Aug 14, 2024 Board of Education

[A. Call the Meeting to Order]

[00:00:09]

GOOD EVENING. WELCOME BACK, EVERYONE. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 14, 2024 WILL COME TO ORDER. PURSUANT TO --, THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN PUBLIC AND ONLY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE DISCUSSED THIS EVENING. JOIN US PLEASE IN THE PLEDGE OF

ALLEGIANCE. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. >> THE BOARD IS ADJOURNING FROM

[C. Announcements from Closed Session and Open Session Procedures]

[D. Approval of the Agenda]

GOLDBERG AND TRUSTEE SYLVESTER?

>> I MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.

>> MOVED AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? PLEASE VOTE.

>> 5-0 WITH REFERENTIAL YES VOTES FROM TRUSTEE LIGHT.

CONGRATULATIONS. THAT'S THE FIRST WOMAN THERE IS MORE WHERE

[E. Comments - Public]

[00:05:04]

IF YOU HAVE ANY MATERIALS TO HAND TO BOARD MEMBERS, PROVIDE INTERIORS TO MRS. BILLMAN FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE BOARD.

PURSUANT TO THE BROWN ACT, THE BOARD CANNOT UNDERTAKE ANY ACTION OR DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON TONIGHT'S POSTAGE AGENDA. HOWEVER? MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND STAFF MAY BRIEFLY REPLY TO COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS POSED BY THE PUBLIC. USUALLY WE WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD BEFORE RESPONDING. AT OUR MEETING, AS THEY ARE HELD IN PUBLIC, COMMENTS ARE HEARD BY THOSE ATTENDING OR WATCHING A BROADCAST. THE BOARD ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC AFFAIRS. AND WE HOPE STUDENTS ARE WATCHING THIS MEETING AND INSIGHTS AUDIENCE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. BE MINDFUL. OF THAT TO MAKE YOUR COMMENTS FACTUAL AND OFFER THEM IN A RESPECTFUL MANNER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATEMENT AND FEDERAL LAWS, THE GOVERNING BOARD STRIVES TO RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES DURING OUR MEETINGS. INCLUDES THE RIGHT FOR IDENTITIES AND STUDENTS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. WE ASK SPEAKERS BE SENSITIVE TO EMPLOYEES LEGAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY. AS A REMINDER, THOSE REQUESTING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME SPEAK ON ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA. THE SPEAKER CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED ONCE THE BOARD STARTS PUBLIC COMMENTS. PUBLIC COMMENTS AGENDA ITEM WITH THE FIRST SPEAKER. HOW MANY CARDS DO WE HAVE? ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE 10. EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK. I WILL CALL YOU UP IN BATCHES OF THREE. AND, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE PODIUM OVER THERE.

THE FIRST ONE IS SAM THOMAS. FOLLOWED BY LAURA. FOLLOWED BY

JULIE --. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. BOARD MEMBERS AND THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO. MY NAME IS SAM THOMAS. I'M A PROFESSOR OF RELIGION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT -- UNIVERSITY. AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONORS PROGRAM THERE. I'M ALSO A PARENTS. IN THE DISTRICT. I AM SPEAKING FROM BOTH OF THOSE PERSPECTIVES AND I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE INEVITABLE CONSIDERATION OF SMART PHONE REMOVALS FROM OUR SCHOOLS. FIRST OF ALL, FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A PARENTS, AND ACTUALLY MY DAUGHTER WANTED TO BE HERE TONIGHT . SHE HAS TO WORK. TO SOME EXTENT, I'M ALSO BRINGING HER CONCERNS TO YOU.

AS SOMEBODY WHO HAS GONE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL IN THE CONTEXT OF POST-PANDEMIC AND OF THE DISTRICT THAT DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF COHERENT PHONE POLICIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.

THIS HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT OF A DISASTER I THINK FOR HER, SOCIALLY. AND ACADEMICALLY. EVEN THOUGH SHE IS LIKELY TO BE IN HOUSEHOLD -- SHE IS LUCKY TO BE IN A HOUSEHOLD THAT SUPPORTS HER ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT. SHE DOESN'T FEEL SHE GOT THE KIND OF EDUCATION SHE COULD'VE HAD IN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS. HAD THERE NOT BEEN PHONES UBIQUITOUS IN THE SCHOOL CULTURE. THAT'S ONE PIECE OF IT. FROM THE STANDPOINT OF AN EDUCATOR, SOMEBODY WHO TEACHES STUDENTS WHO COME OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS. SOME OF THEM COME TO --. MY COLLEAGUES ARE CONSTANTLY FACED WITH THE REAL DILEMMA. IT IS A VEXING QUESTION. OF HOW TO ADDRESS CELL PHONES AND SMART PHONES AND TECHNOLOGY MORE BROADLY. IN THE CLASSROOM IN PARTICULAR. WE ARE TRYING TO CREATE A CERTAIN KIND OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTS.

WHERE STUDENTS ARE PRESENT, ENGAGED, BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH EACH OTHER. IT MAKES IT THAT MUCH HARDER WHEN THEY ARE

[00:10:02]

ESPECIALLY IN HUMANITIES CLASSROOMS LIKE THE ONE I TEACH IN. I'M HERE TO ASK YOU REALLY TO STRONGLY CONSIDER WHAT WE ARE DOING TO KIDS. I KNOW YOU ALL ARE INFORMED ABOUT THE RESEARCH. THERE'S A LOT OF TALK RIGHT NOW ABOUT -- WORK IN JONATHAN HEIGHTS WORK. I'M ASSUMING YOU ARE READING THAT AS WELL. THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR. THIS IS NOT BENEFICIAL FOR OUR STUDENTS OR TEACHERS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> IN EVENING. MY NAME IS LAURA AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY. I HAVE TWO DOLLARS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO TAKE A VOTE TO MAKE IMPORTANT CHANGES TO TECHNOLOGY POLICIES IN SCHOOL TO CREATE A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS. RECENT ACTIONS WITH THE DECISIONS TO BAN CELL PHONES DURING SCHOOL HOURS REFLECTS THE GROWING RECOGNITION OF IMPACT EXCESSIVE TECHNOLOGY USE HAS ON KIDS. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR CONCERNS. I AM LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE MOST OF US AGREE TO MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS. CHILDREN CAN PLAY SAFELY OUTSIDE WITHOUT US HOVERING OVER THEM ALL SUMMER. WE HAVE TO NAVIGATE KIDS ASKING FOR SCREENS AND ACCESSING THEM OUTSIDE OF THE HOME. IT'S HARD TO BE A PARENTS WHO CONSTANTLY SAYS NO TO THE THING THE KIDS WANT THE MOST AND WHAT THEIR FRIENDS HAVE. ENTERING THE SCHOOL YEAR, ALL THE EFFORT WE PUT INTO BOUNCING SCREEN TIME COULD BE UNDONE THE MOMENT THEY STEP INTO THE CLASSROOM AND ARE HANDED CHROMEBOOKS WHICH ARE REQUIRED FOR EDUCATION. MY DAUGHTERS ENTERING THIRD GRADE. I HAVE ANOTHER DAUGHTER COMING INTO KINDERGARTEN. BY FIRST GRADE THEY ARE GIVEN PHONE BOOKS TO TAKE HOME. WE ARE LEFT TO MONITOR THE ACTIVITY MINUTE TO MINUTE. THEY CAN GET DISTRACTED BY YOUTUBER GAMES ON THEIR CHROMEBOOKS. THIS IS IN THE EXPERIENCE WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDREN. I WANT THE SCHOOL TO BE A PARTNER IN REINFORCING HEALTHY HABITS. NOT A PLACE WHERE EGGS CAN BE UNDONE.

SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE RETHINKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH TECHNOLOGY. EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAN HEADER THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING, CREATIVITY AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS. THERE IS EVIDENCE AS YOU KNOW AND IT WAS MENTIONED LIMITING SCREEN TIMES IN SCHOOL CAN LEAD TO BETTER ACADEMIC OUTCOMES, INCREASE FOCUS AND IMPROVE SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG STUDENTS. I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT IMPLEMENTING STRICTER TECHNOLOGY -- POLICIES AROUND TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS, LIKE A CELL PHONE BAND, AND THE SHIFT AWAY FROM RELYING ON COMPUTERS AS A CENTRAL TOOL IN EDUCATION.

LET'S RELY ON HANDS-ON LEARNING AND FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION AND ACTIVITIES THAT FOSTER COLLABORATION AND CRITICAL THINKING. THIS WILL HELP CHILDREN LEARN, GROW AND THRIVE. AS A WORKING PARENT WHO DOESN'T WANT TO HOVER OVER MY KID EVERY DAY OVER HOMEWORK, THAT HELP US ON AT HOME. THANK

YOU. >> HELLO. PRES. GOLDBERG AND PERSONNEL. I AM JULIE --, A PARENTS WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT AND IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. I'M LAUNCHING NEXT MONTH, THE MOMS AGAINST MEDIA ADDICTION. GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT OF PARENTS WORKINGS CREATE A WORLD IN WHICH WILL LOVE EXPERIENCES REMAIN AT THE HEART OF HEALTHY CHILDHOOD. THE MISSION ARE IN LINE WITH MY PERSONAL VALUES. PARENT EDUCATION, HOLDING TECH COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE THROUGH LEGISLATING SAFEGUARDS AND ONLINE PLATFORMS. GETTING PHONES OUT OF SCHOOLS. IT SEEMS LIKE GETTING PHONES OUT OF SCHOOLS MAY HAPPEN SOONER THAN I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT LAST YEAR. I WAS THRILLED TO HEAR GOV. NEWSOM'S LETTER TO DISTRICT LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE URGING EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ACT NOW RESTRICT SMART PHONE USE THIS ACADEMIC YEAR. "SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS, INCLUDING SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED AND FRESNO, HAVE SEEN POSITIVE IMPACTS OF LIMITING SMART PHONES ON CAMPUS. SOME REPORT HIGHER TEST SCORES AND GRADES, LESS BULLYING AND DAMAGE TO SCHOOL FACILITIES. I APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP." I'VE ALSO BEEN IN TOUCH WITH PARENTS AND OTHER DISTRICTS AS WELL AS THE LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS. AND THE MOVEMENT IS EVERYWHERE. MORE PARKS DISTRICT IS GOING ENTIRELY PHONE FREE. OAKS CHRISTIAN IS PHONE FREE BUT THEY ARE TIGHTENING UP POLICIES WITH PHONE MARKERS THIS FALL.

THEY ARE ASSESSING OTHER TECHIES AS WELL. -- SPOKE ABOUT

[00:15:04]

ALWAYS. >> THANK YOU. NEXT UP WE HAVE MICHAEL --. JOE EBERTS. AND EMILY EBERT.

>> GOOD EVENING. I AM MICHAEL FURMAN. NICE TO MEET YOU ALL.

I'M A PARENTS OF THE DISTRICT. JULIE'S HUSBAND. I'M A FORMER AMATEUR SCHOOL STUDENTS. A COUPLE OTHER SCHOOLS ALONG THE WAY AS WELL. I WANTED TO OF COURSE EMPHASIZE THE POINT I FEEL STRONGLY. WE SHOULD HAVE A VERY COHERENT AND COMPREHENSIVE CELL PHONE POLICY AND ALL THE SCHOOLS. I'M ASHAMED TO BE ONE OF THE LAST DISTRICTS TO BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THAT. I HOPE WE CAN DO WITH THE BEST AND BECOME LEADERS. IN THAT.

PEOPLE ASK QUESTIONS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO HAVING THIS TYPE OF CELL PHONE POLICY. WOULD IT BE BETTER TO TEACH KIDS TO USE PHONES RESPONSIBLY RATHER THAN TAKE THEM AWAY. WE KNOW RESEARCH PSYCHIATRIST, THEY CAN'T MANAGE THE ADDICTIVE POLL OF CELL PHONES AND SOCIAL MEDIA. PLATFORMS AND GAMES THEY SPENT TIME ON WERE DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO DRAG THEM IN AND KEEP THEM IN. PART OF TEACHING RESPONSIBLE USES CREATING PHONE FREE ZONES THAT HELP STUDENTS UNDERSTAND PHONES ARE A TOOL TO USE AT SPECIFIC TIMES IN CERTAIN WAYS RATHER THAN SOMETHING TO EXIST WITHIN IN YOUR HAND INDEFINITELY. I WAS READING AN INTERESTING BOOK CALLED GENERATIONS. ABOUT GENERATION X, THE LAST GENERATION TO HAVE ANY SORT OF CONTACT WITH THE ANALOG AGE. MOST OF US UP HERE CAN REMEMBER . IT WAS KIND OF MAGIC. TO BE A KID AND BE ABLE TO BE GOOFY AT SCHOOL WITHOUT THE FEAR OF SOMEBODY RECORDING IT. DO HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE ANSWER IN A BOOK AND A LIBRARY RATHER THAN DIVING INTO YOUR PHONE EVERY TWO SECONDS. ANOTHER QUESTION WE ENCOUNTERED. WHAT IF THEY FEEL ANXIETY WITHOUT ACCESS TO THEIR PHONE? THE CONSTANT NOTIFICATIONS AND TEXT ENDING LEAD TO INCREASED ANXIETY AMONG ADOLESCENTS. EVERYBODY RIDING .

TEACHERS, STAFF, COUNSELORS ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THE STUDENTS.

THROUGH THE SITUATIONS. I'D RATHER BE A HUMAN CONTACT RATHER THAN A DIGITAL ONE. WHY CAN'T WE ELIMINATE PHONES DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME? THE SOCIAL ASPECT IN DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS AND SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS OF SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR CHILDHOOD BECOMING A YOUNG ADULT. A COMMUNITY MEMBER IN GENERAL. THE MORE FACE-TO-FACE TIME IN EXISTENCE IN THE REAL WORLD WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER STUDENTS IN OUR DISTRICT BENEFITS ALL THE KIDS AND FAMILIES. TANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD EVENING. DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS. AND DISTRICT LEADERS, AND MR. LIEBER. I AM CURRENTLY AN INSTRUCTOR AT AN INTERIM COLLEGE, CLU. I AM ENROLLED IN THE CREDENTIALING PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION. I'M

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MOST STUDENTS DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO PHONES IN TERMS OF NUMBERS THAT ARE SECONDARY STUDENTS DO. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN WHEN I HAVE BEEN IN THE HIGH SCHOOLS, I NOTICED TEACHERS THAT ARE MORE STRICT AND PRESCRIPTIVE ABOUT REMOVAL OF PHONES AND PUT THEM IN POUCHES. THOSE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTS TEND TO BE MORE PERFORMATIVE AND SUCCESSFUL AND THEY TEND TO BE MORE FOCUSED. THEY SOCIALIZE BETTER NOT JUST WITH THEMSELVES BUT ALSO ADULTS THAT ARE ABNORMAL TO THE CLASSROOM AT THE SUBSTITUTES. I'M HERE TO OFFER MY OWN PERSPECTIVE THAT IT IS SUCCESSFUL. WE CURB THAT TYPE OF INTERACTION WITH TECHNOLOGY. I HOPE THE DISTRICT TAKES SERIOUSLY CERTAIN CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THAT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> YES. HI. MY NAME IS EMILY EBERT. I AM A PASTOR AT HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH. I GET A LARGE SWATH OF PEOPLE , RIGHT? YOU GET ALL KINDS COMING INTO THE CHURCH. I AM A YOUTH DIRECTOR AS WELL AND I WORK WITH KIDS AND A LARGE CAPACITY. I GET TO HEAR FROM A LOT OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON ALL OF IT. I FEEL LIKE I HEARD EVERYTHING. FROM ONE END OF THE SPECTRUM TO THE OTHER. I HAD MY FIRST CELL PHONE IN HIGH SCHOOL. IT WAS PRESSING A TON OF BUTTONS TO GET A SHORT LITTLE TEXT THROUGH. WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS GOING TO EVOLVE INTO AND WHAT IT WOULD BECOME AND THE IMPACT IT WOULD HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITIES AND KIDS ESPECIALLY. I SEE KIDS COMPLETELY GLUED TO THEIR CELL PHONES AND SOME WHO USE IT TO KEEP TRACK OF THEIR CALENDAR. THEY SHOW UP TO EVERY MEETING AND OTHERS WHO STARTED PUTTING STRICT BOUNDARIES ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHO THEY FOLLOW AND WHO THE ACCEPT FRIEND IN ALL OF THESE THINGS. HAVE KIDS WHO TEXT ME ANYTIME OF DAY AND I'M LIKE, AREN'T YOU IN SCHOOL? WHY ARE YOU TEXTING ME BACK? DON'T DO THAT. I ENCOURAGE THEM TO TEXT ME OUT OF SCHOOL BECAUSE I WANT THEM TO FOCUS AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM. I HAVE SOME WHO WILL NOT TEXT ME . MAYBE I TEXTED THEM THE NIGHT BEFORE ABOUT SOMETHING AND A REMINDER THEY WON'T TEXT ME UNTIL THEY GET OUT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. SOME HAVE BETTER BOUNDARIES THAN OTHERS AND THAT THE THING WE HAVE TO TEACH AND GROW INTO AND LEARN FROM. ONE THING I DO KNOW IS WE ARE SEEING THE EFFECTS OF CELL PHONES AND TECHNOLOGY AS WE HAVE THEM NOW. WE ARE SEEING THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH OF OUR KIDS. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT COMES THROUGH CONSTANTLY IN A MATTER WHAT. THAT'S THE THING I AM MOST CONCERNED ABOUT. COMING FROM A PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE. I WANT TO HELP TEACHERS OUT. I LOVE TEACHERS. I HAVE MANY IN MY FAMILY AND MY HUSBAND IS AN EDUCATOR WITH WELL. I WANT TO GIVE THEM RESOURCES AND BACK THEM UP IN THE CLASSROOM. SOME TEACHERS DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT AND SOMETIMES IT'S A REALLY BIG FIGHT WITH STUDENTS AND I'VE HEARD STORIES ABOUT IT. I WANT TO BACK THEM UP AND GIVE THEM SUPPORT THEY NEED. I'M HERE TO BACKUP ADVOCATES AND TO SUPPORT THE WORK THE DISTRICT IS DOING TO ENCOURAGE RESEARCH IN THIS AREA. FIGURE OUT AN

ANSWER. >> THANK YOU. NEXT UP, WE HAVE THEM CARRIE, KENDRA -- AND KATIE:. AND FOR GOOD MEASURE,

--. >> HI, EVERYONE. MY NAME IS --.

THE PARENTS OF TWO INCLUDING A DAUGHTER WHO IS A FOURTH GRADER -- FIRST GRADER AT CANOE ACADEMY. BANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LISTEN TO THESE COMMENTS. I'M HERE TO DISCUSS MY SUPPORT FOR A POLICY FOR A BELL TO BELL PHONE FREE SCHOOL AS WELL AS A BOROUGH ANALYSIS OF HOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED BY KIDS TO THE DIFFERENCE -- DISTRICT. IN ADDITION TO HER MOM, I'M A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, ELLIS CW. OUT OF CAL STATE, NORTHRIDGE. I KNOW HOW ANXIETY PROVOKING THIS TOPIC CAN BE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS. ARE USED TO CONSTANT CONTACT AND ANXIETY CAN OFTEN CLOSE US OFF AND MAKE US

[00:25:07]

I HUSBAND IS A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER. HE COMES HOME TELLING ME ABOUT STUDENTS WATCHING MOVIES DURING CLASS AND BUYING CONCERT TICKETS ON THEIR PHONES WHEN THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE TAKING A TEST. WE THINK THAT IS DEATHLY NOT MY KID BUT IT IS DEFINITELY YOUR KID. IT'S ALL OF OUR KIDS. A PHONE IS TOO DISTRACTING FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AND DISTRACTING FOR US, TOO. DEFINITELY MYSELF INCLUDED. WHAT WE KNOW WAS SMART PHONES IN SCHOOL INCREASE STUDENT LONELINESS AND BULLYING AND ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND RATES OF SUICIDE. SCHOOLS WITHOUT REPORTED LESS CYBER BULLYING, FEWER FIGHTS, LESS CHEATING, BETTER TEACHER MORALE AND RETENTION AND ATTENDANCE.

DECREASE IN STRESS REPORTED BY KIDS. LET THEM ACT AND ENFORCEABLE BELL TO BELL PHONE FREE POLICY TO ADDRESS ISSUES AND MAKE SCHOOLS A BASTION OF LEARNING, SAFETY AND FUN FOR KIDS. TAKE THE BURDEN OFF THE TEACHERS AND ENFORCING AN INDIVIDUAL PHONE POLICY TO FOCUS ON TEACHING. LET'S DO IT OTHER LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INCLUDING MENTZER UNIFIED, OAKS CHRISTIAN HARVARD WESTLAKE, ON THE CUTTING EDGE A POLICY FOR

KIDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING ESTEEMED BOARD MEMBERS. MY NAME IS KENDRA, A PARENT IN THE DISTRICT. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TONIGHT. I'M HERE TO EXPRESS MY STRONG SUPPORT FOR PHONE FREE SCHOOLS , AN ISSUE THAT IS CRUCIAL FOR THE WELL-BEING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEGIN BY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT TECHNOLOGY PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN OUR LIVES CAN BE A VALUABLE TOOL IN EDUCATION. HOWEVER, THE CONSTANT PRESENCE OF SMART PHONES AND RULES HAS BECOME A MAJOR DISTRACTION. HINDERING THE LEARNING PROCESS. AS A PARENT, WE SEND CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WITH THE EXPECTATION THEY ARE IN A FOCUSED, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. WHERE THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO LEARN. UNFORTUNATELY, THE WIDESPREAD USE OF PHONES DURING SCHOOL HOURS UNDERMINES THIS GOAL. THE PULL STUDENTS AWAY FROM THE STUDIES, DISRUPTS CLASSROOM DYNAMICS AND CAN EVEN CONTRIBUTE ISSUES LIKE CYBER BULLYING, AND SOCIAL ISOLATION. OUR CHILDREN DESERVE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT IS FREE FROM THESE DISTRACTIONS. A PLACE THEY CAN FULLY ENGAGE WITH THEIR EDUCATION AND INTERACT MEANINGFULLY WITH PEERS AND TEACHERS. THAT'S WHY AM HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR A REAL PHONE FREE SCHOOL DAY. BY THIS, I MEAN THE SCHOOL DAY WHERE PHONES ARE TRULY INACCESSIBLE TO STUDENTS FROM THE TIME THEY ARRIVE TILL THE FINAL BUILDING.

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO SIMPLY HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE. WE NEED CONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT AND CLEAR CONSEQUENCES FOR ANY INFRACTIONS. WHEN STUDENTS KNOW THERE ARE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS FOR BREAKING THE RULES, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO FOCUS ON THEIR STUDIES AND LESS LIKELY TO BE DISTRACTED BY DEVICES.

THIS ISN'T ABOUT ANTI-TECH , ANTI-TECHNOLOGY. BUT ENSURING SCHOOLS OR PLACE OF LEARNING AND GROWTH. WE NEED TO SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES SO THE CHILDREN CAN THRIVE ACADEMICALLY AND SOCIALLY. BY IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING A PHONE FREE POLICY, WE WILL BE TAKING AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD CREATING A KIND OF EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT THAT STUDENTS NEED AND DESERVE. IN CLOSING, I WANT TO EMPHASIZE MY SUPPORT FOR PHONE FREE SCHOOLS AND URGE THE BOARD TO CONSIDER THE POSITIVE IMPACT SUCH A POLICY HAS ON OUR STUDENTS. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO PRIORITIZE THEIR EDUCATION AND WELL-BEING BY REMOVING UNNECESSARY DISTRACTIONS FROM THEIR SCHOOL DAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> THAT EVENING. MY NAME IS KATIE COLLINS AND I'M AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN THE DISTRICT. THE PARENT OF TWO CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT. ONE OF WHOM IS A MIDDLE SCHOOLER.

I'M HERE TO STATE MY SUPPORT FOR A BELTSVILLE REMOVAL OF PHONES FROM THE DISTRICT. I WANT TO ADD REASONS WHY PHONES NEED TO BE AN ACCESSIBLE DURING THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY. FIRST REASON IS ALIGNED THE FOURTH DISTRICT WIDE GOAL WHICH IS, TO ENHANCE THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING FOR ALL STUDENTS THROUGH TARGETED ACTIONS AND SERVICES.

THIS CAN BE DONE WITH PHONE FREE SCHOOLS. THIS CAN BE OUR ACTION. THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL DAY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ACADEMICS. STUDENTS NEED TO BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS AND FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY. BY CREATING FUN FREE SCHOOLS AND ENVIRONMENTS, WE RESTORE ESSENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. THE SECOND REASON IS ALIGNED WITH THE

[00:30:03]

>> LAST SPEAKER. GOING ONCE? GOING TWICE? OKAY. SINCE SHE IS NOT HERE, WE WILL MOVE ON. THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPEAKERS FOR TAKING TIME TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS. WE ARE NOW AT SECTION

[A. Student Services - Adoption of Resolution #24/25-01 in Support of National Hispanic Heritage Month]

MOTION? MR. GORBACK? >> WE APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. MARKETS FROM

THE 15TH TO THE --. >> SECOND. THE MARKET HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSIONS ON THIS ITEM? YES?

>> --. >> ALL RIGHT. AS THEY TRANSITION, DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON THIS?

>> SEEING NONE, PLEASE VOTE. >>

>> I AM A YES VOTE. MOTION CARRIES, 5-0 WITH THE

[B. Student Services - Adoption of Resolution #24/25-02 in Support of Attendance Awareness Month]

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF 24 AND SUPPORTIVE ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH. DO I HAVE A MOTION?

>> I SEE TRUSTEE LIGHT. >> WE APPROVE RESOLUTION -- AND SUPPORTIVE ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH.

>> SECOND. >> MOVED AND SECONDED. ANY

DISCUSSION? >> I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT. WE KNOW ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT. OBVIOUSLY. ATTITUDES ABOUT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE HAVE SHIFTED SINCE COVID. RATES HAVE PLUMMETED NATIONALLY. THE DISTRICT HAS DONE REMARKABLY WELL BUT PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT ARE WORKING HARD DISTRICT LEVEL AND SITES ON THE ISSUE OF ATTENDANCE. IT IS A COMPLEX ISSUE. IT INVOLVES MANY THINGS WHETHER IT IS FAMILY BARRIERS OR KIDS FEELING WELCOME AT SCHOOL. WHETHER IT IS MENTAL HEALTH OF THE CHILDREN. I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WORKING HARD ON THIS COMPLEX ISSUE.

>> SYLVESTER? >> THANK YOU FOR ELIMINATING THAT. THE OTHER POINT I'D LIKE TO MAKE IS IT IS NOT A GO TO SCHOOL SICK RESOLUTION. SOMETIMES WHEN WE START PUSHING ATTENDANCE WE ARE SAYING, YOU HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FEVER, COME ANYWAY AND THAT IS NOT WHAT THIS IS. THIS IS LOOKING AT THE REASONS THAT CAUSE KIDS TO BE CHRONICALLY ABSENT. I

WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR. >> THANK YOU BOTH VERY MUCH.

ANYBODY ELSE? OKAY. SEEING NO OTHER COMMENTS, TRUSTEE LIGHTS?

>> YES. >>

>> I AM A YES VOTE. MOTION CARRIES 5-0 WITH THE

[C. Board of Education - Approval of Employment Contract with Superintendent]

>> I'M BUT WE MOVE THE DIPLOMA CONTRACT WITH THE

[00:35:06]

SUPERINTENDENT. >> SECOND.

>> THE APPROVED SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACTS WILL BEGIN JULY 1, 2025. RUN THROUGH JUNE 30, 2029. UPON RECEIPT OF SATISFACTORY EVALUATION OF THE 2025, 26 SCHOOL YEAR, THIS AGREEMENT EXTENDS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2030 SUPERINTENDENT BASED ANNUAL SALARY SHALL BE 308,140 WHICH IS A REDUCTION OF 2.88 FROM HIS CURRENT SALARY IN ORDER TO ALLOCATE FUNDS TOWARD A DIFFERENT POSITION FOR THE 2025, 2026 SCHOOL YEAR. THE SUPERINTENDENT SALARY SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO PROVIDE THE SAME GENERAL ACROSS-THE-BOARD SALARY INCREASES PROVIDED TO OTHER DISTRICTS CERTIFICATED MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL EACH YEAR IF ANY. PLEASE NOTE THAT UPON RECEIVING A POSITIVE EVALUATION, SUPERINTENDENT WILL RECEIVE A 2% SALARY INCREASE.

THIS CONTRACT REQUIRES THE SUPERINTENDENT TO RENDER A WORK YEAR OF 220 DAYS WITH A , A MAXIMUM OF 10 ADDITIONAL WORKDAYS EACH YEAR PAID AT THE SUPERINTENDENT DAILY RATE. THE SUPERINTENDENT WILL BE COMPENSATED FOR LONGEVITY AND EARN ADVANCED DEGREES IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER DISTRICTS CERTIFICATED MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ALL STATUTORY BENEFITS AS A CERTIFICATE EMPLOYEE INCLUDING 12 SICK DAYS PER YEAR AS WELL AS THE SAME HEALTH, DENTAL AND VISION BENEFITS PROVIDED TO OTHER DISTRICT CERTIFICATED MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL. THE DISTRICTS ALL PROVIDE THE SUPERINTENDENT WITH 10 YEAR TERM LIFE INSURANCE WITH THE FACE VALUE OF APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES THE SALARY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. THIS CONTRACT INCLUDES FRENCH BENEFITS IN THE FORM OF EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS.

INCLUDING MILEAGE. AND MEMBERSHIP DUES TO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH ACCESS TO DISABILITY POLICIES FOR EACH YEAR OF THE AGREEMENT NOT TO EXCEED $1000 ANNUALLY. THE DISTRICT SHALL PROVIDE THE SUPERINTENDENT WITH A MOBILE PHONE AND A COMPUTER FOR USE FOR DISTRICT BUSINESS AND PROVIDE THE SERVICE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPROVED DISTRICT DEVICES. PER GOVERNMENT CODE 532625 532-625-4953. COPIES OF THIS CONTRACT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, PLEASE

VOTE. >>

>> I AM A YES VOTE. THE MOTION CARRIES, 5-0. I DO WANT TO MAKE A NOTE. FIRST OF ALL. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. MCLACHLAN.

WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU AGAIN. BUT I WANT TO MAKE IT , MAKE A SPECIAL MEDS. BECAUSE, SOME PEOPLE ARE IN THIS FOR MANY.

BUT IT IS VERY CLEAR , BY THE CONTRACT, THAT IS NOT OUR FEARLESS LEADER. HE IS IN IT FOR THE SAME REASONS THAT WE ARE. IT IS, OUR STUDENTS , OUR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES IN THIS ORGANIZATION. WE ARE INCREDIBLY APPRECIATIVE AND GRATEFUL FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WITH YOU. SO, CONGRATULATIONS. DO YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING?

>> AS I SAID EVERY YEAR ON MY ANNIVERSARY, AND PROUD TO SERVE AS THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CONEJO VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

I ENJOY COMING TO WORK WITH YOU GUYS EVERY DAY. THE LEARNING THAT TAKES PLACE ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS IS GREAT TO SEE. THE ABILITY TO BE OUT THERE TALKING WITH OUR LEADERS AND ENGAGING WITH STUDENTS. AND TEACHERS AND STAFF AND COMMUNITY. HEARING THINGS THEY LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN THE COMMUNITY GIVES ME ENERGY AND MOTIVATION TO SHOW UP AND DO THE WORK EVERY DAY. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BOARD AND OUR ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER. THERE ARE MANY THINGS WE NEED

[00:40:01]

I KNOW THE CABINET DISTRICT LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND THE BOARD AND WHAT TAKES PLACE IN THE CLASSROOMS. WE ARE DOING THAT. I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO

THESE EARS OF THIS CONTRACT. >> WE DO TOO. WE THANK YOU FOR

LEADING MIKE. >> THANK YOU FOR MISS -- FOR HER WORK IN MY OFFICE AS WELL. BEEN WORKING TOGETHER. SO,

THANK YOU. >> ITEM 3-D, BUSINESS SERVICES.

[D. Business Services - Authorization to Perform a Full Financial Audit of the Thousand Oaks High School Football Booster Club]

>> THAT WORKS. OKAY. TAKE TWO. I MOVE THAT WE AUTHORIZE A FULL FINANCIAL AUDIT OF THE THOUSAND OAKS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

BOOSTER CLUB AS SUBMITTED. >> SECOND.

>> MOVED AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSIONS? CONTACTS DOES

ANYBODY WANT TO PROVIDE? >> SCHOOL CONNECTED ORGANIZATIONS EXIST. WE ARE VERY, I'M SURE THE BOARD IS APPRECIATIVE OF PARENTS THAT RUN AND OPERATE AND SUPPORT THE EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS AND ATHLETICS CLUBS. AND A WHOLE HOST OF OTHER ACTIVITIES. THE BOARD HAS A LEGAL AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY. PART OF IT EXTENDS TO THE SCHOOL CONNECTED ORGANIZATIONS. WITH THAT, BOARD POLICY ALLOWS AN AUDIT OF ANY OF THE SCHOOL CONNECTED ORGANIZATIONS AT ANY TIME FOR ESSENTIALLY ANY REASON AS LONG AS IT IS AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD. A PERSONAL MATTER CAME UP THAT REQUIRES US TO LOOK FURTHER INTO ONE OF THE BOOSTER CLUBS WE ARE ASKING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO LOOK INTO THEIR FINANCES. AND REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD DEPENDING ON WHAT THE FINDINGS ARE.

>> THANK YOU. ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

>> THERE IS A REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD?

>> IT'S A PERSONAL MATTER IN CLOSED SESSION, YES.

>> ARE WE GOOD? SEEING NO OTHER COMMENTS, PLEASE VOTE. TRUSTEE

LIGHT. >> YES.

>> SYLVESTER. >> YES.

>>

[4. ACTION ITEMS – CONSENT]

>> I MOVE WE APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.

>> IS THERE A SECOND? TRUSTEE POWELL. IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, BUT VOTES. TRUSTEE

LIGHT. >> YES.

>> CARRIES 5-0 WITH THE PREFERENTIAL VOTE FROM TRUSTEE LIGHT. WE DON'T NEED A BREAK. WE ARE NOW SECTION 5

[A. Business Services - Approval of Amendments to Board Policy 7214 and New Administrative Regulation 7214 - General Obligation Bonds]

>> SOME LEGAL UPDATES AS FAR AS ISSUING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IF WE GO OUT FOR A SECOND QUESTION AND THERE'S VERBIAGE CHANGES IN TIMELINES THAT HAVE TO BE REFLECTED IN THE POLICY.

WE DID NOT HAVE THE AR ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AND WE WANT ADDED FOR CONSISTENCY IN APPLICATION OF THE BOARD

POLICY. >> ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS WITH

[B. Instructional Services - Student Rates for CVUSD 6th Grade Outdoor Education Program]

[00:45:04]

>> GOOD EVENING. WE ARE PROPOSING INFORMATION DISCUSSION AND A $25 INCREASE IN THE FEE FOR SIX GRADE OUTDOOR MOVING FROM TWO $50 TO TWO $75 PER STUDENT. WE BRING FORTH THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS IN OCTOBER, 2023 TO FRONTLOAD THE PROPOSAL. WE HAVE NOT INCREASED THE FEE SINCE 2017.

SINCE WE HAVE SEEN INCREASES IN A PROGRAM EXPENDITURE IN MANY AREAS SPECIFICALLY TRANSPORTATION. RENTAL FEES.

AND CERTIFICATED STAFFING. THERE IS A CONSIDERATION TO SOME OF THE CLASS IS CLASSIFIED STAFFING . SALARIES AND PAYMENT IS THE SAME SINCE 2017 AND WE HAVE SEEN OURSELVES OUTCOMPETED FOR SOME OF THE -- TO NEIGHBORING AND COMPETING CAMPS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, THE STUDENTS MAY BE IMPOSED A FEE FOR SCHOOL CAMPS AND OUTDOOR SCIENCE EDUCATION PROVIDED THE FEE IS NOT MANDATORY AND NO STUDENT IS DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE. THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO BRING FORTH PROPOSE INCREASE AS AN ACTION ITEM AT THE SEPTEMBER 4 MEETING AND CONTRACT FOR -- WHERE WE DO THE SIX GRADE OUTDOOR SCHOOL WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE

SEPTEMBER 4 MEETING. >> THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS? IT SEEMS REASONABLE TO ME. WE DON'T HAVE THE POTENTIAL SINCE 2017 . IN THE COST FOR EVERYTHING HAS GONE UP. IT'S A

MODEST INCREASE. >>. LIKE THE CAMP DIRECTOR AND CEO. AND HAVE WE SEEN AN INCREASE OVER THE YEARS ON COST? I MEAN WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR TAKE UP TO THE NEGOTIATION

PROCESS? >> FOR THE RENTAL FEE, IT HAS GONE UP INCREMENTALLY. THE NEGOTIATION WORKS BETWEEN THEIR STAFF AND MYSELF AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

THAT OVERSEES THE PROGRAM. >> I NOTICED THERE IS AN INCREASE I JUST DIDN'T HAVE THE 24-25 IN HERE. HAVE YOU

NEGOTIATED THAT YET. >> WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED SLATED TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE SEPTEMBER 4 MEETING. AN INCREASE OF 12% FOR THE PRIOR YEAR. WE SEE AN INCREASE EVERY YEAR BETWEEN 8 TO 12%.

>> I LIKE EIGHT AT HER. OKAY. >> I LOVE OUR RELATIONSHIP.

HAVE WE LOOKED AT ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVES?

>> WE DO LOVE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CAMP --. BUT IN THE PRIOR YEAR LOOKED AT ALTERNATIVES. A LOT OF IT CAME DOWN TO SIMILAR COSTING CAMPS. MAYBE SOMETHING LESS. THOSE ARE NOT PROXIMATE'S TO WHERE WE ARE. AND EXISTING CAMP IS. IT'S A GOOD LOCATION BECAUSE WE HAVE STUDENTS THAT THEY CAMP AND STUDENTS THAT GET PICKED UP BECAUSE THEY ARE HOMESICK. THE PROXIMITY FOR US IS A BIG CONSIDERATION IN ADDITION TO KEEPING THE TRANSPORTATION COST DOWN. WE FEEL LIKE WE HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP. AND IT BEING CLOSE IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR.

CAMP BLOOMFIELD CONTINUES TO BE CLOSED, UNFORTUNATELY.

>> THAT WAS A BAD FIRE. THANK YOU. ITEM 5C, COMMENTS FROM THE

[C. Comments - Board of Education]

>> GOOD EVENING, CONEJO VALLEY, WELCOME TO THE 2024, 2025 SCHOOL YEAR. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE EVERYBODY WORKING HARD TO ENSURE THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. A LOT OF WORK GOES INTO KEEPING THE DISTRICT RUNNING AND I'M HONORED TO RUN A DISTRICT SO FAR AHEAD OF THE CURVE. THINK IT'S A CAMPUS PERSONAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE AND THOSE WHO WORKED THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. I CAN'T WAIT TO WORK

[00:50:01]

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND AND OBSERVE AND PROVIDE A PUBLIC COMMENT. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ON PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE AGENDA ITEM. THE NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD HAS BEEN WORKING ON REVISING THE BYLAWS PRESENTED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NEXT MEETING AND SUB COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS FOR THE SIX COMMITTEES. REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE BUDGET TECHNOLOGY BOND OVERSIGHT AND CONEJO VALLEY FOUNDATION AND CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES TASTE TEST MEETINGS. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE UPCOMING -- EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM. LOCATED AT 1401 E. TRANSIT RD. THEY SHARE WHAT AN INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT LOOKS LIKE TO THEM.

IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE STUDENT VOICE AND HEAR THEIR VISION FOR THE SCHOOL. I WILL ALSO BE SPEAKING. THANK YOU FOR SITTING THROUGH TONIGHT'S COMMENTS. I HAD A BIT MORE TO SHARE THAN USUAL. I HAVE AN AMAZING START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND I CANNOT WAIT. GOOD NIGHT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH WELCOME. TRUSTEE SYLVESTER?

>> I GET TO FOLLOW THAT GREAT ENTHUSIASM. WELCOME BACK, EVERYBODY. I KNOW MANY OF YOU ARE NOT QUITE DONE WITH YOUR SUMMER. THERE IS STILL ABOUT ANOTHER WEEK. IF YOU'RE OUT THERE, ENJOY THESE LAST DAYS. IT FEELS LIKE WE NEVER LEFT ALL HAVE TO RECOGNIZE WE HAVE ANY FACE APPEAR, WELCOME, MR. LIGHT, TO THE BOARD. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WATCHING YOU IN ACTION AT THE MEETINGS OVER THE PAST 2 TO 3 YEARS. NO DOUBT YOU ARE A TREMENDOUS ASSET TO THE BOARD AND A GREAT VOICE FOR YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. WELCOME. THE DISTRICT REALLY DIDN'T TAKE THE SUMMER OFF. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT GOING ON ON CAMPUSES. I WANT TO THANK THE CHILD ATTRITION STAFF TO OFFER FREE MEALS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. THIS IS A LIFELONG -- A LIFELINE FOR MANY STUDENTS AND A NECESSITY. MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS HAS BEEN KEPT BUSY AT EVERY SCHOOL SITES, PREPARING AND CLEANING ENSURE THE CAMPUSES STUDENTS WILL COME BACK TO OUR SAFE AND CLEAN. AND READY. WE HAD A NUMBER OF CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS AND SOME SIGNIFICANT TAKING PLACE OVER THE SUMMER. BOTH KALINA AND READ WITH ME THE SCHOOL AND NEWBURY PARK HIGH SCHOOL. THEY ARE GETTING NEEDED MODERNIZATIONS AND UPDATES. WE HAVE OVER 1500 STUDENTS WHO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND ONE OF THE SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS ACROSS ALL GREAT SPANS. THESE ARE REMARKABLE PROGRAMS THAT HELP STUDENTS MAINTAIN WHAT THEY LEARNED , EXPAND UPON WHAT THEY LEARNED , GET AHEAD IN VARIOUS SUBJECTS LIKE THE BOOST CAMP AND RECEIVE MUCH-NEEDED SUPPORT AND RECOVER CREDITS WHEN THEY DO NEED TO. STUBBORNLY, KEEP THEM ENGAGED AND FOCUSED DURING THE LONG SUMMER MONTHS. WE ARE LOOKING TO OFFER THESE AND I WANT TO THANK ALL THE EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF WHO MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE. DR.

POWELL AND I DID NOT TAKE THE ENTIRE SUMMER OFF. WE GOT TO MEET A FEW TIMES TO CREATE AND UPDATE AND UPDATE AGAIN AND WE

[00:55:04]

THE HARD JOB. ANYWAY, GOOD LUCK EVERYONE FOR THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, 2024-2025. HARD TO BELIEVE.

>> THANK YOU. TRUSTEE GILL? >> GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. MY KNEE SEATMATES, MR. AIDAN LIGHT. I'M HAPPY TO BE SITTING NEXT TO YOU HERE. WELCOME BACK TO EVERYONE AND A SPECIAL WARM WHILE FAMILIES JOINING US. STUDENTS AND FAMILIES AND STAFF MEMBERS. THE WORK THAT HAPPENS IN THIS DISTRICT NEVER REALLY STOPS AND I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PROVIDED WONDERFUL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR SO MANY STUDENTS. 1500+. AND THOSE WHO WERE POLISHING UP THE CAMPUSES IN CLASSROOMS AND GETTING READY FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. SINCE IT IS BASICALLY THE FIRST DAY FOR THE LEARNERS ON THIS SIDE OF THE DAIS, MY NAME IS LAUREN GILL, PRONOUNS, SHE/HER. I AM A MESS, NOT A MRS. I DO MAKE THE POINT BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE WAY THEY WISH ON THEIR FIRST AND EVERY DAY OF SCHOOL. I CANNOT WAIT FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF LEARNING AND GROWING WITH THIS CREW AND EVERYBODY ACROSS BEAUTIFUL SPARKLING SCHOOL SITES. HAPPY NEW YEAR,

EVERYONE. AND THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. TRUSTEE POWELL?

>> I'M HAPPY TO BE HERE AND GLAD TO SEE FACES IN THE ROOM PARTICULARLY SOME NEW FACES. WELCOME, TRUSTEE LIGHT TO THE DAIS. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING THOSE I HAVEN'T MET YET AND WORKING TOGETHER. IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR. THE SUMMER WENT QUICKLY FOR ME AND EXPECTS FOR MANY OF YOU AS WELL. IT HAS BEEN MENTIONED THERE ARE MANY THAT WORK THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER TO PREPARE FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. AS WELL AS OPERATING SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS AND NUTRITIONAL SERVICES DOING FACILITY UPGRADES AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. I WAS FORTUNATE TO VISIT THE SUMMER LEARNING SITE THAT -- AND SEQUOIA THIS SUMMER. THANK YOU TO EDUCATORS THERE AND ADMINISTRATORS FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO CHECK OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT SUMMER SCHOOL THIS SUMMER. AS TRUSTEE SYLVESTER MENTIONED, WE DID WORK OVER THE SUMMER ON THE GOVERNMENT HANDBOOK. THE GOVERNANCE WORK ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT.

THERE ARE MANY ASPECTS TO IT. IT INCLUDES POLICY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS AND OVERSIGHT IN BUDGETING AND SUPPORT WITH THE DISTRICT. WE ARE ACTING AS CONDUITS BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND THE DISTRICT OF COURSE AS WELL. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE THE QUOTE COMES FROM BUT I HAVE IT IN MY NOTES FROM A BABY TRUSTEE. THEY SAID ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CAN GIVE THEIR COMMUNITY AS A WELL-FUNCTIONING BOARD. THE WORK OF GOVERNANCE IS NEVER-ENDING. SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE TO WORK ON CONSTANTLY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE A WELL-FUNCTIONING BOARD IN THE WORK TRUSTEE SYLVESTER AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SUMMER IN DEVELOPING THE HANDBOOK IS INTENDED TO CODIFY THE TENANTS WE FOLLOW AND CAN ALL AGREE ON TO HAVE CONSISTENCY FOR THE LONG-TERM IN THE DISTRICT. A GIFT TO OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU TO ALL THE FOLKS THAT COMMENTED ON THE CELL PHONE POLICY ISSUE AND IT'S BEEN SOMETHING WE HEARD A LOT ABOUT IN THE NEWS. AND ACROSS THE BOARD AND WE HAVE DISCUSSED THAT OURSELVES AND WE HAVE IT IS A PLAN TO DISCUSS IT AT SOME POINT THIS FALL. I LOOK FORWARD

[01:00:01]

>> THANK YOU. MR. GORBACK? >> AND EVENING. WELCOME BACK, EVERYBODY. FOR THOSE COMING BACK, I KNOW MOST THE PEOPLE IN FRENEMY AND TO THE SIDE OF ME. NEVER LEFT. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONTINUING WORK. IT WAS MADE AND ADDRESSED TO DR.

MCLACHLAN AND I SHARE THE FEELING. DR. MCLACHLAN SET THE TONE WE ARE ALL HERE, NUMBER ONE FOR THE STUDENTS. EVERYBODY IN THE DISTRICTS WORKS FOR THE STUDENTS. AS TRUSTEE LIGHT SAYS, WELCOME. IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE I WORK IN A DISTRICT THAT FOCUSES ON THE STUDENTS ALL THE TIME. I WANTED TO ADDRESS THAT.

THANK YOU FOR STAFF AND EDUCATORS AND ALL THE TEAM AND CABINET WE DON'T THANK YOU, WE ASK QUESTIONS. THANK YOU, CABINET. AND ALL THE STAFF AS I SAID. WE HAVE A WEEK TO GO BEFORE STUDENTS COME IN. I LOOK AT THIS WEEK AS KIND OF SITTING IN A LOCKER ROOM ON THE BENCH AND VISUALIZING HOW YOU PLAY THE GAME AND DO IT WELL. FOR ALL STUDENTS LISTENING, ALL THREE OF YOU. USE THIS WEEK TO MAKE YOURSELVES THE BEST YOU CAN FOR THIS YEAR. SET GOALS AND VISUALIZE SUCCESS. THAT GOES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WHO MAY BE LISTENING. MAKE THIS YEAR THE BEST FOR YOUR STUDENTS. AN OVERALL. LET'S HAVE A GREAT, GREAT YEAR FOR CONEJO VALLEY AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST AND CONTINUE TO DO. WELCOME BACK AND LET'S HAVE A

GREAT YEAR. >> THANK YOU. IT'S HARD TO BE LAST YEAR. IT'S ALL BEEN SAID AND SO ELOQUENTLY. THE GRATITUDE FOR EVERYONE FROM ALL DEPARTMENTS HAVE REALLY NEVER LEFT EVEN IF THEY TOOK A LITTLE VACATION. I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH. LIKE I SAID EARLIER, THIS IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT PUTS ITS FOCUS ON WHAT WILL HAPPEN , STARTING NEXT WEDNESDAY. AND GIVE STUDENTS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY AND I'M DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE. I WILL SAY, WELCOME, TRUSTEE LIGHT.

YOU MADE A MOTION AND WE ARE MOVING FORWARD. I EXPECT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL PARTICIPATION. I WATCHED IT WITH JOY OVER THE YEARS AND IT'S GREAT. HE'LL BE AN EXCELLENT ADDITION. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK -- GET THE DATE ABOUT -- LATER. IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS.

I'M HAPPY THAT IT'S BACK. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE AND WITNESS FIRSTHAND. THE SUMMER SCHOOL. IT WAS FANTASTIC AND I WANT TO HIGHLIGHTS THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH BOTH TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS AROUND THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT PROVIDED. DURING THE SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM. MANY SAID THEY WISH THERE WERE MORE BECAUSE THEY WERE TEACHING THEM HOW TO ENGAGE WITH EACH OTHER GENERALLY AND AUTHENTICALLY.

STRESS, RELATIVELY LOW STRESS ENVIRONMENT AND COPING SKILLS AND WAYS TO MANAGE THOSE ANXIOUS POINTS. IT WAS GREAT.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW'S FLAG FOOTBALL GAME AT THOUSAND OAKS HIGH SCHOOL. WITH THAT, I'M SURE YOU'LL BE

[D. Comments - Superintendent]

>> THANK YOU. I HAD ASKED RICHARD IF HE CAN PAN OUT POSSIBLY TO THE STAFF SITTING OFF TO THE LEFT? DO YOU HAVE A CAMERA THAT GETS OVER THERE? KEEP GOING. THERE YOU GO. I WANT TO DO A COUPLE OF QUICK INTRODUCTIONS. WE HAVE MISS CHANTILLY, THE DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SPECIAL ED. JAMES JENKINS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION. THESE TWO INDIVIDUALS COME FROM DISTRICTS WHERE THEY DID SOME CELL PHONE

[01:05:01]

IN HIRING ADMINISTRATION IN OUR DISTRICT. WE HAVE 32 NEW TEACHERS COMING TO THE DISTRICTS WE WILL INTRODUCE ON FRIDAY. FROM A DISTRICT AND SCHOOL SITE LEADERSHIP STAND IS, I AM EXCITED TO GET THE BALL ROLLING. GET THE SCHOOL YEAR UP AND RUNNING AND I KNOW GREAT THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN. WE HAVE GREAT SUPPORT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL AND AWESOME LEADERSHIP IN THE SCHOOL SITES AS WE WORK THROUGH THE NEXT FOUR DAYS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

SOMETHING ALREADY STARTED THIS WEEK DOWN IN THIS BUILDING ITSELF. WE HAVE NEED TEACHERS. ON FRIDAY. WE HAVE STAFF FOR WRITING TO NEWBURY PARK. IN THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON ON MONDAY. SCHOOL SITES HAVE THEIR WORK ON TUESDAY TO GET READY FOR STUDENTS AND WEDNESDAY, HERE WE GO. LOOK FORWARD TO THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. AND AGAIN, THE CONTINUED WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS DISTRICT IS A GREAT DISTRICT AND A GREAT

PLACE FOR KIDS. >> THANK YOU.

[A. Future Board Topics / Activities]

>> THANK YOU. >> WE ARE NOW AT ITEMS SIX, ADJOURNMENTS, FUTURE BOARD TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES. ANYBODY,

ANYTHING? >> I HAVE A QUESTION. WHETHER WE HAVE ANY DATES FOR ANY OF THESE?

>> NOT YET. BUT WE WILL. VERY SOON.

>> I WILL WORK ON GETTING SOME --.

>> ALL RIGHT.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.