Board of Education — May 10, 2022

Do I need to ring the bell?

There we go. Welcome, everybody. I knew if I had rung a bell, everybody would have gotten quiet just like that, right? So welcome to tonight's meeting. This is May 10th, 7 PM. We're actually starting just a little bit late, my apology. Regular Board of Education meeting for the Redlands Unified School District. I would ask Mrs. Houlihan to please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Please stand. Right hand over your heart. Ready, begin.

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.

I think you may be seated. So we'll do roll call. Mrs. Holohan, I know you're here, you just led to some pledge. Present. Melissa Yalicantaro.

Present.

Alex Fora.

Present.

Michelle Renner.

Present.

And Jim O'Neill is present. I'd like to have a motion to approve the minutes of the April 26th meeting, please.

So moved.

Second. Any discussion? All right, hearing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye and so approved. We're on item six, public participation. We have a letter A presentation. We're gonna recognize the 2021-2022 Redlands Unified School District retirees, recognize them for their service to our district. So Superintendent Arellano, shall we take our places down here? Well, welcome everybody. I am really excited and thrilled to be here and to greet our retirees for this school year. While the board members come down, I wanted to read a little bit something that I prepared for tonight. Being a retiree of 2013, I wanted you to know that retirement is a time to look back with satisfaction. It's a time to look ahead with anticipation, and it's a time to fill each day with enjoyment. For many years, you've worked hard with dedication and sacrifice, giving of yourself every workday in order to leave a positive impact on our young humans in this district. Now it's time to relax and play, but for some of you, not until the last day of school. Thank you. After climbing a mountain, you can finally enjoy the view. I hope all of you hold many fond memories of your time in Redlands Unified School District as I do. I implore you to look to the future with eagerness, and may you be able to live each of those moments to the fullest. I'm gonna read names of people who are here tonight, be recognized. We'd like you to stand up, come right through here. We promise we won't pat you down, okay? We're gonna have you walk across. You'll be greeted by our superintendent and be presented with the awesome crystal apple to commemorate this moment for you. And then there'll be board members to greet you. And then we're going to have you gather over there. And when we're all done, don't go anywhere. We'll bring you back and we'll have a nice photo moment, okay? So at this time, I would like to call up a teacher who's retiring from Lagonia. She had 19 years of district service. Lori Arzaca. Doreen Avila. I'll read it while she comes in. Doreen has 28 and a half years in the district. She's retiring from Redlands High School. She's our counseling center clerk. Susie Ayala. I apologize, I hired Suzy 21 years ago. She's done a great job for us, and she's retiring from Mentone Elementary School as a classroom teacher.

Good job.

Coach William Barich. Bill, been working in the district for 25 years, retiring from Redlands East Valley High School as a teacher and a renowned basketball coach. Well done. Congratulations. Edward Berman. Ed's retiring from Redlands East Valley High School. He's been 21 years in the district. as a teacher, and he was my son's yearbook advisor. So, I'm sorry he's not here tonight, but congratulations to Ed. Sheila Best. Sheila has served 13.75 years in the Redland School District. She's retiring from Franklin Elementary School as a school office manager. Susana Chatika Debaisa. Susana has 21 and a quarter years in her district. She's retiring from Citrus Valley High School as a CNS Worker Assistant. Congratulations. Thank you. Marianne Fellows. Marianne is retiring after almost 20 years in the district. She is a typist clerk at Orange Wood High School and the mother of one of my son's best friends. Well done. Congratulations. Her husband Michael Fellows, He's retiring after 13 and three-quarters years from Orange Wood as a campus supervisor. Marianne, did you tell him he couldn't come tonight? Is that why he's not coming after?

No.

Okay, no problem. Well, you tell him congratulations for us. Patricia Flanagan. All right. Patricia is retiring after 32 years of service to our district. She's a teacher at Kingsbury. And next is Cheryl Abert. Most people know her as Cheryl Haber. I've known Cheryl a long time. 26 years in our district. Thank you for that. And she's been working as a data control clerk three in instructional technology. Thank you. Congratulations. Janice Hale. Janice has been working as a campus monitor at Mission Elementary School. She's been with us almost, well, over two years, so thank you for that. Congratulations. Scott Hassett. Mr. Hassett has been working in the district for 30 years. He's retiring from Kimberly Elementary School as one of our classroom teachers. Congratulations. Thank you. Nice to see you. Ronnie Lowers. Almost 18 years in the district, retiring from Redlands East Valley as a custodian woman.

Congratulations.

Heidi Mackleball. Well, you're going to shake my hand? Heidi has been assistant to the superintendent, many superintendents as a matter of fact, in the superintendent's office, retiring after 33 years. Next is Tracy Massimiano. Tracy served in the district 22 years, is retiring from Redlands East Valley High Schools as one of our teachers.

Whatever you want.

Martha Mendoza. Martha Mendoza, after 37 years in our district working in special services as an adaptive PE specialist teacher. I was hoping to see her tonight. Tracy Myers. Tracy has served 38 years in the district. She's retiring from Redlands High School, Data Control Clerk II. I'll shake your hand if you have the other hand. Congratulations. Thank you for that. Andrew Neuenschwander. I've been practicing for like 30 years to say that name right, Mr. Neuenschwander.

It's only 14 letters.

Only 14 letters. Congratulations. 33 years, Lagonia Elementary School's teacher. Kathy Ovaye Gutierrez. 25 years of service to the district as a classroom teacher, retiring from Bryn Mawr Elementary School. Careful, people will start talking. Rhonda Racine. Rhonda, also from Bryn Mawr Elementary School, is a classroom teacher. She has 33 years of service to the district. Congratulations. John Salvador. Well, congratulations to John. He's retiring from Cope Middle School, 19 years of service to our district. Lori Simpson. Lori is retiring from Mentone Elementary School for 25 years as classroom teacher.

Well done.

Thank you.

Good to see you. Vicki has 25 years of service in our district. She's a CNS worker 3 in the elementary kitchen, serving up hot breakfast and lunch every day. And loved every minute. We like to hear that. Congratulations. Kelly Tilson. Kelly is a teacher at Redlands East Valley High School, retiring. She's spent 16 years of service to our district. Thank you very much. Congratulations. Rosalia Trammell. A Clement Middle School classroom teacher, 20 years of service to our district. Thank you. Gregory Vasquez. He's a 20-year veteran here in Redlands, retiring from Cope Middle School. Dorothy Robert. Thumbs up from the audience. That's good. Hey, that's good. She's retiring after four years of serving in the district. Smiley Elementary School Campus Monitor.

Well done. Congratulations.

Anthony Wood. So formal. Can I call you Tony? After 29 years of service, he's retiring from Citrus Valley High School as one of our counselors.

Congratulations.

Nancy Yates. Retiring after five years of service to Redlands, works in special services as one of our psychologists. Congratulations. Danny Kivett. 22 years dedicated service to our district, retiring from Redlands East Valley High School, safety officer. So tonight we had approximately 30 retirees able to attend. They represent 696 and a half years of service to the district, almost 700 years of service. We still have another 32 retirees that we're not able to attend tonight, bringing the total to 63 retirees this year. The total amount of our, excuse me, years of those not attending was 701. That's kind of interesting. 31, 32, we're right at 700 for both groups, which means that the grand total years of service for our retirees this year represents 1,397 and three-fourths years. Wow. So on behalf of the Board of Education of the Redlands Unified School District, Thank you for your dedicated service to our students and staff. And please, a hearty congratulations to each and every one of you. Congratulations. So come on back and we'll gather here in front. Tall ones in the back.

Yeah. you th th Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Okay, let's go.

Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

You can see the red light is coming out of here. You're going into the deep.

You're going into the deep. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. There you go. I'm going to do it again. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah. I don't know what to say. I think it's good. It's good. It's good. It's good. It's good. It's good. It's good. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, good. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Three, two, one. Start getting together.

Yeah, my friend Kristen thinks I'm not gonna do it.

Congratulations. Thank you.

I'd like to call this meeting back to order, please. Thank you very much. We're on item 6B, community input for agendized item. This is the time that any member of the public may address the board on any agenda item before or during the board's consideration of the item, provided the person submits a completed registration card. which I have here. The person wishing to address the board shall, when recognized by the chairperson of the board, step up to the podium and announce his or her name. The chairperson, which is me, shall, in the interest of facilitating the business of the board, limit the amount of time which a member of the public may use in addressing the board to three minutes, unless the chairperson or a majority of the board determines that a different time limit would be appropriate. We have one person wishing to address the board on an agendized item, Susan Apt. Welcome, Madam President.

Good evening, school board, Superintendent Arellano, cabinet and community members. It's my great honor to be speaking tonight as you recognize the amazing work of our school staff as they get ready to enter retirement. I want to thank you for honoring the commitment and dedication that these educators have shown throughout their careers. Educators put forth time and effort into making their students thrive, working evenings, weekends, as well as summers. Often, we press our families into helping too. My own children spent many hours putting up bulletin boards, assembling packets, cutting out materials, and so much more. And we do this not for recognition, but because of our commitment to provide the best education. So thank you for recognizing the wonderful contributions of our retirees and for all the work they have done for RUSD. It means so much to value the hard work they have put forth in their careers. Educators do not always see the great impact they make in the lives of their students, their families, and even the community, but they do. Every great teacher has to retire one day, but their deeds and their teachings always remain in the hearts of their students. Many good wishes to our retirees as they embark on their next journey in life, and I wish them a very happy retirement. Thank you.

All right, we have no further public comment for the agendized items. We'll go on to part C, public hearing regarding the adoption of the following Spanish textbooks. Let's see. So public hearing is now open. Is there anyone wishing to address the board regarding the TEMAS textbook and el espanol para nosotros?

Yes, no, no, okay.

That public hearing is closed. I'll open public hearing number two. This one is regarding the adoption of the following science textbooks for grades nine through 12, conceptual physics and physics. Anyone wish to address the board on this matter? Seeing none, that public hearing is now closed. Third public hearing is regarding the final environmental impact report for Redlands East Valley High School Stadium.

Would anybody like to address the board?

Jason, thank you so much for all your very hard work on that document. It was very extensive and very well done. We appreciate it. So no other comments? That public hearing is closed. We're on item 7, student representative's report. We have none tonight. We'll start on item 8, board member committee reports. The CRI-ROP. Do you want to share, Patty?

I would love to. Tomorrow is the ribbon cutting for the Redlands Yucaipa Calamesa Regional Occupational Program, CRI-ROP, at 4 p.m. Starting previous to that at 3 o'clock is our regular meeting, our board meeting. And then afterwards, the ribbon cutting right there on the facility. And then evening of excellence. So I know everyone's excited to be there. I'm looking forward to it. It's been working in the make for many years that we've rented. And now we're able to celebrate 18 years later with this wonderful building. So I'm excited. I hope to see a lot of you there tomorrow representing for Cryop. It's a special day. So looking forward. Thank you.

Thank you for that. Redlands Compact.

They held their mock interviews last month, and the students thought they were very helpful this year doing them than in person. They also suggested doing the interviews in January so that it doesn't interfere with AP testing and spring break, because that was kind of chaotic for them this year. May 18th is the Compact Awards Night in the CB Bistro at 6.30. And that's all I have.

Thank you. Rep Foundation. I actually don't have anything for that. Okay, thank you. Cultural Arts Commission yesterday, they had a meeting and unfortunately I was unable to attend, so I'll get the notes and share them with the board. Parks and Rec. Okay.

Sand dabs we meet tomorrow.

Very good. Uh, delegate assembly that meets, uh, in two weeks and the coalition to support the completion of a rev athletic stadium. Nothing to report from me, Jason. Nothing to report, okay. Item nine, superintendent's report. Superintendent Ariano.

Thank you, President O'Neill, distinguished members of the board, members of the audience. First of all, hope everybody had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. I know we had a great time playing the annual miniature golf challenge, as we've done every year. But hopefully everybody had a chance to celebrate all the moms across the county, across the state, across the United States, across the world. for everything that they've done for us. I also want to echo Sue App's statements. Congratulations to all of our retirees. They have given a lot. They have worked during some of the most difficult times in public education, and they've done it with class and with a lot of professionalism. So I want to congratulate all of our retirees, not only that we're here tonight, But all that weren't able to be here tonight, thank you for all your years of service to the Redlands Unified School District. Just a couple of items to share. I want to offer a congratulations to athletic director at Citrus Valley High School, Mr. Boyd Liam. He was selected as the athletic director of the year for CIF Southern Section. So congratulations, Boyd, for all your hard work. And on the same token, the Citrus Belt Area Athletic Director Association has selected the Citrus Valley High School Athletic Department as their outstanding sportsmanship award. So great to see Citrus Valley High School well represented in their recognition, so congratulations to both. And I want to offer a special thank you to the Redlands Optimist Club. Who on Thursday, April 28th, held their, I believe the 31st Optimus Games. As you know, their motto as an organization is a friend to the youth. And as part of the Optimus Games, 350 special needs students from across the district come and participate in 24 different track and field events. And what's even more precious about that event are the 300 student volunteers from the high schools, from the various high schools that come and support, participate, motivate and encourage the students in those events. I want to personally recognize Martha Mendoza. who is our adaptive PE teacher, who is also retiring this year. But she helped start those Optimus games 31 years ago, and she's been involved in every single one. So, Optimus Club, thank you. Martha Mendoza, thank you. The 300 student volunteers, high school volunteers, thank you. And to the students who participated, I hope it was a very special day for them. That's all I have tonight, thank you.

Thank you very much. Let's move to item 10, the superintendent's recommendations. I will entertain a motion to approve all consent items as detailed in items 11B to 11Q. So moved.

Second. Let's see if Mr. Hill has any additions or corrections.

Well, you already asked him. Let's see if he does. Good thing. I always forget to do that for you, Jason. Well, that's good. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye and so approved. We're up to item 12 on the business service action items. We'll take these separately here. Item A. Adopt resolution number 42 2021-22. Resolution of the Redlands Unified School District, approving the final environmental impact report, mitigation measures and monitoring program for the construction and operation of the proposed Redlands East Valley High School Stadium, adopting written findings persuaded to the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Education Code, approving the project and delegating authority to staff to execute the notice of determination.

So moved. Second.

Any discussion? It was an exciting thing to read.

It's progressing.

Very, very exciting. I was going to take time to read some of it tonight, but I think it's been, it's in the agenda, so people should read that. It's an exciting time. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye and the resolution is adopted.

Resolution B. This is number 43, 2021-2022, a resolution continuing authority to hold virtual meetings pursuant to AB 361. Need a motion to approve. So moved.

Second.

Any discussion? All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye, so adopted. There's an amendment to the agenda. Item number 13A. You'll see in your board packet it's been provided. Are there any other additions or corrections from Dr. Wagner?

Thank you, President O'Neill. No changes or additions other than the one that we have from- Just the one.

Okay, thank you. So I'll ask for a motion to approve four members of the swim team from Redlands High School to travel by van to Clovis, California to compete in the CIF state swim meet effective May 12th through May 14th. Melissa, I heard a so move.

Second. Yeah.

We wish them well as an old swim coach. Good for them, good luck, and may they have fast starts and good turns. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye and so approved. We have some action items from Ed Services. We have several actually. So these are the curriculums that we would like to adopt tonight. So I'm going to ask that we do items A through D. So moved. Second. Any discussion on any of those adoptions? I know we have a great great team of people picking those out and picking the best for our students. So we appreciate that very very much for their hard work. All right. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye and those textbooks are all approved. Letter E, F, and G. Let's take those together. Need a motion to approve.

So moved. Second.

There you go.

Thank you. Moved and seconded. Any discussion?

Yes.

Go right ahead. Mr. Vara.

I just want to talk in general, not specifically on these expulsions, but As a school administrator, it's been difficult at the sites. I feel like there's something in the water because we have a tremendous amount of discipline. And I know it's all over the United States, not only pertinent to Redlands. But I just want to let the administrators know to hang in there. And if there's any discipline that needs to be taken care of, I believe that on behalf of the board, support any students that need to be suspended when there's no other means of correction. And of course, we're also going to make sure we follow all ed code rules and regulations. But just know that the board is behind the administrators, and we support the consequences to ensure that we have safety at our school sites. Thank you.

Thank you. I would also like to add that. That we're here to help parents as well. You know if their students are. making bad choices and struggling with their behavior and and having a difficult time at school in Regulating and controlling their behaviors and their thoughts and the parents are like what do I do? I'm having problems with just dealing with my kid I would hope that they would reach out to our school administrators and our support staff at our schools because we certainly can help and You know kids are for whatever reason, we think we know what some of the reasons are, given the last couple of years, but they're not the same post-pandemic as they were pre-pandemic, and we want to help get back to that point where kids are being respectful and mindful of their behavior and kind to each other and get back to being polite and making better decisions. Parents, if you're having a struggle at home with your children or child, please reach out. We have support services for that at every school site, so thank you. All right, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye, so approved. All right, we're up to human resources consent items. Dr. Robertson-Phillips, are there any corrections, additions, or whatever the other word is?

I have no changes to say, thank you.

Okay, thank you. So let's see if I can have a motion to approve all consent items 15B through 15CC.

I'll move. Second.

They're battling for second over here. I don't know who wants it, both of them. Melissa. Melissa can have it, okay. Move to second it. Any discussion on any item? Call for the vote. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Chair votes aye. So approved. In action items in regards to the public employee appointment part of the agenda I would like to report the following. In closed session the board took action to appoint Denise Fee to the position of director to expanded learning opportunity program effective July 1st 2022 at year five of the management team salary schedule with the following vote. Ayala Quintero, Holohan, O'Neill, Ren, Laveira, all voting aye. We are now on items 17, our second public participation. Dr. Robertson Phillips, did I miss something? Oh, okay. So at this time, any member of the public may address the board on any matter that is within the jurisdiction of the board, provided the person submits a completed registration card prior to coming to the mic. This is not to be a debating period. Complaints and problems relating to policy matters will be referred to the superintendent. So the person wishing to address the board shall, when recognized by the chairperson of the board, and announce his or her name. The chairperson shall, in the interest of facilitating the business of the board, limit the amount of time which a member of the public may use in addressing the board to three minutes. We can always add time if it is determined by the chairperson or the board that a different time limit would be appropriate. I hope the speakers had a chance to read our guidelines and protocols for speaking. And at this juncture, I would like to welcome Nicole Prasad to the microphone. Did I say that right, Nicole?

Prasad.

Prasad, I was close, thank you.

You've got practice for a couple months now. Hi, my name is Nicole Prasad. Mr. Anu, I would like to remind you in your March board meeting on Women's Appreciation Day, you spoke with great sentiment about your mom, wife, and sister. As a mom, wife, and a sister, I would like you to listen to my words with the same sentiment. If you care for my kids' health as much as I do every week, most should include ginger, turmeric, or garlic. In my house, our focus is on nutrients. As a healthy family, we survive COVID within one to three days with symptoms similar to a cold. We do not fear being sick or being around sick individuals because we are healthy individuals eating nutrient-dense foods daily. If you don't focus on nutrient health, then your mandates are useless. I have strongly suggested at each meeting to start a farm to school program. We have so many farms within a rock's throw of this establishment we're sitting in now. Teaching basic cooking classes, some examples that don't require a kitchen, guacamole, salsa, cold oats, puddings. Allowing salad bars back at schools and eliminating all processed foods from our schools. I have a monthly menu right here. Chicken taquitos. Cheese pizza. I don't know if there's any nutrients in those. They don't sound like it. They sound very processed. Crispy chicken sandwich. Corn dog. Teriyaki chicken. Cheeseburger and sliders. You're giving our kids American diet and they're heavily processed and we're seeing the ramifications of unhealthy kids in our schools right now. Let me remind you again before you follow government mandates that our government and FDA allow bleached bread to be sold in our stores and in so many other processed foods. I would never let my child or family member consume bleach even in small amounts, yet it is allowed in our stores. During the two-year pandemic, there were 63 children's deaths of COVID of the 9 million kids in the U.S. However, there were 6,202 deaths from all causes. Why are we only focusing on the 63 deaths when there is clearly a larger pandemic? We're in a health crisis with or without COVID. More kids are dying from cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and autism. Why have we not stopped the world when so many kids are dying each year? We continue to fight because this fight has not been won. We are not seeing strong, healthy, educated kids exiting Redlands Unified School District. You overstepped your boundaries when you closed schools, distant taught, and masked our kids. You get no more chances. We either talk about never accepting a government mandate, or we talk about improving our kids' health. Thank you.

Thank you for your time. Thank you. Ashley, I can't make out the last name, but Ashley. Hi, Ashley. I know you. Hi, Ashley. D'Ambra. Yes.

Hi. This is my first time. I'm a little bit nervous.

Don't be nervous.

Greetings, Superintendent, Cabinet and Board. My name is Ashley D'Ambra. and I am a parent of a student at Highland Grove Elementary. I'm super nervous. I'm sorry. It's okay. And Citrus Valley. I'm also a proud graduate of this very district. You can tell I'm very passionate about this. I'm so sorry. Now as an active parent and advocate for my children, I have made it a priority to come to these meetings, although this is the first time that I've spoken I am also an active member of my PTA board and currently on my school site council, as well as volunteering as much as possible, usually weekly. I often see areas of need, but have had no clue how to really help or make a change. I've sat back, I've listened, I've watched, but didn't know what to do. Thankfully, recently, I have found fellow mothers who feel the same as I do, and together we are joining forces for our children, our community, and our district. With that said, I know that there are many moms who want to be back on campus and want to help, but they can't because of their medical choices. We have sent emails in solidarity of medical choice and hope that the board chooses to address this issue formally and not simply behind closed doors. We really can work together for the best outcome of these children. Additionally I don't know if you guys know this but you cannot currently volunteer on the playground. We can volunteer in classrooms. after school activities, large events, but not during recess. I'm curious as to why, and I seriously wish that this could be reconsidered as a limitation. Speaking to multiple students, including my own and staff, a lot of the issues that you guys actually just addressed and that we all know of are actually happening on the playgrounds. I know especially in my daughter's school. So why not have helpful, willing, board-approved adults who are willing to come and be a helpful hand? I don't know about you, but I would love a good game of foursquare or play tetherball with some of these little faces, while also being an extra set of ears and eyes for the things that are occurring. This isn't written, and I'm sure I'm running out of time, but my daughter came home crying the other day because her best friend wouldn't play with her, and I said, Sometimes they want to play other things Why didn't you play what she wanted to play and then she proceeded to say because I can't play that game mom I said well what game was it and she said it's called huggy-wuggy and it is based off of a video game and a YouTube channel I didn't look it up because honestly I don't need the nightmares, but it is actually something that Officers and have suggested on the news like do not let your children participate so the kids are on at recess and they're playing this and she said, Mommy, it sounded very scary and I don't want to play it. Can I just wrap up? I'm so sorry.

Well, is that OK? She wraps it up? Yeah, go ahead.

Is that OK? I'm sorry. Anyway, bottom line is I come to you today to offer support. I'm a mom who wants to see positive change and I'm willing to help. We're willing to do the work and together we can make a change. And I'm really sorry for being so emotional. Thank you for listening.

Thank you. You did well. What was the name of the game that you, Huggy something, what was it?

Huggy, Huggy, Huggy, Huggy. I believe it's what it's called.

Thank you.

I'm not gonna say as well the official name, but I guess it's a challenge to channel and video game in regards to this scary character, boring children, and hurting them and killing them.

Okay, thank you. So next we have Is it June Newell? Julie.

That's a hard act to follow. I'm Julie Newell. I'm in Area 3. And I'm actually standing here to say thank you for your service. I'm actually the president of the women's, we're called United Women's of Influence. And I kind of started this group because I had heard a lot of moms talking about the stuff going on and we were all worried and we just didn't know what to do. And so I said, well, let's quit talking about it and let's unite together. We're good and our job is to implement positive solutions in our communities and in our schools and in our homes so that we can help our children rise up. And instead of us expecting the schools to always expect it from them, we can work together as a community. I have four children in the Redland School District. I have a first grader, third grader, fifth grader, and eighth grader. And this is the first year of our lives that I've had to call the school 20 plus times for lots of different situations. So it's been very concerning, and I wanted to just pull them out and run. but I decided that we would stay and we would work together and work with you guys. And really, my goal was, let's get in the schools. These teachers are tired, they're worn out, everyone's tired and worn out. And so where can we raise the morale? How can we help? And we decided that first we could show up and we could help the teachers and relieve some burdens. And we can implement some after school programs and we can help have kids over to dinner in the neighborhood that don't have parents that feed them dinner. So, just wanted to introduce myself, Julie Newell. We are here to help, and we're here to stand firm for our kids and our families and make a change. Thank you.

Thank you. Mrs. Macklemore, do we have any more public comment green cards? No.

All right, thank you very much.

We'll move on to item eight, board comments and reports. So let's start at this end, Mrs. Holohan.

Okay, thank you. So, I attended the bone mayor birthday brunch. Bone Mayors supports the Children's Fund San Bernardino County for foster youth programs. Just hearing the stories and the challenges these past two years and the successes actually from the students that have overcome so many obstacles was just awe-inspiring for me. And I want to thank the organization, the Bone Mayor from Redlands, for hosting that event. And I would like to see if we could send a thank you note on behalf of the Redlands Board of Education, Mr. Oriano, to the Bone Mayors. And I have their information. So, it was a great event. And then I attended a great way to start the day, April 27th, at Leadership Day in Bryn Mawr. So, being greeted by these amazing, awesome students, and I know that most of the board, actually the cabinet was there, and Mr. O'Neill and Mrs. Rendler, and to see all these wonderful young kids, and they weren't even shy, which surprised me. I mean, they were high welcome. This is what you're going to do. You're going to be in group this one, and you're going to do this, and you're going to do that. And I'm like, wow, that was awesome. They were just great, so that was really good. Kudos to Bryn Mawr for an outstanding day. Congrats on a job well done to the kids. Their greeters were amazing, so that was good. I attended the AFP conference. AFP, for some of you who don't know, is the associated of fundraising and philanthropy with my day job, my work job. But I was actually able to wear two hats, so I was out there Soliciting on fundraising and I was able to share information for schools. So I will share that in the future with With you guys and let you know some of the things that I came up with on fundraising because everyone needs to raise money So it was really interesting that I was able to take off one hat for my day job and then put on my other board member hat so it was very educational and It was nice to reconnect with my colleagues those of you who could attend on the work with equity and equality with Nicole Anderson again and It was a good workshop and even though it seems like we have a lot of work ahead of us, I'm happy to say that we are committed still after two years and we continue to keep on working and even if they're baby steps. So thank you for all of us and for sharing because I know sometimes that isn't easy. Tomorrow is the day of the teacher. And so I would like to sincerely thank our teachers tomorrow for all their commitment these past two years and to our students and for giving to our students and our parents It's been amazing for these past two years what they have done and overcome so many challenges. So thank you so much. Lord knows it hasn't been easy, but you've hung in there and continue to give 250 percent every single day, day in and day out. So thank you. Thank you, teachers. I hope you know how deeply appreciative I am to you, every one of you. And I hope you have a great day. Hope to see everyone tomorrow at the cry rock ribbon-cutting. It's going to be exciting. We've been working on that for a long time and then So following next Tuesday, May 17th, is the day of the Redlands Educational Support Professionals Day. So thank you to all our RESPA employees and their commitment to our students and our parents and our staff. We truly have not made it without your dedication and loyalty to your job. So thank you, RESPA, and I hope you have a great day. Then also, just lastly, congratulations to all our retirees and to those who could not attend tonight being recognized. Thank you for your service at Redlands Unified School District. We know that you had options and you chose Redlands Unified School District. So we are very thankful for that and I hope that you have fond memories and please know your hard work did not go unnoticed and Congrats and we'll miss you and God bless and then just lastly Coming here tonight. I want to thank our principal here from Clement. Mr. Marcel for hosting us tonight and staff They did a great job setting up Colin, I said, Marcel, sorry, wrong one. Mr. Colin, thank you. He's not here, okay. Thank you for hosting us here tonight, and everything looks great. I remember being here a long time ago on this stage when I look up at, and trying out for cheerleading, so it looks a lot different. All the lights here are amazing, what they've done, and it's just good, fond memories, and I always love coming back to Clements, so thank you, Mr. Colin.

Hosting us tonight, and that's my report Thank you My report is gonna be a lot shorter now. Thank you for that too appreciate it Melissa nothing for me tonight, okay?

Mr.. Barak nothing for me true Yes

So, yes, I also attended the Bryn Mawr Leadership Day, along with Patty and Jim and Cabinet. They rolled out the red carpet for us when we first got there. Those students were amazing. They are gonna be the future leaders. I already can tell. There's a few of them. They're going to middle school next year, and I already have their names, so I have them ready to do something in the middle schools. I also was able to attend Night Among the Stars at REV, the special education prom. Last week, that was fabulous. I was so impressed by the different student groups, the football team, the softball team, link crew, all the different groups, and ASB coming to help and put that prom together for those kids. Those kids were all smiles. It was wonderful. And they danced. It was really fun. Just want to remind everybody that tomorrow night is evening of appreciation for rep. And I just want to congratulate all the nominees. And I hope we see you all there tomorrow night at 6.30. And I'll recap up the Harlem Wizards game. It went well. We had almost 1,000 people in attendance, which is about 300 or 400 more than the last time we did it. And I think everyone had a good time. You asked Mauricio and Mr. Barich if they had a good time. I think it was fun. I want to congratulate all the retirees. Many, many hours spent serving the children and families in our district, and I thank you very much for that. And I think that's about it. Oh, I also wanted to congratulate Mauricio on his award at the Access Spring Celebration. He received the Margaret Hill Social Justice Award, and so that was really fun to attend. And that's all, yeah.

Well, thank you for those reports. We all certainly share most of the sentiments that each of you have expressed. Thank you for sharing them. Thank you, Clement Middle School staff for allowing us to have our board meeting here tonight. Thank you, staff, for all of your hard work and security detail. Thank you for keeping everybody safe here tonight. Appreciate it. And I believe I am now going to adjourn this meeting. So thanks everybody for coming and congratulations to all of our retirees.