

993
07:00:25.680 --> 07:00:40.798
I am concerned about that because it already happened. It's not like it can happen. It's hap it it's it's implemented in August. We do not currently have a system, a

994
07:00:40.798 --> 07:00:59.680
recommendation, a process on how to manage that. We do not. We have a resolution that says that we will rebuild Elliott. That's a resolution. It's not a plan. But let's

995
07:00:59.680 --> 07:01:18.000
say that we go ahead and do that. What is going to happen? Are we going to have a principal that's going to be half of the day in Elliott, half of the day in McKinley? I don't know. Are we going to move everybody in McKinley to Elliot? I don't know. Is there a space to have a

996
07:01:18.000 --> 07:01:35.520
conversation currently? No. I don't know. In December, excuse me. In December, I made the same point.

997
07:01:35.520 --> 07:01:53.120
In January, I made the same point. I am probably refraraming rephrasing it. But this is a real concern that I have. What is going to happen long term with this thing that already happened? It's

998
07:01:53.120 --> 07:02:07.520
not like a potential. It happened. Similarly, we have similar scenarios happening in elementary. We have an elementary that in August has one TK,

999
07:02:07.520 --> 07:02:23.520
one kinder, one first grade, one second grade, two third grades, one fourth grade, a combo. That's an entire school.

1000
07:02:23.520 --> 07:02:41.280
As those kids move from one grade to another and the ratios change, right? The ratios in kindergarten first are not the same as four and fifth. What will happen? Is it our responsibility to say

1001
07:02:41.280 --> 07:03:04.558
combo classes cannot be the standard? Is that our responsibility? I think so. Combo classes are not necessarily the ideal scenario for the student. They're not necessarily the ideal scenario for the teacher. I don't know what the solution is. I

1002
07:03:04.558 --> 07:03:20.638
don't have a solution from that from the district. I it is my responsibility from the perspective where I'm sitting to ask for alternatives to deal with this.

1003
07:03:20.638 --> 07:03:36.400
Our kindergarten class, it's 847 students. We have 23 schools. Our kindergarten class is 847 students.

1004
07:03:36.400 --> 07:03:56.240
It is possible. I guess it's improbable, but it is possible that we remain and we keep Yeah, there there is. I'm >> Maybe you should get to your point. >> Trusty Bailey.

1005
07:03:56.240 --> 07:04:13.680
>> Okay, trust just get to your point quickly. >> Our kindergarten class is 864. 4767 students. As these students move forward, we can expect some level of attrition.

1006
07:04:13.680 --> 07:04:29.840
Again, we do not have a plan for this. Okay. Uh Trusty Holly, then Trusty Bailey, then Trusty Kenny. >> I'm going to pass right now.

1007
07:04:29.840 --> 07:04:52.400
Trusty Bailey, >> I just had my hand raised for the point of order. >> Okay, Trusty Kenny, >> initially I just wanted to speak about the fact that the resolution says that we've been provided we've provided this EIA in both English and Spanish in time

1008
07:04:52.400 --> 07:05:09.280
for the public hearing. If you look on it, it does say English and Spanish. Um, and the Spanish was only available today. So, it's not clear to me that there was sufficient time for anyone and everyone to read the uh report. But now

1009
07:05:09.280 --> 07:05:26.400
that I'm looking at the ED code, it says the governing board shall provide its recommendations regarding school closures and consolidations to the public at a regularly scheduled meeting and share how it provided its lists. That's this. But these are not our

1010
07:05:26.400 --> 07:05:41.040
recommendations. these recommendations in this economic impact analysis. Some of them conflict with each other, so they can't all stay there anyway. So, it's not clear to me that we can move forward with this report as

1011
07:05:41.040 --> 07:05:58.958
written. I don't know that accepting it gets us anywhere because the next the next step would then be to review all the feedback and present the final plan at the next meeting. And since we're not anywhere close to that, I don't think I

1012
07:05:58.958 --> 07:06:17.760
don't know that. So I can't vote to accept this this evening. >> Which doesn't mean that there's not a process to move forward, which is our next agenda item. >> I have a question for you. What you just mentioned. Um what is it that's

1013
07:06:17.760 --> 07:06:37.360
conflicting in the EIA? >> I believe we still have school A going to school B and then school B going to school A and then we have a high school that's going to two different places. I believe all the scenarios were there. Am I Am I correct? >> Dr.

1014
07:06:37.360 --> 07:06:52.558
>> Yeah, Stan can help clarify, but I think what you read is an ED code of recommendation. These are not recommendations. These are scenarios for the public hearing for the public to give comment on. So the recommendations and the current timeline would not come

1015
07:06:52.558 --> 07:07:09.520
until June 25th and you have your study session where you can talk about what you want the final recommendations to be. Um, so this is a public hearing for comment on the EIA report and then there'll be another public hearing on

1016
07:07:09.520 --> 07:07:24.878
June 11th for comments and then my understanding is the finals coming to you after those two public hearings and I understand that that is the process that we have been given. It's not in ED code. So that feels like an

1017
07:07:24.878 --> 07:07:41.920
interpretation of ED code. So what I just read you is the first time that the recommendations come to a a board meeting. Public hearing actually isn't anywhere in the ED code. So that's an interpretation. So since this was the first presentation and the first public

1018
07:07:41.920 --> 07:07:58.000
hearing, this would correspond to 2A here in the ED code. The 2B is when they come back again and we make the make our decision. So that's what's in the ED code that I thought we were following. AB1912 that created the ED code section.

1019
07:07:58.000 --> 07:08:12.400
So again, I I think there's an interpretation of how this has been implemented in school districts, but this is the equivalent of the first draft EIA report and public feedback. >> So you're saying that we're taking improper advice from our attorneys who

1020
07:08:12.400 --> 07:08:32.000
are practicing this? Okay, let me let me let me ask I don't know who can answer this question, but if we don't pass this, do we also not accept public input? >> What does this I think you've already been advised if you don't pass this to process dies.

1021
07:08:32.000 --> 07:08:49.520
>> That's right. >> I'm not So when you say dies, what do you mean? So >> I'm not >> I think we need to be careful because when people when the public reads this

1022
07:08:49.520 --> 07:09:05.440
item they have to understand if it has a side effect they also have to know that about that side effect. And that was the reason we had to agendaize the board discussion because we had thought this was a

1023
07:09:05.440 --> 07:09:22.478
formality and then this would the board discussion would actually drive the the next step >> that was the purpose of the board thinking in terms of the AB uh 1912 process and the way it was explained to

1024
07:09:22.478 --> 07:09:38.320
me. doesn't mean that the board can't give different direction on school consolidation outside of the process that we've set up to follow. There would not be another public hearing. This process that you've we've set up to follow um with legal advice would no

1025
07:09:38.320 --> 07:10:00.878
longer be a process if you don't accept this first public hearing is the way that it was explained to me. Stan, would you like to make a comment on that? I hope I'm not misinterpreting what your firm has told me. There's no specific requirement for an

1026
07:10:00.878 --> 07:10:17.600
actual public hearing. There is we need to do public engagement and so this is part of that process and this is the very first time you guys the board members and the public has seen the EIA and it's the very first step and

1027
07:10:17.600 --> 07:10:33.920
we're taking comment on it and to see what things need to be looked at and how it can be refined or or modified and to move that and that would be the very first step in the process. Yes, you've got to also realize that this this

1028
07:10:33.920 --> 07:10:48.798
process is not mandated because you are not defined as a school district in distress. It's recommended that you follow this process, but it's not required. And so we're doing this, it's

1029
07:10:48.798 --> 07:11:05.440
being done anyway to pro provide maximum public input and to make sure that everything is being considered appropriately and making sure that there is no um promagation of of racial bias or or that

1030
07:11:05.440 --> 07:11:25.280
type of of of problems that the attorney general has has identified in its guidance documents. So my understanding is though if we don't accept it, we're not going to incorporate the public input into it and we're not going to come back with

1031
07:11:25.280 --> 07:11:48.000
another iteration of it. Is that >> Well, I mean it's it's subject to your decision. If you're not going to accept the draft, how can we move forward with the next draft? >> I think there's a lack of clarity here. So, do we need to um

1032
07:11:48.000 --> 07:12:03.280
um get the legal to >> still point of order? We have you have a motion and a second on the floor. >> I understand, but people need to understand what their vote means.

1033
07:12:03.280 --> 07:12:19.280
>> Well, you got a motion in a second. >> So, somebody needs to withdraw the motion if you want to go backwards. >> Okay. So, Yes. So, would you like to withdraw your second? I will withdraw my motion

1034
07:12:19.280 --> 07:12:37.840
so we can go back to discussion. >> I know. >> Okay. So, we both withdraw. We're in the inquiry now. Trustee, >> I was >> I was under the impression that we had to have a motion in order to have a discussion. So, if we didn't have a

1035
07:12:37.840 --> 07:12:53.280
motion, we couldn't have this conversation. So, If if now we don't need the motion, let's withdraw it. Like I don't know. >> I don't understand. I don't understand why we have to

1036
07:12:53.280 --> 07:13:09.520
address. You're saying people aren't clear. Who's not clear? You because I'm clear. >> Okay. Do you have a question or advocacy? >> I have a question. >> Okay. So, she has a question. So, he needs clarity. >> So, you said section three. I think Miss

1037
07:13:09.520 --> 07:13:25.280
Kenny uh referred to that as as kind of a boilerplate, you know, formality. If we struck section three and simply accepted the report while we figured out what to do next, is that a compromise that >> that's fine?

1038
07:13:25.280 --> 07:13:59.280
>> Okay. So, I I would move approval of this uh this uh resolution striking section three. Trusty Velasquez, did you officially withdraw your second?

1039
07:13:59.280 --> 07:14:16.558
>> I did and I withdraw my motion. Okay, so we're back to >> Yeah, let me figure out what you just said. superintendent or designate is directed to carry out all necessary actions to implement the resolution. So, we figure out what to do next. We accept the document because it's a

1040
07:14:16.558 --> 07:14:32.638
deliverable and then we we move. That's how I interpret it. >> Okay. Well, there's a motion on the floor, but I think I don't I don't understand the motion. So, and we need a second.

1041
07:14:32.638 --> 07:14:49.040
>> Fair enough. But that's my >> Is there a second to his motion? >> Okay. >> Can Can I second it and then have a conversation about what that means? Okay. So, I'll second it for the sake of the discussion, but I need to read

1042
07:14:49.040 --> 07:15:05.000
section three to understand what you're asking. Okay. Clarifying questions. >> So, folks don't understand. Trusty Velasquez. Oh, >> what I heard is Trusty Velasquez needed to read the section.

1043
07:15:07.440 --> 07:15:23.200
Okay, we need to clarify the motion. So, let's let's start there. So, please read the part again. I guess >> section three reads, "The superintendent or designate is directed to carry out all necessary actions to implement the

1044
07:15:23.200 --> 07:15:42.320
resolution." the resolution of accepting accepting the EIA. >> In other words, accept it and and let's not do anything with it until we figure out our next step. That's how I understand. >> Can you please do you understand what

1045
07:15:42.320 --> 07:15:58.000
he's uh >> Yeah, he's he's >> right. Mr. Harden is is asking for you to just simply accept the report with and taking no further action on it. Whereas in section three, it's

1046
07:15:58.000 --> 07:16:16.240
essentially directing the superintendent to move for move for accepting the agreement. I mean the EIA and moving forward with the process. >> Okay. Trustee Trusty Bailey then trustee Holly. >> Okay. Okay. So,

1047
07:16:16.240 --> 07:16:31.040
I think I'm having a hard time with this. And I'm having a hard time because this process,

1048
07:16:31.040 --> 07:16:48.080
the integrity of this process. >> Okay. I We need to focus on the motion right now. >> Hold up. >> No, no, it's my turn. You're changing the topic. I am focusing on his motion because my point is, >> okay, but we're not in advocacy yet.

1049
07:16:48.080 --> 07:17:03.760
>> Why make the motion when the integrity of the process the way that it is now has been flawed? It lacks the trust of the community. >> The item is a agenda. >> It lacks the trust of the community. We

1050
07:17:03.760 --> 07:17:21.680
need to drop this. We need to start with a brand new process >> so that we can have full support. >> I'm not saying we shouldn't have a process. We need to start over item >> the motion >> because we have lost the trust of this

1051
07:17:21.680 --> 07:17:38.718
community and we cannot I don't even see how we can sit here and talk about moving forward with what all of us have just had to endure. Do you think it's easy to sit here and hear all of you spoken to the way that you've been spoken to?

1052
07:17:38.718 --> 07:17:54.478
>> And not even be able to do anything or say anything? >> This has been really hard on the full board. >> Okay. >> And we have we we have a room full of people who are saying to us, you lack integrity. We don't trust this.

1053
07:17:54.478 --> 07:18:10.558
>> Okay. You are out of order. This is not the item. This is not the item. Oh, are you you got a real bad habit of yelling at me. >> Sorry, but I have been saying it very nicely. >> Let me say what I have to say. >> No, you have to do >> this is out of order. Motion on the floor.

1054
07:18:10.558 --> 07:18:25.920
>> I would like to make a friendly amendment >> to your amendment that we drop this in its entirety and start with a new process >> later in the next year.

1055
07:18:25.920 --> 07:18:42.400
>> But we can't move on. We can't move forward with this. We just can't. We're not going to get anywhere. >> We are at We are at >> So, I just made a friendly amendment. >> The friendly amendment is Can you please clarify the friendly amendment?

1056
07:18:42.400 --> 07:18:57.760
>> Say it again. >> That we drop this right now. >> Dropping of the uh approving of the receipt. Is that is that what you're saying? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So, but then that is just going back to Yeah, just

1057
07:18:57.760 --> 07:19:15.360
>> Well, then why waste the time talking about it? >> Okay, the motion. >> That's what I'm saying. >> On the floor >> is the amendment to >> We're wasting time. >> Resolution 2882. We are at theformational part of it.

1058
07:19:15.360 --> 07:19:31.600
Does anybody have any questions about what that motion is? >> I'm sorry. I thought we were in advocacy because we have a motion that's been >> No, no, no. >> I don't understand. I made I made a friendly amendment and >> no one had the opportunity. You didn't ask for a second on that,

1059
07:19:31.600 --> 07:19:48.718
>> right? But you're you're asking >> basically to vote against this. So the motion is on the >> but I still I made a >> Okay. What is your friendly amendment to his amendment >> vote? Um, I would like to make a motion

1060
07:19:48.718 --> 07:20:06.638
that we not receive this document, this analysis or whatever it's called. I don't have it up. >> I'd like to second that. >> The resolution. >> What that means is a no vote on this current aem not amended by Trusty Harden. That's

1061
07:20:06.638 --> 07:20:23.040
what >> Are you asking him to withdraw his motion? >> I'm just making a friendly emotion to his motion. He can drop his motion if he wants. Now, usually when somebody makes a friendly emotion, you ask for a second. >> But I don't know that it's friendly to

1062
07:20:23.040 --> 07:20:39.680
say, "I want the opposite of your motion. That's not probably typically classified as friendly." >> Well, um, but that's but that's my motion. >> So, so what what do I Rosenberg? Can I make a new motion? >> Okay. The motions on the floor. You ask.

1063
07:20:39.680 --> 07:21:04.558
>> So, you can have two motions on the floor at one time. >> It's a substitute motion. >> Okay, then fine. Can I make a substitute motion? >> Is that correct? >> Yes. Substitute. >> Okay. What's your substitute motion? >> That's my substitute motion. >> I don't even know what that is. Okay. Go ahead. >> Already officially seconded the

1064
07:21:04.558 --> 07:21:22.320
substitute motion. >> So my clarification question was the following. What is the difference between between a no accepting and an accepting without implementation. >> What is the difference between those two

1065
07:21:22.320 --> 07:21:37.120
things? >> Well, by not accepting the EIA, but let's let's put it in terms of the resolution. If you do not adopt the resolution, >> then the EIA is the draft EI does not

1066
07:21:37.120 --> 07:21:53.360
get accepted and the process is not going to move forward. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. So if you prove the resolution, you accept the EIA and the process moves forward. >> No, no, no. But he's asking for

1067
07:21:53.360 --> 07:22:11.520
accepting the the document and having no implementation. So then the the the difference between those two things becomes a little blurry. So, >> right. Well, I mean, you can you can do that, but it it I don't know what real

1068
07:22:11.520 --> 07:22:28.320
significance that has by still accepting the draft and then saying we're not going to do anything essentially. >> Right. So, that that was my point that in essence he's saying accept it and do nothing and you're saying just do nothing. It's an argument about the same

1069
07:22:28.320 --> 07:22:42.160
thing. >> Well, can I say something? The reason why I'm saying that is because if we do it the way that you're doing and we're not like words smmithing this resolution line by line, there could be some things that gets caught up in this resolution

1070
07:22:42.160 --> 07:22:57.200
that when we decide to go back to it, >> okay, then we're looking and we're going, "Oh, no. We didn't want that. We didn't want that. That was a problem the last time." And you know, start from scratch. >> I mean, we have the framework. We have the framework. So, but we need to start

1071
07:22:57.200 --> 07:23:14.718
over with a new process so that we can align everything properly. Like it's just been too confusing. It's been it's been too this process has been convoluted to say the least, you know,

1072
07:23:14.718 --> 07:23:31.120
on top of everything else that's going on and it's causing too much strife and contention in the community. And that's the last thing we should be doing as a school board. We should not be on this page with our

1073
07:23:31.120 --> 07:23:46.000
community. >> Michelle, can So that's the next agenda item. And it would be good to get there so that we could all have that conversation. >> Well, if we vote this down, we won't need to get there, >> right? >> Well, yes, we will. >> What? It's still about that.

1074
07:23:46.000 --> 07:24:02.080
>> What is What is the next step? See, this is this is assuming a certain next step. The rejection of this means we're not going forward with this document. >> Okay. Dr. Dr. Blanco has something to say, >> but this is still it says TSS brief description of

1075
07:24:02.080 --> 07:24:17.760
>> Dr. Blanco has something to say. >> So Stan, if we do not accept the um EIA as is, then does that invalidate any further discussion with the data in it >> because we're not accepting it? >> Yes.

1076
07:24:17.760 --> 07:24:35.320
>> Yeah. So yeah. Okay. So then we wouldn't have a further public hearing, but we could have a a study session, but we couldn't really talk about the data that's been produced so far, right? >> We could if it was presented to this SCAC.

1077
07:24:39.840 --> 07:24:56.558
>> Okay. What I'm hearing is if this is voted down, then we cancel. >> I just want I want I need just clarification. I'm asking for clarification of what happens if it's voted down in terms of usat >> using the data that is presented in it.

1078
07:24:56.558 --> 07:25:13.760
>> Well, I mean you can always use the data over again in in another you know another analysis but using the document as is drafted you would not I mean the data the the data and the data doesn't get uh destroyed just

1079
07:25:13.760 --> 07:25:29.200
because it's in a report. It's data and and it can you use the data accordingly. It's just how you analyze it. And if you're gonna if you're gonna not accept the the EIA, then that's the analysis that's in there is what you're

1080
07:25:29.200 --> 07:25:45.440
essentially rejecting and you're you're you're going to start over with new data or not with with this data and possibly new data, but you wouldn't throw this data out. >> Okay. Thank you. I want to call for the vote. I'm sorry. Trusty harden his hands up.

1081
07:25:45.440 --> 07:26:03.440
>> Yeah. I just want to I I to clarify what you're said or to restate what you're saying. We could go back to the anything that was produced as part of the committee. What whatever however we value it or don't, but we could go back to the committee's work. Look at that data that EI if we if we reject this

1082
07:26:03.440 --> 07:26:19.520
document, we can't we'd have to produce a whole new >> EIA. >> You would have to create a new EIA. Yes. We need a new >> with new scenarios and everything. Yeah. >> So, I just want to make sure I understand Michelle's motion so I know

1083
07:26:19.520 --> 07:26:36.000
how to vote. It is to >> So, this is a substitute motion and it will be to drop the process and start all over. >> Oh, well, I don't think that's proper

1084
07:26:36.000 --> 07:26:52.638
then because this is to approve the receipt. So I don't think you can say drop the process because that's a different thing. >> Just doesn't make it worse. >> Not approve the receipt. Then if that would if that will cause a subsequent action where we go back

1085
07:26:52.638 --> 07:27:09.120
to start this process. >> Well then we're going to maybe just >> but the next agenda item still mentions TSS and I think that's part of our problem. We need to get rid of the problem. don't get rid of the issues in

1086
07:27:09.120 --> 07:27:27.760
their totality. We need to start over. >> So again, >> this whole process has been compromised. >> So I just want to >> if we're going to move to the vote, we all have to be clear on what the motion is. So >> may

1087
07:27:27.760 --> 07:27:43.760
I interject just one? >> Go ahead. >> Okay. So because you have it broken up really in two parts, you have this acceptance as a resolution as as item Q1 and then you have uh R1 which is next

1088
07:27:43.760 --> 07:28:02.120
steps. If you if you're wanting to stop the process or change the process, it's it's more uh proper to do it under R1. And if you want to if you don't want to move forward then you can just say

1089
07:28:02.160 --> 07:28:22.798
don't adopt don't adopt the resolution and then in R1 you can then give direction on next steps because it's broken up into two parts. >> Okay. So the substitute motion will be to to not

1090
07:28:22.798 --> 07:28:40.000
not accept the resolution. Right. and then Miss Bailey motion and then um second. >> Yes, that's to not accept this. >> Do not accept the resolution. >> The motion is to not accept the resolution. Uh any other further

1091
07:28:40.000 --> 07:28:59.000
clarifications you're not >> by not accepting the resolution, you're formally not accepting the equity impact analysis. So, you're you're stopping the AB1912 process.

1092
07:28:59.040 --> 07:29:15.120
>> Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Why? >> Hold on. There's a difference here. >> We're not accepting We're not accepting the report. >> That's right. >> Dr. Blanco just said by

1093
07:29:15.120 --> 07:29:31.520
>> not accepting the report. >> No, no. That's why I want to clarify. Yeah. I want to make sure because it's broken into two parts. We want to take this surgically in each piece. The first one is you're not if you're going to if you're going to not adopt the resolution, then you are rejecting the

1094
07:29:31.520 --> 07:29:48.080
EIA document. Okay? Then the next part is in R1, you then get to discuss and decide what next steps there are. So if that is to send it back for a new EIA, you can do that or you can say we're or

1095
07:29:48.080 --> 07:30:04.000
however you want to specify your next steps because that's what's allowed under the agenda item. You can discuss that and make your decision. >> So we're just isolating the document. That's what we're >> right now. You're just making a decision of whether you want to accept the EIA as

1096
07:30:04.000 --> 07:30:21.040
a report, you know, as a as a document or not. If you if you say no to the report again that doesn't destroy the information in it, it can still be used the analytical and the data whatnot as

1097
07:30:21.040 --> 07:30:37.840
as uh Mr. Harden had mentioned that you then you can still use that information, augment it, supplement it, however you want to do it. It's fine. But then the actual EIA is not that was presented to you tonight does not get modified or

1098
07:30:37.840 --> 07:30:55.680
accepted. You you will then ultimately have to create a new one if you're going to go down that path. Does the voting down of the acceptance also mean breaking of breaking the responsibility of TSS to

1099
07:30:55.680 --> 07:31:15.520
the process? >> No, it just is it's just saying that you're not going to accept the report. Yeah. You're not going to use that report. So I I think there would be um additional costs from TSS if you wanted

1100
07:31:15.520 --> 07:31:31.840
them to create things over like we you know have a certain process um >> we have a certain process that has you know a um creation and an amendment. I don't know how many amendments that would be willing to do in the current

1101
07:31:31.840 --> 07:31:51.600
contract. So we would have to check with them on that. Like I guess what I'm saying is we paid for two amend two amendments. one development, one amendment, right? Okay. >> Okay. So, the the motion on the floor is to reject the receipt of the EIA then.

1102
07:31:51.600 --> 07:32:07.040
>> Okay. Um, Trusty Hong, what what is your preferential vote? >> Um, since there's a motion and uh and we need to reach a consensus

1103
07:32:07.040 --> 07:32:41.760
to actually by preferential vote. I cannot since there's a motion. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. All those in favor of rejecting the receipt of the EIA. >> Yes. And then the original motion since it's

1104
07:32:41.760 --> 07:32:58.200
the opposite >> I don't think >> yeah the meaning of it cancels it. Okay motion passes. Now we are at the R1 board discussion school consolidation process next steps.

1105
07:32:59.040 --> 07:33:16.080
Any ideas for next steps? Trusty Harden. >> Okay. So, um, as we've seen, um, and as it been said, this process has been anything but ideal. Uh, and I will be the first to admit

1106
07:33:16.080 --> 07:33:32.160
that. Um, I think it's left gaps in critical analysis and detailed programmatic opportunity modeling um that I think are crit critical to this board making an informed decision and and especially when it comes to

1107
07:33:32.160 --> 07:33:49.680
secondary schools. Um I don't think the the scenarios that we received or that the committee received um visualize in usable detail uh what life would be generally like for students and families if they go into

1108
07:33:49.680 --> 07:34:06.558
effect program consolidation uh integration transportation all those necessary things. Um clearly the committee said no to any of the scenarios presented. uh but given many of the comments from the feedback surveys, I think a significant amount of

1109
07:34:06.558 --> 07:34:23.520
the committee participants realize that we need to do something to uh address declining enrollment and funding is instability over the long term. I have said it's no secret or surprise. Um my prim primary rationale has been to

1110
07:34:23.520 --> 07:34:39.760
address um stability issues to preserve opportunity and student experience uh with the money that we have uh and less about savings uh that closure may or may not bring about. Um so I think the first thing that we need to do moving forward

1111
07:34:39.760 --> 07:34:56.798
is we need to rebuild trust. Um, and I believe that starts with opening the doors um, and letting the comm uh, community in in a meaningful, productive way. Um, so I support a course correct to this process. Um, I

1112
07:34:56.798 --> 07:35:12.638
I'm less concerned about hitting an open enrollment target date uh, than I am about making decisions and getting this right. Um, and we haven't gotten this right. So, um I would support a process that allows for some community healing,

1113
07:35:12.638 --> 07:35:28.320
uh some del uh deliberation, uh uh a visioning, if you will, about you know, what are one understanding what what are the problems that we're solving? What's the why behind this work? And what is the community's vision for what they

1114
07:35:28.320 --> 07:35:44.398
want for their schools? Um I think the the public doesn't fully understand what the true cost of inaction is in on this issue and um and so I think you know by resetting and kind of taking a moment to

1115
07:35:44.398 --> 07:36:04.000
look at appreciative thinking um and then I thank you. So I propose that we use the June the June 13th study session to piv pivot and engage with willing community leaders to

1116
07:36:04.000 --> 07:36:20.878
sort of co-design a a healing framework. Um and and carry out that sort of long-term visioning. Um, and I would also, and I've said this before, um, that we need to better align with our our facilities master planning

1117
07:36:20.878 --> 07:36:38.240
process so that we know the number of schools that we need. Um, I know that we have RSSC that we've already approved their contract and some of the things that they are doing at scale in the community could possibly be uh, co-opted.

1118
07:36:38.240 --> 07:36:56.120
Obviously, their scope would expand but co-opted to do some of the engagement that I'm talking about. So, uh but the public needs to understand what that visioning is, what it's not. Uh so I would propose that the 13th be used so that we can figure that out.

1119
07:36:56.398 --> 07:37:13.120
>> Trustee uh Holly then trusty Kenny then trusty McKenzie. So, this has been a really trying time and one of the things I've always talked about is that trust with the community begins at the board. I know you've all heard it. I know some people have rolled

1120
07:37:13.120 --> 07:37:29.280
their eyes about it at this stis. But I think what we've seen is how true that is that if we misbehave, if people misbehave here, there's no trust out there. You can't have a visioning process without trust. And

1121
07:37:29.280 --> 07:37:45.680
I What I'm reluctant to do is to hear a board member or two try to define the future. Every person here is equal. I have an equal voice. And

1122
07:37:45.680 --> 07:38:02.878
everything that has happened in these last few months has been so disturbing to me. I don't know if we can do a prisoning process. I think the people can, but I'm not so sure about the way this group is right now. And the healing

1123
07:38:02.878 --> 07:38:19.600
is in the community. Yes. I think there's healing that needs to be done right here because there's been so much disrespect to the people on this board. >> Okay. And I think when we get to June,

1124
07:38:19.600 --> 07:38:36.000
it'd be nice if we all just took a breath and just relaxed and really thought about the why. And that goes back to being a board member 101. Why are we here? And we need to do that. And I know that some

1125
07:38:36.000 --> 07:38:50.160
trustees don't want to do that and they're making that visible right here. But if you run for this board, you have to have a Y. >> Can we talk about the next steps for this?

1126
07:38:50.160 --> 07:39:07.520
>> Thank you, Trusty McKenzie. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it was Okay, >> Trusty Kenny. >> Um, as I said the at the previous item that and and to echo what board member Harden said, we do have a similar process going on with our facilities

1127
07:39:07.520 --> 07:39:24.638
master planning. uh starting off with the report from the demographer and the review of our site capacities and then there's outreach in that process as well. Um we do need to make decisions if we're going to move forward with our facilities master plan. We did not do

1128
07:39:24.638 --> 07:39:42.160
that for measure TT in 2008, but we did GKK did have us say here's the tier one schools, here's the tier two and tier three. And the tier ones were the schools that we knew were not going to close. And then we did eventually make

1129
07:39:42.160 --> 07:39:58.320
some decisions in 2010, but we can't keep spending money on schools that were going to close. Um, and I know that it's a concern to put off construction for long periods of time. So, um, some ideas of what could be

1130
07:39:58.320 --> 07:40:14.240
included in the process, a clear rationale. Why would the closing schools be positive? Look at our demographic context. If desired, include the option of keeping all schools open. What changes would this include? Does that mean no athletics at some schools?

1131
07:40:14.240 --> 07:40:28.718
Shared principles at elementaryaries under 400 students, say shared support staff, um instructional coaches, for instance, community assistants, nurses, librarians, some of which we're already seeing um with the cuts we've made and that maybe we're staving off some of

1132
07:40:28.718 --> 07:40:46.080
them with onetime money tonight. Using capacity and enrollment projections, determine the least number of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools possible and look at what locations that could be as another possible scenario. So, one's no closures, one's maximum, and many others in between. Review our current feeder

1133
07:40:46.080 --> 07:41:02.718
programs. I heard we don't have them, but we do. We have attendance feeder programs that we've created and we have program feeders and we actually should make sure they're a little bit closer aligned and they have to fit with whatever our scenarios are. Look at our programs. We said our

1134
07:41:02.718 --> 07:41:19.200
goal is reviewing for duplication. We need to look at the cost per student. Um some of them are very very small. We were told back in January that we would have a report about which programs are serving our students best. um which

1135
07:41:19.200 --> 07:41:35.360
programs can coexist at a school and how many what are the supports needed for the programs? Special schedules we heard about eight period day support staff other and the broad outlines of our trans transition plans. Um special education review the current segregation

1136
07:41:35.360 --> 07:41:51.520
and possible remedies. Look at reducing student time on buses across towns. Attendance zones. Are schools without attendance zones? What will the new zones look like? And can school capacity absorb the new zones? I don't understand how we do boundaries later without

1137
07:41:51.520 --> 07:42:06.958
understanding whether they'd fit at the plants uh new scenarios. Plan transportation for general education. We have to have a serious conversation if we're going to support longer commuting distances or that would give equitable access to our special programs. We said

1138
07:42:06.958 --> 07:42:23.680
a long time ago that we might do that and we never have because we're spending all of our transportation money on special education. And then I think we need a high level transport transition plan if we're doing a multi-year phase in or not. And what is the support for the transition? What dedicated personnel

1139
07:42:23.680 --> 07:42:40.398
would that take? And how can people finish their high school programs? Like you have to have that conversation when you make the decision, not three months later, otherwise there's no support for it. Um and then a discussion on whether there's a concern amongst us

1140
07:42:40.398 --> 07:42:56.000
regarding racial and socioeconomic segregation in our schools and if we want to do anything about it. >> Are you also suggesting June as the next step or >> I think it would be a good idea to have that to start having a conversation about how we would move forward. But

1141
07:42:56.000 --> 07:43:13.680
again, I think there's an outline in our facilities master planning process already that would incorporate some steps. You both are kind of same. You utilize what we have. We've already hired somebody. Okay. We can ask them

1142
07:43:13.680 --> 07:43:35.200
if they can incorporate that. Any other ideas? Trusty McKenzie. I want to say a couple of things. First, um I think our primary obligation is to serve students. And when we're not serving students, I

1143
07:43:35.200 --> 07:43:52.558
think right now we need to focus very intently on rebuilding public trust and restoring the public trust because we have certainly lost that. um regardless of who is alleged to have done what or not,

1144
07:43:52.558 --> 07:44:09.600
we are one board and so we operate on the premise of one band, one sound. So everybody has a responsibility to play in restoring public trust. Um, I've heard a lot of talk about transformation tonight and

1145
07:44:09.600 --> 07:44:26.478
I think that we didn't give an opportunity to really talk about transformation or at least to determine what that could be because we don't have a baseline of where we are post those cuts in November. We went from making the decision to make those

1146
07:44:26.478 --> 07:44:42.320
cuts to going right into um the consolidation process without having a chance to figure out where the dust is settled, what is, what isn't, and where we are. So, we don't even know where we are, and we're trying to go somewhere else. That's a flawed plan out of the gate.

1147
07:44:42.320 --> 07:44:59.200
um with the purpose of you know I I just I have a lot of thoughts and I'm going to say that we saw um one of our students um represent

1148
07:44:59.200 --> 07:45:16.798
her research on Ruby Bridges. This is a woman who is still alive. her experience is not ancient history. And we are having the same fight today about resources. We're having the same fight today about winners and losers.

1149
07:45:16.798 --> 07:45:33.120
We're having the same fight today about um making decisions about who deserves a quality education and who does not. We may not be calling it the same thing. We may not be throwing things at people, but we're doing the exact same thing with this process. And that is

1150
07:45:33.120 --> 07:45:52.638
unacceptable. 70 years later. Um I think that we need to take a beat, focus on um acknowledging the fact that our community is still very much grieving.

1151
07:45:52.638 --> 07:46:08.320
We are still very much grieving um the trauma and the harm from the fire, the loss of community, the loss of um many many people's homes, businesses,

1152
07:46:08.320 --> 07:46:27.280
etc. And if we're going to be thoughtful about how do we think about how we put the pieces of this community back together, we have to do so with all of these um challenges in

1153
07:46:27.280 --> 07:46:41.760
mind and not just sort of these isolated pieces. It has to be done way so more so in a systemic a systemic process. We've got to be thoughtful about it and you have to go I believe we we need to be more

1154
07:46:41.760 --> 07:46:59.040
focused on going slow and thorough than trying to run through the finish line. I think it's going to take us a significant amount of time to determine what our next steps are and how we want to proceed and what decisions need to be made. And I would rather us take a little bit more time to make those

1155
07:46:59.040 --> 07:47:14.398
decisions and have those conversations than to feel as though we're on a time clock because we are not on a time clock at this point. Um, so I'm happy to have further discussion about where we go next, but I certainly think that we need to be doing so in a way that is

1156
07:47:14.398 --> 07:47:30.320
transparent, that includes our community's voice. We may not be able to promise you that we can give you everything that you want, but we have to at least honor the fact that we are here to represent you. We are here to serve at your pleasure and we owe you the obligate the opportunity to give

1157
07:47:30.320 --> 07:47:53.760
meaningful um and credible input into the process as we continue to have these conversations because every one of us lives in this community, serves here, and deserves to have a voice in how we shape the future. >> Trusty Bailey. So,

1158
07:47:53.760 --> 07:48:14.638
I've been saying this for some years now. The differences, whatever they are, that we have with each other here on this board really need to be addressed.

1159
07:48:14.638 --> 07:48:30.398
They really need to be addressed. We as a board will not be able to move forward in our work if we don't

1160
07:48:30.398 --> 07:48:47.600
resolve our differences with each other. Whatever they are, no matter how small they are, it is evident that they exist. It's real.

1161
07:48:47.600 --> 07:49:02.080
We see it. We feel it. Now we've read it. We're not in a good way up here. And it feeds into

1162
07:49:02.080 --> 07:49:20.478
the vibe that we send to the community. I've said over and over, we need to decide what type of leaders we want to be. Do we want to be the type of leaders that promotes calm and confidence

1163
07:49:20.478 --> 07:49:38.878
or do we want to be the type of leaders that keeps the community stirred up in a contentious way. And we really need before you talk about starting this process over, moving

1164
07:49:38.878 --> 07:49:54.160
forward with the next steps, we need to come together and have a real family discussion about us as one body. You don't have to agree with me. That's

1165
07:49:54.160 --> 07:50:10.398
fine. You don't even have to like me, but my goodness, agree to work with me. Let's agree to work with each other in a harmonious, professional way for the

1166
07:50:10.398 --> 07:50:27.920
children, for our young scholars, for our families. It's not about what I want. It shouldn't be about what you want unless it has something to do with our school community and our children. That's where

1167
07:50:27.920 --> 07:50:45.120
our focus should be. And until we start putting the children first in our discussions, our deliberations, our conversations, we are going to stay where we are feeling like we're not being successful.

1168
07:50:45.120 --> 07:51:00.958
And right now, I don't see how we can move forward with this process and be successful when we've got this relationship, this contentious relationship up here on

1169
07:51:00.958 --> 07:51:23.360
the dis. And I can no longer act as if it's it doesn't exist because it does because you know what? Now it hurts and it's hurting us. It's hurting our community. It hurts all over. That's

1170
07:51:23.360 --> 07:51:38.718
what I want to say to you, each one of you. Okay? When I got on this board, it was because I cared. I cared enough to want to get up here

1171
07:51:38.718 --> 07:51:55.440
and work with six other members on matters that would benefit our school district, our children, our classrooms, our teachers, our classified staff, period. Our families.

1172
07:51:55.440 --> 07:52:11.040
And I don't feel like I'm being successful in doing that because of all of the the the the stuff I have to maneuver through just trying to work with each one of you. And I believe that some of you probably feel

1173
07:52:11.040 --> 07:52:27.200
the same way about me cuz I don't back down. You know that. But that being said, we really need to decide what the message is that we want to send out. collectively

1174
07:52:27.200 --> 07:52:44.240
to this community each time we leave a meeting. We should all be sending out the same message. We have half of the community thinking that we so desperately need money that we have to close schools that

1175
07:52:44.240 --> 07:53:05.878
there's a sense of urgency and we need to do it now. And that is not true. That is not true. >> Thank you. >> Hold on. >> Can I finish, please?

1176
07:53:08.878 --> 07:53:31.680
>> Okay, I lost my train of thought. I'm so sorry. But the other thing our next meeting in June. Rather than jump right back into this process,

1177
07:53:31.680 --> 07:53:48.478
I would like to have a process where we talk it out so that we could at least come together and agree to work together for the betterment of this district and of this this school community.

1178
07:53:48.478 --> 07:54:05.120
We can't. It's It's like a family. If If mom and Paul aren't getting along, what do you think the kids are doing? What do you think they're seeing? You know, that's us. We're M and Paul.

1179
07:54:05.120 --> 07:54:22.320
So, we've got to do better. We've got to make sure when we go out amongst our community that we're putting the facts out there. We're not just saying things because we have an agenda that we want to meet. Okay. The other thing that I wanted to

1180
07:54:22.320 --> 07:54:38.798
mention, you know, when I think about where we are right now, we had gone through the goals for this year that we wanted to accomplish. And I think when things are done out of order,

1181
07:54:38.798 --> 07:54:55.920
you can sometimes get chaos. And this was one of those times because school consolidations was not part of the goals for this year. For some reason, they became a priority, but they weren't part of the goals for this year. And when you do things like

1182
07:54:55.920 --> 07:55:13.360
that, when you when you try to add on top of a whole bunch of stuff that you already got going, sometimes it just causes chaos. And I think that's what happened. We did not need to be talking about this

1183
07:55:13.360 --> 07:55:28.558
right now. There was no sense of urgency. No sense of urgency. And when you rush through the way that we did, you get what we got. So, I just want to

1184
07:55:28.558 --> 07:55:43.520
implore you guys to to take a different mindset about each other. Let's agree to come together to work out our differences first so that now we can go and put good

1185
07:55:43.520 --> 07:56:00.878
vibes out into the community because that's what we need to do to heal. We got to start at home with us first so that we can heal the with the community and then let's talk about moving forward.

1186
07:56:00.878 --> 07:56:19.120
And that's my ask of each one of you. And although you threw me off my game, I'm going to stop right there. >> Thank you. Just Alli, I know that there have been questions

1187
07:56:19.120 --> 07:56:36.520
about teacher layoffs, imminent LEO takeover, and um our budgetary problems. And I would like for the superintendent to briefly address that right now. Actually,

1188
07:56:36.798 --> 07:56:51.280
I don't know is this with if you don't feel comfortable. This is not agenda. So, we can defer this unless you want to answer that. It's up to you. This is not really part of this item because it's

1189
07:56:51.280 --> 07:57:11.040
it's up to you. I I think in terms of like next steps and and some of the framing, we do need some clarity around some of these things. Um you know, uh I have a response about next steps and

1190
07:57:11.040 --> 07:57:27.600
maybe I can include the answer into the next steps. So, you know, as a superintendent of Pasadena, I have the privilege of uh serving this community and working with a really talented uh group of people, right? the superintendent's leadership team and just like every member on this board of

1191
07:57:27.600 --> 07:57:42.240
education, we care deeply about what's best for students and the future of the district, right? And so I want to say that I know that um no matter how this has turned out, the intention was always to make sure that we have a bright future for

1192
07:57:42.240 --> 07:57:58.080
the students in our district. And um you know the leadership team has led the district through um some really thoughtful strategic planning for the future of our district. And you know 2023 we embarked on a strategic planning

1193
07:57:58.080 --> 07:58:13.760
process that was um a lot of community engagement in partnership with the board. Right? I think the full board was on board and we launched extensive community engagement, designed new values, mission, vision together and we

1194
07:58:13.760 --> 07:58:29.680
have a strategic plan imagine PSUSD which was designed right and I think we intended that to um set the vision and uh direction for the school district in 2020 till 2028. we had a lot to um take

1195
07:58:29.680 --> 07:58:45.200
on in that strategic plan as leaders of the school district and we didn't really talk about you know consolidation during that time and you know 2024 uh the board president at that time I was the new superintendent

1196
07:58:45.200 --> 07:59:00.638
in a response to declining enrollment changing demographics the district's fiscal realities that we were struggling with then asked me to do a presentation on what my recommendation would be for um school consolidation. And I don't

1197
07:59:00.638 --> 07:59:17.440
know if you recall, we did um come forward on February 21st in 2024, and this is still online if you want to look it up. And we made a recommendation for um long-term planning to the board. And the recommendations were approved by the

1198
07:59:17.440 --> 07:59:33.920
board that night and we established a framework that was going to be responsible for planning the future of the district. And uh we suggested to engage in data collection and the evaluation of uh asset management and a program review which Mrs. Kenny

1199
07:59:33.920 --> 07:59:49.600
mentioned tonight. And we also made the recommendation not to start any conversation about school consolidation until 2627 because we wanted to have an opportunity as part of the process um to take time

1200
07:59:49.600 --> 08:00:06.958
to evaluate the data around those two areas. uh program review and also uh the opportunity to see what we could do with the 11 properties that we had already consolidated to enhance revenue. Um our recommendation was, you know,

1201
08:00:06.958 --> 08:00:22.878
let's generate some revenue with the property we own. Let's work with our community partners. Um involve some professional experts to help us. And we briefly talked a little bit about visioning, but we had just come off a really heavy strategic planning process. And you know, we were debating with

1202
08:00:22.878 --> 08:00:37.520
whether that was the right time or not because part of the visioners told us they would develop a strategic plan and we felt we didn't necessarily need that at the time. We also asked to allow for um the litmus test, right, to really

1203
08:00:37.520 --> 08:00:53.520
make decisions that would tell us if we were harming certain populations in our um school district. And I think that's some of the questions that Mrs. Kenny has brought up this evening. And most of all, we said we wanted to learn from past experiences, right? And we agreed

1204
08:00:53.520 --> 08:01:09.280
to present the findings in the summer of 26, which would have been this year. Uh that action was approved by the majority of the board. And I just want to say at no point did I or anyone else say on my team that we would not entertain or

1205
08:01:09.280 --> 08:01:25.040
support conversations around consolidation. We asked for time to evaluate the current landscape that was happening. you know, we're all fairly new in our positions either to PUSD or to the cabinet level and we really wanted to

1206
08:01:25.040 --> 08:01:41.920
have time to try to figure out a long-term plan. Um, we acknowledged that we had closed 11 schools and we had not taken advantage of the potential revenue opportunities. Right? Then on January 7th, the community faced the biggest tragedy that we've ever probably faced,

1207
08:01:41.920 --> 08:01:57.840
which was the eaten fire. This delayed the asset management planning and the program review findings. And so given these unique circumstances, I guess we kind of assumed that we would have an extra year to come back with the

1208
08:01:57.840 --> 08:02:15.920
findings from asset management and um the program review. I would say that you know Dr. Chan Hills team has been actively working with the person we hired for the program review and you know our hope is really to have it probably at the end of this year or bring it as a launch for next year and

1209
08:02:15.920 --> 08:02:32.160
even though we had a lot of you know focus on rebuilding and restoring after the fire we have moved forward with some asset management projects the staff housing the Linda Vista project we'll be bringing to the board before you know to make a decision before the end of the

1210
08:02:32.160 --> 08:02:47.680
year so we haven't like abandoned in those two ideas of program review and asset management. So, um you know, our role as a leadership team is to faithfully execute what the direction of the board of education is. I think it

1211
08:02:47.680 --> 08:03:04.160
was said here tonight, we're all one team. We're, you know, I'm on the governance team. My team is directed and works to support the board. We participate in professional development with them. And you know we want to know that you know we are acknowledging that

1212
08:03:04.160 --> 08:03:19.920
we have enrollment problems that we have financial realities and we want a sustainable future and some of the ways that we've addressed this is through advisory committees with the community right so it takes a lot to run an advisory committee it takes a lot of

1213
08:03:19.920 --> 08:03:37.120
time like maybe you all thought TSS just came here and did the work and pulled the information out of a hat no we spent hours with them giving them information because we all want what's best, you know, for our school district and a sustainable plan for the future. So, um

1214
08:03:37.120 --> 08:03:52.718
it was no different, you know, the processes that we follow as a leadership team when the passage of the resolution 2852 for optimal school size was passed. We immediately executed what we believed was the direction of the board and hired

1215
08:03:52.718 --> 08:04:08.638
TSS. And I want to say in public that not one board member on this team ever talked to me about TSS. Um I had uh recommendations from colleagues in the area that had consolidated schools and that was why I reached out um to TSS

1216
08:04:08.638 --> 08:04:24.398
because they had done the work um in the area. And I did have knowledge that our attorney worked with TSS and other school districts and the other superintendent told me that was a good thing. Right. if you have your legal counsel familiar with the process and

1217
08:04:24.398 --> 08:04:40.638
that's something that um you know they had experience and it the partnership seemed to work very well. So there was no secret about that. Um you know we thought we were hiring you know an unbiased consultant. We still like to

1218
08:04:40.638 --> 08:04:56.240
believe that we hired an unbiased consultant. I would say that Dr. Podel has been um very easy to work with and I know that you know in my opinion he carried out exactly what we tked him to do. If you go to the PowerPoint that was

1219
08:04:56.240 --> 08:05:14.000
presented with his contract, he followed the uh recipe that TSS has for school consolidation. And so I know that um he's taken a lot of criticism because of our situation and how emotional this is, but um you know he he did what we asked

1220
08:05:14.000 --> 08:05:30.398
him to do and I I do appreciate that they you know they were able to come with some recommendations. It was very emotional for all of us and I do believe that, you know, we do have to go back and look at what we said on February 1

1221
08:05:30.398 --> 08:05:48.080
that we wanted to do in 20124. We need to like reset and finish some of the long-term planning that we're already um engaging in, right? We should have the information about our programs and the information about our assets to make

1222
08:05:48.080 --> 08:06:04.000
informed decisions about school consolidation. You know, I've been accused of being a non-consolator and a resistor. I served on three of the four consolidation committees in the Pasadena Unified School District. When the speaker came

1223
08:06:04.000 --> 08:06:21.200
and said he was the chair, I was on his committee at that time this evening. So um I think for you know I what I felt was that we might have been trying to use it as a um solution to our structural deficit in our budget and if

1224
08:06:21.200 --> 08:06:36.798
you look at all the scenarios added up I think someone commented on that tonight it doesn't even it adds up to a drop in the bucket right but should we be looking at efficiency and should we be looking at efficiency of the bond money that we have absolutely right but I just

1225
08:06:36.798 --> 08:06:54.240
think we need to engage um take a step back, use our community partners who are very engaging and have the pulse of the community and engage in more um community engagement. So our our budget going back to that's a long answer to uh

1226
08:06:54.240 --> 08:07:09.520
Miss Holl's original question which was about um declining enrollment is what really perpetuates layoffs, right? we and we have less students so we're going to have less staff and that's very painful

1227
08:07:09.520 --> 08:07:27.200
for us to go through. Um we the other thing I think you asked about was do we need to um close schools because this is a rumor that's out there. Is this what LEO has asked us to do? No, we created a fiscal stabilization plan and we are

1228
08:07:27.200 --> 08:07:41.760
fiscally stable with a positive certification for right now and a lot of that depends upon the spending habits that we have moving forward. we're going to get a windfall of one-time money from the governor again and we have to be very

1229
08:07:41.760 --> 08:07:57.120
careful to spend it in ways that benefit the students and not create a lot of uh extra staffing again and that those are you know decisions changes that we have to make but um we do have to address the

1230
08:07:57.120 --> 08:08:20.398
decline and um we can probably strategize ways together with a lot of our community input to do that. Um, so I think that's all I have to say. >> Trusty Kenny, I remember. I just looked that up. So

1231
08:08:20.398 --> 08:08:39.040
that was our long-term uh planning idea at that time. And actually, I think we amended that. And actually I don't think there was any time in it to come back. So it was indefinite when when we would

1232
08:08:39.040 --> 08:08:54.718
come back to talk about >> that that was >> indefinite. I think we removed the timeline for consolidation but we had a timeline when we would present >> understand program review findings to >> but I'm saying that 2728 that was no that was not what was approved that

1233
08:08:54.718 --> 08:09:13.520
night but but things have changed. Um, we've had an increased decline in enrollment, more than we probably thought at that time. We have had to make significant reductions and in ways that

1234
08:09:13.520 --> 08:09:30.398
point to us spreading our resources across perhaps more schools than we can maintain. We haven't given a raise to our staff in two years during a time of increasing inflation. And when we look at our balanced budget.

1235
08:09:30.398 --> 08:09:47.600
There are no raises in it. So when we if we agree to a raise in year three after two years of no raises, those numbers will start to change. Um and then we had a almost $1 billion bond

1236
08:09:47.600 --> 08:10:04.240
pass that we seem to be very eager to spend, but we haven't clarified where we need to spend it. and it's not going to go as far as many people think. So, we probably don't want to just throw

1237
08:10:04.240 --> 08:10:19.280
it away quickly. So, again, things have changed. That was a decision that was made at that time and things have changed and we made a different decision. The board made a decision in December to start this process.

1238
08:10:19.280 --> 08:10:38.360
I I think we I think we want to be clear that When there's a board decision, the board has decided whether everyone agrees or not because that has been impressed to me during many many many CSBA trainings.

1239
08:10:39.120 --> 08:10:54.000
>> Okay. I'm not hearing consensus on any on one thing. Oh, well, okay. Trusty Bailey and then trusty. Uh Kim, to your point about the board's decision,

1240
08:10:54.000 --> 08:11:09.840
so does that mean we should reverse decisions that the board made prior to a new decision? Because if we agreed to table the discussion about consolidation

1241
08:11:09.840 --> 08:11:26.000
indefinitely, but then we came in December and made the decision to do it. What happened to the previous decision? Do we undo that or we just ignore it and

1242
08:11:26.000 --> 08:11:42.080
make a new I'm sorry. I I listed the things that changed in between those two times. >> But it's but it still doesn't matter. We still had made the decision not to have the discussion. We we put it off indefinitely is what you're saying. and

1243
08:11:42.080 --> 08:11:57.440
then all of a sudden I don't think that we made a decision to go away from that. Um just trying to understand the other thing that I'm trying to understand

1244
08:11:57.440 --> 08:12:14.718
is it it feels like we're jumping to consolidation as the fix and we're not looking at the 11 vacant properties and getting them in

1245
08:12:14.718 --> 08:12:33.280
a situation in and presenting them where they can become revenue streams. for us. To me, that should be more the priority because once we get the revenue coming in, then we would not have to focus on school closures. The other thing is even

1246
08:12:33.280 --> 08:12:50.638
if we close the schools, if our intent is to turn those those properties or those facilities into revenue streams, we still have to maintain the facilities. they still would need to be

1247
08:12:50.638 --> 08:13:07.920
somewhat lightly modernized so that people would want to enter into them to work or whatever they're going to do with them. So that to me it's just half a dozen of how do you say that? A dozen of one half a dozen of another. I

1248
08:13:07.920 --> 08:13:23.680
mean, we got to consider all of those things before we just jump into saying, "Let's just consolidate schools because that's not necessarily the fix." What What is to me when I look

1249
08:13:23.680 --> 08:13:38.798
at the benefits, right, 11 properties, that's 11 opportunities for revenue closing how many schools? We were looking at what, four or five schools? six schools

1250
08:13:38.798 --> 08:13:54.878
and we upset the culture of each school when we do that which is their own community and we upset students ability to concentrate and learn and we upset teachers ability to go in every day into

1251
08:13:54.878 --> 08:14:10.398
the classroom and focus because they're thinking that their school is going to be closed every day. So that's going to be the first thing on their mind. I've been in those one of those schools where that happened as an employee. So, I know what it's like. Okay. And then we're think we're not thinking about the

1252
08:14:10.398 --> 08:14:25.920
stress that is put on the families, which we heard tonight, you know, and so should we be looking at revenue first? Should we also be looking at housing trends? We haven't even given

1253
08:14:25.920 --> 08:14:42.160
our own housing development a chance. That's the other thing. We haven't looked at what the city is doing, which I believe they have a project going on now to for family housing.

1254
08:14:42.160 --> 08:14:57.600
So, and how many units is that? So, I mean, there's other things to me to consider where we could already be bringing revenue into the district if we would prior make that a priority as opposed to making the priority closing

1255
08:14:57.600 --> 08:15:20.000
and consolidating schools. Thank you, >> Trusty Velasquez. >> I have two children in the district. Um, they currently go to Blair and

1256
08:15:20.000 --> 08:15:35.840
I love Miss Kelly and her projects. I love ovations and the magic that they're able to make in a courtyard. I love Miss Garcia, Miss Yepes, Mr.

1257
08:15:35.840 --> 08:15:53.600
Escalante and the International Academy. I love Miss McInness. I love um Miss Mclofflin. I don't think that anybody loves Blair more than her.

1258
08:15:53.600 --> 08:16:11.760
I love how in the spring the flowers bloom and are yellow and in the background of the green leaves it makes the colors of the school. I love many of the people that have come

1259
08:16:11.760 --> 08:16:27.120
here to speak about me, about this sport. Every day for the people that know me, every day I do acts of service for this

1260
08:16:27.120 --> 08:16:46.718
school district every day that are not advertised, that are not photographed. In fact, rarely I look for the spotlight or for a picture. Rarely.

1261
08:16:46.718 --> 08:17:03.520
And every day. Every day. I wake up thinking about students. I've devoted my entire life

1262
08:17:03.520 --> 08:17:21.360
to think about students and educational outcomes. My entire life with dignity. And for anybody that has ever heard me speak in this board to ever question

1263
08:17:21.360 --> 08:17:40.000
that my motivation is not ensuring the best educational outcomes has not listened to me, has not seen me act and to for anybody to insinuate

1264
08:17:40.000 --> 08:18:08.718
a positive path forward while simultaneously misrepresenting that. I challenge you to look at that with some skepticism. This bene this district benefited

1265
08:18:08.718 --> 08:18:25.600
financially from a pandemic. We were able to do things that we would have not been able to do last year. This year, the schools that we all have are built upon a cushion

1266
08:18:25.600 --> 08:18:55.718
based on insurance money. That is not a speculation. for us to rely in crisis, pandemics, natural crisis to fund a district.

1267
08:18:58.558 --> 08:19:23.280
Seems shortsighted regardless of who defends it. My intentions are clear and I still believe that there are some key issues that are

1268
08:19:23.280 --> 08:19:38.878
unresolved as we move forward. Again, I want to repeat the procedural consolidations already happened and that's okay. If we want to ignore

1269
08:19:38.878 --> 08:20:12.558
them, that's fine. That's fine. Wishing for the best. is not a long-term strategy. I am invested. I moved to Pasadena to send my children here. I have gone to all of my

1270
08:20:12.558 --> 08:20:34.878
district schools. My children are still here in middle school. I am with you in this process. So, I you know, a lot of us I I've heard a lot of similar things voiced in different ways in this this group. We

1271
08:20:34.878 --> 08:20:52.000
talked about healing. We talked about healing on the board, but I'm I I want to go back to what I was saying earlier. I we need the community's help to rebuild trust. It's obviously within the board, but it also is in within the community. I think that we need to in

1272
08:20:52.000 --> 08:21:08.638
our resetting process, we need to align to the problems we're solving for. What do we want for tomorrow for this district? And it's not just the next two years, three years, 5 years, it's the next 10 years. We're designing for the future. That's what we do as board

1273
08:21:08.638 --> 08:21:25.760
members. Um, and what gets us there and what's standing in the way of us getting there. And these are these are questions that we can h ask partners that we've worked with for many

1274
08:21:25.760 --> 08:21:40.638
years to help us engage uh the comm community in an intentional way. And I I would reject what my colleague said about the vision of two people. It's about the vision of

1275
08:21:40.638 --> 08:21:58.958
all of us. And I might not like what I I might not agree with somebody's vision of this district, but it's important for us all to get that out and on the table and come to some consensus points on what is it we want for our schools

1276
08:21:58.958 --> 08:22:14.798
and encapsulating or dealing with some of the problems that Dr. Velasquez just surfaced that aren't going to go away. We can wish them away, but they're not. We have a a declining enrollment problem that is not going to go away. We have

1277
08:22:14.798 --> 08:22:30.160
one-time money coming in that is is good, but that is not going to stay forever. Um, we're going to go into the economy will take a downturn and nothing affects public education like a downturn

1278
08:22:30.160 --> 08:22:46.638
economy. That will happen. It's certain. And so we have to figure out how to ensure that this district is stable and and from my perspective that we maintain what we we are a district that

1279
08:22:46.638 --> 08:23:02.000
tries to be all things to all people. It's one of the reasons people come to PUSD. Our we offer so many things, so many choices, so many pathways, so many opportunities. But it is and and I don't

1280
08:23:02.000 --> 08:23:18.878
think the public realizes how expensive and cost if inefficient that is. And so we have to look at that. Do we care about do and I appreciate what Superintendent Blanco said about programmatic review and ROI because

1281
08:23:18.878 --> 08:23:36.398
that's important. We need to do that. I was sitting in the audience with you back in February uh February 1st of 2024 and when you presented that plan I said right on that's what we need we need to do those things and so I support us

1282
08:23:36.398 --> 08:23:52.080
while while we're doing while if we're if we if the board agrees that we can bring in trusted community partners to help sort of facilitate a long-term visioning process we can be continuing with some of the things that you intended to do, Dr. Blanco, with your

1283
08:23:52.080 --> 08:24:08.638
staff, uh, as capacity limited as they are to, uh, to to make progress on that programmatic review and all of the other things that you were going to do in service of and as I've said before,

1284
08:24:08.638 --> 08:24:25.840
consolidation is a tool in the belt. It is not the end all be all but and so this reset will give us an opportunity to go back and say what do we want? How do we get there? What do we have to do to get there? And some of

1285
08:24:25.840 --> 08:24:46.000
that may include consolidating schools. >> I guess this is about everyone having their little say. Um uh with even if we you know converted

1286
08:24:46.000 --> 08:25:03.040
our sites to revenue generating um sites, there's still the declining enrollment issue. And for example, I always think of two schools that have half-time nurse here

1287
08:25:03.040 --> 08:25:20.320
and halftime nurse here. And if they were together, one school was merged to another school, they would have a full-time nurse for all those students. That's a very basic um benefit.

1288
08:25:20.320 --> 08:25:37.200
And um there's also sports teams that have limited number of players on them. So by that's the declining enrollment issue as well. Even though if you generate a ton

1289
08:25:37.200 --> 08:25:53.440
of money, there's still the declining enrollment issue. How do we have fuller teams? How do we have frost soft junior varsity varsity level pipeline a pul a pool of talent? You know, that's

1290
08:25:53.440 --> 08:26:13.520
still an issue no matter how many I'm sorry. I I have the floor right now. I think everyone had a chance to speak without being interrupted. I I have the equal share. Um and the

1291
08:26:13.520 --> 08:26:29.920
um budget cuts there was a drastic uh cuts of staff. And so while we have these timelines, I just don't know how much longer we can

1292
08:26:29.920 --> 08:26:48.160
have those type of cuts where it's I mean it's already really we're going to feel it really significantly next year. And that's really just the urgency level like how how long can we do this?

1293
08:26:48.160 --> 08:27:06.878
So, um, so I'm I'm trying to somewhat agree with Trusty Harden and Trusty Kenny. Anyway, I think we are at the discussion item process for next steps. Thank you.

1294
08:27:06.878 --> 08:27:30.120
Does anybody have any other feedback? All right. So, let's move on to the board committee reports. Anybody like to report out? Policy committee, ledge committee. Oh, sorry, Trusty McKenzie.

1295
08:27:36.000 --> 08:27:52.080
So, the legislative advocacy committee has had its final meeting for this particular school year, but look forward to additional things to come in the future. We will continue to um keep our eyes on opportunities to advocate for additional dollars from the state and

1296
08:27:52.080 --> 08:28:09.760
federal level as well as um find ways to um continue to um engage our community in redesigning and envisioning what public education looks like

1297
08:28:09.760 --> 08:28:30.638
in the future for our community. Trusty Kenning. Um, we'll be having our next policy meeting on June 16th. There are some policies that are related to a bill SB848 for preventing sexual abuse that have to

1298
08:28:30.638 --> 08:28:46.398
be in place by July 1st. So, we're going to meet in June to get those done for our end of the June meeting. And then for facilities committee, we had a really pretty extensive facilities

1299
08:28:46.398 --> 08:29:03.600
bond program update which I think we the board will receive that same presentation at some point in the future. And our next meeting is Tuesday, June 16th. That's it.

1300
08:29:03.600 --> 08:29:29.920
Consent agenda. Any polls? Oh, I'm sorry. I thought Yes. Go ahead. Oh, yeah. You weren't saying Miss Kenny. Go ahead. Sorry. T2 F and G. F. Okay. T2 F and T2G.

1301
08:29:29.920 --> 08:29:45.680
Okay. >> I was also going to pull 2G, so I guess I don't need to. I would like to pull three G and three H. >> 3 G and 3 H >> and three I >> three I

1302
08:29:45.680 --> 08:30:05.520
>> and then I just have question questions on some of the others that I'm not pulling. >> Okay. So just those five. Anybody else pulls? >> All right. Is there a motion to a sweet motion for the rest? Motion to >> second

1303
08:30:05.520 --> 08:30:22.240
>> further discussion. Oh yeah, I had the one item >> actually it's on two of the items. So on um the reper repurposing positions which is BR50-P item T5J. So, uh, we're taking a benefits

1304
08:30:22.240 --> 08:30:38.958
specialist position and it's becoming a benefits coordinator, which from the attached, this is more a comment than a question, from the attached salary schedule is a supervisor schedule. So, we're taking a person who's not a supervisor, making them a

1305
08:30:38.958 --> 08:30:54.878
supervisor, but it's not clear they'll be supervising anyone. So, I just wanted to point out that we're moving someone into APSA to supervise themselves. So, that's that one. Um, on the new and restored

1306
08:30:54.878 --> 08:31:13.120
positions, I um I wanted to clarify. So we're we are restoring positions and so I wanted to understand if for instance we restore a teacher on special assignment with this approval does that mean that someone that we laid off a few

1307
08:31:13.120 --> 08:31:28.798
weeks ago will be able will be called back? >> Yes. >> Okay. So if we'd made this two weeks sooner that might they might not have had a layoff. And then I wanted to understand

1308
08:31:28.798 --> 08:31:45.520
a little bit more about the tossas. So when we approved the ESBACK, we said there was going to be four schools that kept their TOSAs because they're part of the superintendent schools, Madison, Washington Elementary, Butler, and

1309
08:31:45.520 --> 08:32:02.718
Elliot. And now we're adding other TOSAs back to other schools. So we're ending up between MTSS TOSAs and intervention TOSAs with 14 schools will have a TOSSA and only nine schools won't.

1310
08:32:02.718 --> 08:32:19.600
We're putting six TOSAs in the central office and then we have two that were changing them from being CCIS teachers to being MTSStosis. So I don't know if their role will change in

1311
08:32:19.600 --> 08:32:35.680
supporting schools. So I'm trying to understand again I thought like we were sharing five TOSAs between every school except the four but now a lot of people will have their own TOSAs. So how does that change or is there a plan? Maybe this is not an easy question to answer on the

1312
08:32:35.680 --> 08:32:52.000
spot but it would be good to understand if those shared people are now being shared amongst fewer schools which would benefit everyone. >> Yes. >> Okay. If if we could kind >> also receive an update on all of those changes. Oh, that would be fantastic. I think that would be really helpful so

1313
08:32:52.000 --> 08:33:09.680
that we can understand. I mean, it sounds like quite a few schools will have more um MTSS coach. >> Sorry. >> Oh, I don't know if it is it on Okay. Sorry, I'm in sleepy mode. Um the NTSS

1314
08:33:09.680 --> 08:33:26.478
coach situation. Um you'll notice that in the update that we have for all of the transition of school services, you'll be receiving a communicate tomorrow. we had to unlink the MTSS schedule because we if tonight um we do approve these positions, we're going to have to reorganize the services of the

1315
08:33:26.478 --> 08:33:43.600
remaining five who are at the central or six at the central office so that we can designate support to the schools who did not receive um or acquire funding to bring back a position. >> So I saw that two of them are assigned to CIPD and the other four say districts.

1316
08:33:43.600 --> 08:34:00.958
Does that does CIPD in the designation of their job title mean that they're they have a different job than supporting school sites than the ones that say district? >> All of them will support the school sites. They're being evaluated at sorry the supervision is at the CIPD department because they'll be a case

1317
08:34:00.958 --> 08:34:16.638
load carrying different schools. >> So two say CIPD and the other four say district coach >> forsa one >> forsa one on tonight's agenda. >> Okay. Maybe that's something that clarify. Then I I saw that we were reopening two senior accountant

1318
08:34:16.638 --> 08:34:32.718
positions, but we did only close one. Um, so I just wanted to point that out. So I don't know if that's actually a new position. Um, or if that's filling a vacancy, then we wouldn't need that second position at all. And that's wasn't clear. Um, sorry. And I it took

1319
08:34:32.718 --> 08:34:48.318
me some time to get around to analyzing this last night. Um, so from what I added up across all of these resolutions of restoring and repurposing and new positions, it looked like we were spending about a million dollars of unrestricted. So we we're putting a

1320
08:34:48.318 --> 08:35:05.280
million we're spending a million dollars that we had originally saved. Now, you know, with the cuts we made, we're putting a million back. And then I did want to say that the answer I received about the Prop 28 arts monies was that it's not supplanting to have

1321
08:35:05.280 --> 08:35:23.120
laid off the people, the arts people and then use Prop 28 to support them next year. And that was not what I thought I had been reading in terms of other districts um who have been having problems with Prop 28. So just wanted to mention that.

1322
08:35:23.120 --> 08:35:39.360
Thank you. Actually, I do want to speak or ask about the the new the rehire positions, the ones that PF helped us to fund and I think it was about

1323
08:35:39.360 --> 08:35:56.240
half of it or a good portion, maybe 40%, I can't remember, but it was just supplemented, right? And so I guess um there's questions about the timing because

1324
08:35:56.240 --> 08:36:13.360
I've heard questions about why why can't why don't we know that before we the March 15th you know or before the May and also the type of positions that can be funded I guess like hey I would love

1325
08:36:13.360 --> 08:36:29.920
to have community assistant filled why can't PDF help with that like where is I I'm imagining there's different categories for what PF can fund. So can you explain? >> Yes. Um I'll touch first on the first

1326
08:36:29.920 --> 08:36:45.680
piece. Uh something we've discussed quite a bit that um the timelines in terms of when we have our statutory deadlines um to notify uh folks and for us to do that doesn't align when we learned of either um grants that are going to be allowed to be able to use

1327
08:36:45.680 --> 08:37:01.120
the next school year. So sometimes there's grants that are ending and there's balances to those grants and we have to ask uh through LEOB to get a request to be able to expend those funds the following year. Um that's one example in terms of grants grants that are ending but still have a balance with

1328
08:37:01.120 --> 08:37:16.478
them that we have to ask for permission whether or not we can continue to use those funds. Um therefore if we're not aware whether or not those funds are going to be able to continue and it be available uh to use um the statutory deadline if the answer is no that we cannot use those funds and we miss the

1329
08:37:16.478 --> 08:37:34.080
statutory deadlines that's an example of where we would bring forward uh to your recommendation in terms of a layoff not knowing whether or not those funds are going to be available that happens way more often than not um the same is done um when we get um the PF when you speak

1330
08:37:34.080 --> 08:37:49.680
to that there's a a couple of different versions of PF. Um some that are directly with PF, some that are site um uh uh raise funds that go through the PF process, but those site funds, for example, may be something that's delayed

1331
08:37:49.680 --> 08:38:06.240
in terms of the total amount of that they're raising in order to be able to sustain a position. That is well beyond the February statutory deadline where I bring items to the board. All of that typically does happen in the spring, uh, which is way after the deadline for it

1332
08:38:06.240 --> 08:38:24.240
to occur. Um, wish it would be able to be much earlier and we would be able to avoid some of this. Um, but that has to do with the statute of deadlines that we would have to bring to you. >> Any further questions on the sweep?

1333
08:38:24.240 --> 08:38:47.760
Right. All those in favor? Okay. Motion passes. Let's have the T2F and T2G. I'd like to ask that we table action on both these items because I believe that items that pertain to the governance

1334
08:38:47.760 --> 08:39:06.718
team as a whole should be discussed as a whole before any recommendations are made. So, if possible, if we're going to have our June 13th study session, can we add these two items to that agenda? So, the reason I was pulling G was that I missed it and this really

1335
08:39:06.718 --> 08:39:21.280
should have been a separate action item on our agenda. So, um I don't know if people had a chance to read it. It was to define what an information item is because we've been using information items, but we didn't have a definition.

1336
08:39:21.280 --> 08:39:38.240
And then to say um that during board discussion items and staff presentations that we can ask questions, express opinions and discuss the agenda's items. And then it talks about the superintendent as a member of the district governance team and being allowed to when they can speak at

1337
08:39:38.240 --> 08:39:54.798
meetings and and so it was really just kind of going back. So it should have been a separate item. I don't know if everyone read it and saw those two paragraphs or not. um it's fine if we bring it back. >> I just think it merits discussion that the whole body should be able to have

1338
08:39:54.798 --> 08:40:12.080
together at one time versus it being >> discussed that policy and then coming to us for action without the benefit of having any input on it. >> Okay. Again, I was just trying to reflect things we've already implemented. >> Well, they're all sort of related, so we should

1339
08:40:12.080 --> 08:40:27.360
>> Well, the policy one was really in response to CSBA changes. It wasn't this was this one on meeting a meeting conduct was internal again to reflect changes but the other one was CSBA. So

1340
08:40:27.360 --> 08:40:42.798
>> okay >> I still this this makes me go back to requesting that we have an agenda item where we discuss how we're going to review policies where PUSD specific

1341
08:40:42.798 --> 08:40:59.520
language is added. Um, that's my concern and there's a lot that's being added if in fact that's the language that's highlighted. Um, >> those are the two new par >> and I and I have concerns because there

1342
08:40:59.520 --> 08:41:14.318
are some red lines through some things that should I think they should be there and now they're being um lined out. So, we really need to look at things as a

1343
08:41:14.318 --> 08:41:30.398
whole board. You may not want to do the first and second reading, but I really think it's important. >> Okay. So, we let's let's postpone that. Let's bring it back to the a future board retreat to >> Well, why don't we just bring it back on

1344
08:41:30.398 --> 08:41:45.520
the 11th if it's just a matter of the board speaking about it? >> A nonregular board meeting basically. >> But if we're tableing, don't we need like a motion? A second motion. >> So, wait. I have a question that >> Oh, okay.

1345
08:41:45.520 --> 08:42:01.440
>> My request was for it to come to our June 13th study session for a conversation about the change in proposed language before we take any action on it. And that'll be the time we can have some actual discussion on it. I was >> sorry, say that again. June

1346
08:42:01.440 --> 08:42:22.478
>> 13th. >> June 13th. Is that Isn't that what you said? Oh, I'm getting those confused. >> We have a special meeting. >> Yeah, Saturday. >> Okay. Okay. So, you said Tuesday. >> It's the 11th >> 11th.

1347
08:42:22.478 --> 08:42:37.520
>> We don't have a meeting on the 13th, right? >> We do. We have a study session. >> We have two meetings in one week. >> So, June 13th. >> So far, we have a study session scheduled on Saturday, June 15th. That's what we were discussing earlier. So, I guess my question is if we wouldn't we

1348
08:42:37.520 --> 08:42:54.478
we could have a discussion on the we could bring it back as a discussion item on the 11, wouldn't we do that? I mean, it's going to be the same thing, right? Like if we do it in a retreat or we do it on the 11th, >> it's a retreat item.

1349
08:42:54.478 --> 08:43:09.840
>> I just think it needs the benefit of all the voices of the board being able to have >> Yeah, this is >> input on the um >> Yeah, I'm not disputing that. I'm just saying. >> So the 13th is a retreat, not a special. >> It's not a special >> study session to

1350
08:43:09.840 --> 08:43:28.160
>> Yeah. So I would think the June 13th would be more appropriate, right? >> Fatma, you said we have other public hearings on the 11th, right? Or since we're not going to have a second one on EIA, do we need the meeting? >> We still have we still need the public

1351
08:43:28.160 --> 08:43:43.920
hearing for the Lup and the budget. >> Thank you. So, why can't we do it all night? I don't know. I I have a question. At the retreat, are we going to have a session for us just for us? I'm requesting since it's the retreat.

1352
08:43:43.920 --> 08:43:59.760
>> Yeah, I think we were going to do defining the process. >> Defining the process of um reviewing protocols. So, we would >> No, >> we would talk. >> That's not what I'm You >> But we would decide as a group what the

1353
08:43:59.760 --> 08:44:20.878
process would be, >> right? >> No, that's not what I'm talking about. >> I'm suggesting that for us to be able to move forward, we need to do some healing. That's what I'm suggesting again. >> Okay.

1354
08:44:20.878 --> 08:44:37.440
>> So, I want to know if that's something that we can do on the 13th at the retreat. >> We're currently on consent. >> Weren't you guys just talking about the 13th? >> We're talking about where when we would bring this back, the item.

1355
08:44:37.440 --> 08:44:52.878
>> Yeah, but you were talking about agenda items for the 13th. So, I mean, >> okay, let's let's do it. >> I can wait. That's my request. >> I know we want to bring it back. We just need to figure out when. Okay, we we'll

1356
08:44:52.878 --> 08:45:14.240
survey we'll survey the board and then we want to make sure everyone's here because uh she's not able to pipe up right now. >> Okay. She doesn't come anyway. >> All right. So, we'll bring back FNG, right? >> I think I think Miss Mononttoya would

1357
08:45:14.240 --> 08:45:34.558
like someone to make a motion >> and a second and a vote so that she knows what to record in the minutes. I was getting a vibe. So, I will make a motion to withdraw items T2, F, and G from tonight's agenda

1358
08:45:34.558 --> 08:45:52.558
and ask they be revisited at a future um meeting where the seven of us as a governance team can have an opportunity to discuss the proposed language changes before they are um returned for action. >> Second. Any questions? All those in

1359
08:45:52.558 --> 08:46:09.920
favor? Okay, motion passes. Okay, now we're at 3G. I pulled 3G and 3H. I have one question. Um, in these two leases for Elmaforte and

1360
08:46:09.920 --> 08:46:25.760
Averson, there's a section that says inloo agreement, but the board report itself um outlines how they followed the Prop 39 timeline. So, I wasn't clear if these

1361
08:46:25.760 --> 08:46:42.398
are Prop 39 leases or inloo lease uh inloo agreements. These are not Prop 39 agreements. We did follow the Prop 39 process because that was the original aim was to um come to an agreement on with via the Prop 39

1362
08:46:42.398 --> 08:46:59.120
process. Um in the final back and forth, uh it was determined that they would prefer a facilities use agreement instead. All right, that I it would be great if that actually was reflected in board reports going forward. I I think that our other board reports for the

1363
08:46:59.120 --> 08:47:15.360
other um leases were were clear. Um I I can't vote for these. Um we we did attempt to follow the Prop 39 and and we missed deadlines and we missed several um deadlines ourselves

1364
08:47:15.360 --> 08:47:33.600
and my other concern and so I feel that these are coming very very late for these charter schools for their families to make any plans. Um, you know, I know that we may not like that we have to offer space to our charter schools, but we still should follow the law and and

1365
08:47:33.600 --> 08:47:50.718
in good faith try and bargain with them. If if we and then I would say that because we did not follow um if I may cut in because I don't want misinformation to be out there. We we every time we did not meet a statutory

1366
08:47:50.718 --> 08:48:10.080
deadline, we asked for an extension. We did not We and we received it >> except in February when I think there was >> we have communication for all schools >> and then what we're doing is we're charging the same rate as the prior year

1367
08:48:10.080 --> 08:48:26.638
which had some one-time insurance expenses that we passed on to the charters. If we had followed the ED code and recalculated that it would have been a smaller amount. And what I've been told is, well, the charters agreed to pay the prior year amount. I don't know

1368
08:48:26.638 --> 08:48:47.920
that we told them that the current year would be less, but again, the law says annually to recalculate. So, those are the reasons I can't vote for them. Alternative agreements, correct? Are any of them Prop 39 agreements? So, I also want to clarify in alternative

1369
08:48:47.920 --> 08:49:13.760
agreements, you're waving Prop 39 process. So, we could have asked them to pay $12 a square foot and if they agreed to it, that would be fine. >> Okay, that was on 3G and H, right? >> I move approval of how many items? >> 3G and 3 H.

1370
08:49:13.760 --> 08:49:28.878
>> 3G. Second >> 3 GH and I >> 3G and H I move approval. >> Second. >> Okay. Any further questions? Advocacy. All those in favor?

1371
08:49:28.878 --> 08:49:44.798
Anybody against? Motion passes. Three. Hi. Um, this is the green school's yard green school yards agreement and so this has been designated to happen at

1372
08:49:44.798 --> 08:50:01.440
Webster with a commitment to maintain it for three years. And I again am I'm wondering why we're picking a school that has been under a lot of conversation.

1373
08:50:01.440 --> 08:50:20.478
Um, so again, this is just one that I can't support. >> Any further discussion? Advocacy. Oh, does he want to speak? Okay. >> Any motion? >> Oh, wait. Dr. Dr. Blanco. >> Um, even uh the discussions that it's

1374
08:50:20.478 --> 08:50:38.360
been under our preschool children are there and we just built out a lot of um portables for them. So, I'm not sure if that is a benefit at all. Maybe Mr. conding you know or Helen is the green schoolyard going to benefit the preschool children in any way?

1375
08:50:41.600 --> 08:50:58.440
>> Uh this particular project is uh attached to the where the soccer field is now. It's mostly adding about 24 trees and I believe uh one play apparatus that or it is um it's used by the upper grades for the most part.

1376
08:51:00.638 --> 08:51:17.360
Okay. Do we have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. All's in favor. Those against. Any abstensions? Motion passes. Okay. Now we have

1377
08:51:17.360 --> 08:51:34.520
that's it, I guess. Meeting adjourned. >> We have one more item. Comments from the board. >> No, there's no it's not there. I thought I saw >> Thank you. >> I thought I saw it on the agenda.

1378
08:51:35.680 --> 08:51:45.080
>> I just saw it on the That's why I held back my question. Well, I have a question, Dr. Blanco, for you.

