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Board of Education — May 7, 2024

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The Redlands Unified School District held a board meeting featuring the appointment of four new management positions effective July 1, 2024: Jennifer Connect, Nicole Steinhaus, and Deborah Yanda as elementary assistant principals, and David Monaco as director of technology services. All four were unanimously appointed by the board (voting members: Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Render, Vara). The meeting included student trustee reports highlighting academic achievements, testing, and upcoming performances, as well as association reports recognizing the large number of retiring educators this year (70 total retirements compared to 18 the previous year) and celebrating various student achievements and community events.

Key decisions

Appointed Jennifer Connect to elementary assistant principal position effective July 1, 2024 at Step one of management team salary schedule - unanimous vote (Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Render, Vara voting aye)
Appointed Nicole Steinhaus to elementary assistant principal position effective July 1, 2024 at Step one of management team salary schedule - unanimous vote (Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Render, Vara voting aye)
Appointed Deborah Yanda to elementary assistant principal position effective July 1, 2024 at Step one of management team salary schedule - unanimous vote (Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Render, Vara voting aye)
Appointed David Monaco to director of technology services position effective July 1, 2024 at Step one of management team salary schedule - unanimous vote (Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Render, Vara voting aye)
Approved agenda with student trustee preferential vote

Public comment

Paul Blatchley, a high school parent from trustee area five, expressed concerns about high school performance and alleged indoctrination in schools. He argued that students are not being taught critical thinking and cited examples of student positions on political and economic issues (Palestinian-Israeli conflict, minimum wage, climate change), suggesting students are receiving one-sided messaging rather than balanced perspectives. He recommended surveys to identify potential indoctrination and called for the district to present multiple viewpoints on controversial topics. A board member responded by reframing concerns about test scores as motivation for students to compete against other schools.

Notable speakers

Jennifer Connect - newly appointed elementary assistant principal, 27 years in education, Nicole Steinhaus - newly appointed elementary assistant principal, Deborah Yanda - newly appointed elementary assistant principal, 17 years in education, Redlands product, David Monaco - newly appointed director of technology services, 23 years in district, Paul Blatchley - public commenter, high school parent raising concerns about curriculum and student critical thinking, Thomas Harron - student trustee, Redlands High School, Christian - student trustee, Orangewood, Alina Jose - student trustee, Citrus Valley High School, Ethan Morris - student trustee, Red Lincys Valley High School, Roxanne Garcia - student alternate trustee, REV, discussed May 6 peaceful protest on campus, Sue - Redlands Teachers Association representative, Liz - Redlands Education Support Professionals Association representative

Topics: Personnel appointments · Management positions · Teacher appreciation · Student testing and academics · Staff retirements · Special education and inclusion · Student achievements and performances · AP testing · End-of-year celebrations · District curriculum and instruction