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Board of Education — April 23, 2024

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The Redlands Unified School District Board of Education held a meeting that included public comment, student and staff reports, recognition of C-STEM educators, and approval of multiple consent and action items. The meeting featured discussion about district equity concerns raised by a long-time parent, as well as celebration of student achievements and staff accomplishments across multiple schools. The board approved several personnel appointments, including the appointment of Wes Cullen as Principal of Redlands High School and Michael Lava as Principal of Cramton Elementary School, both effective July 1st, 2024.

Key decisions

Approved consent items 14A (B through O) - Business Services with unanimous vote
Approved consent items 16A (B through E) - Educational Services with unanimous vote
Adopted Resolution 28-2023 through 2024 designating May 21st, 2024 as Education Support Professionals Day with unanimous vote (aye)
Adopted Resolution designating May 8th, 2024 as Day of the Teacher with unanimous vote (aye)
Approved educational service action items 17C, D, and E with unanimous vote (aye)
Approved human resources consent items 18A (B through V) with unanimous vote (aye)
Appointed Wes Cullen to position of Principal at Redlands High School effective July 1st, 2024 at step four of management salary schedule (vote: 5 aye - Ayala, Quintero, Holahan, O'Neill, Rendler, Vara)
Appointed Michael Lava to position of Principal at Cramton Elementary School effective July 1st, 2024 at step one of management salary schedule (vote: 5 aye - Ayala, Quintero, Holahan, O'Neill, Rendler, Vara)

Public comment

Three members of the public spoke. Paul Blatchley, a 31-year parent in the district, raised concerns about bullying of neurodivergent students, inequitable homework policies, teacher quality issues, and questioned district focus on equity. He noted the district has $45 million in settlements and suggested swapping staff between high and low-performing schools as a potential solution. Olga Romero spoke briefly about the $7,000 EEBG grant approval, noting it was state funding not from RUSD's budget. Tricia Keeling responded supportively to earlier comments, noting that school success challenges are statewide and nationwide, and encouraged parent involvement through PTA participation and volunteering.

Notable speakers

Paul Blatchley - Long-time parent and critic of district equity and teacher quality issues, Olga Romero - Parent commenting on EEBG grant funding, Tricia Keeling - Parent supporter of district staff development, Ethan - Student Trustee from Redlands East Valley High School, reported on E Academy events and Prop 28 funding for theater improvements, Deepika Srivastava - Coordinator of Student Innovation, presented C-STEM program overview and educator awards, Superintendent Cabral - Addressed public comments about speaker funding and professional development, Dr. Ken Wagner - Recognized C-STEM educators of the year, Wes Cullen - Newly appointed Principal of Redlands High School, Michael Lava - Newly appointed Principal of Cramton Elementary School

Topics: Student bullying and neurodivergent student support · Equity and educational inequity in schools · Teacher quality and professional development · EEBG grant funding ($7,000 speaker allocation) · Homework policy inequities · C-STEM program (coding and robotics integration) · EMS Day at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center · Bike Classic event · Prop 28 funding for Blackstone Theater LED lighting system · CRIROP (Regional Occupational Program) job openings · Teacher of the Year awards · Education Support Professionals Day · Administrative appointments · Staff professional development and training · School performance disparities