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Board of Education — May 21, 2024

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The Redlands Unified School District board meeting was called to order on May 21, 2024, with a moment of silence held for John Shower, a former Mariposa Elementary principal who passed away on April 10th. The board approved multiple consent items and action items, including the appointment of Jennifer Hoch as director of staff development and school improvement effective July 1, 2024. Three public hearings were conducted regarding the 2024 Local Control and Accountability Plan, the 2024-25 annual budget, and the district's balance in excess of minimum reserve requirements. The Assistant Superintendent of Business reported that the budget was developed prior to the May revision and will be updated in June, with no anticipated major funding changes.

Key decisions

Appointed Jennifer Hoch to director of staff development and school improvement effective July 1, 2024, at step four of management salary schedule (unanimous vote: Ayala, Quintero, Houlihan, O'Neill, Renler, Vara voting aye)
Approved addition of one police officer to assist middle schools (item 14G discussed and approved)
Adopted Resolution Number 31-2023-2024 regarding RDA pass-through allocations per AB 1290 (unanimous vote: all in favor)
Approved education services consent items 16A-16E (unanimous vote: all in favor)
Approved education services action items 17A-17F (unanimous vote: all in favor)
Approved consent items 18A through 18X (unanimous vote: all in favor)
Approved employment contract with Juan M Lopez as interim assistant superintendent effective May 22, 2024 through July 1, 2025 at $1,000 per day for 3-5 days per week, maximum 74 days (unanimous vote: all in favor)
Pulled item 15B from agenda for separate consideration

Public comment

Two members of the public addressed the board. Paul Blatchley, a high school parent, requested four actions: that board members stop acting as parents to students, ensure teachers teach only published curriculum, ban smartphones from school campuses, and promote community college alternatives to UC and Cal State schools. Rachel Donner, parent of a dyslexic third-grade student, expressed concern that the special education department was not complying with a settlement agreement for reimbursement of private assessments and services for her son's reading and writing support.

Notable speakers

SPEAKER_11 (Board Chair Vara) - Called meeting to order, presided over proceedings, discussed student safety protocols and additional police officer, SPEAKER_01 (Ms. Renner) - Read tribute to former principal John Shower, Jennifer Hoch - Newly appointed director of staff development, expressed excitement about the role and praised district staff, Christian (Student Trustee from Orangewood High School) - Provided comprehensive student reports on spring events, sports achievements, and graduation dates; acknowledged final board meeting, SPEAKER_12 (Jason Hill, Assistant Superintendent of Business) - Reported on budget status and May revision updates, Paul Blatchley - Public comment speaker on education policy, Rachel Donner - Public comment speaker on special education concerns, SPEAKER_09 (Mr. McCasey) - Presented spring sports achievements and CBL championships, SPEAKER_06 (Patty Houlihan, Board Member) - Provided committee reports and recognized employees and retirees, SPEAKER_02 (Jim O'Neill, Board Member) - Commented on opportunities and expressed support for student programs

Topics: Budget and finances · Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) · School safety and police presence · Special education and student services · Spring sports achievements and CBL championships · Student trustee program · Employee recognition and retirements · School events and performances · Personnel appointments · Classified employee recognition