Board of Education — February 10, 2026

The Redlands Unified School District Board of Education met on February 10, 2026, with closed session opening at 4:00 p.m. and open session on the agenda for 6:00 p.m. 1. The board adjourned to open session at 6:08 p.m., President Michele Rendler called the regular meeting to order at 6:15 p.m., and all five members were present: Michele Rendler, Patty Holohan, Melissa Ayala-Quintero, Candy Olson and Jeannette Wilson 2. Student Trustee Aubrey Schan led the Pledge of Allegiance 2. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. 3.

Two of the night's three big items ended without the board adopting anything, which is the part most easily misread from the agenda alone.

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📱 The student device policy was denied on second reading, on purpose

New Board Policy 5131.8, Mobile Communication Devices, came to the board on second reading as item 15.g 4. The draft in the board packet was still headed "Status: DRAFT" and "Original Adopted Date: Pending" 5. It would have allowed students in grades TK-8 to use devices only before school begins and after the school day ends, with devices "turned off, placed in airplane mode, or silenced and not visible during the school day, which includes passing periods, recesses, and lunch," and would have let students in grades 9-12 use devices during noninstructional time 5. The board did not adopt it 6.

The motion to approve it was made by Melissa Ayala-Quintero and seconded by Patty Holohan 6. The motion was opened on the recording at 1:58:21 7. The first objection raised was to the drafting: the language was "still a little bit... sloppy per se," shifting between "smartphone," "mobile communication device," "personal electronic device" and "device," and the suggestion made was to name all of the devices once in the first paragraph and use a single term thereafter 8. From there the discussion turned on whether the board should hear from teachers and from districts already operating under the new law before adopting anything. Asked on the record whether the item should be pulled, the answer was "That would be a thought, just to kind of get some feedback" 9. The reply set the course: "We already have a motion, so let's just vote it down and let them rework it" 10. Just before the roll call the point was restated plainly: "No vote would make us go back and get input" 11.

The adopted minutes record the motion as denied 6. The rejection was procedural rather than substantive, and the record bears that out. The policy had been approved on first reading, with corrections, at the January 27 meeting 12, and the version now in the district's live policy manual carries an original adopted date of April 28, 2026 13. That adopted text answers the drafting complaint raised here almost word for word: it opens by defining "mobile communication devices (hereafter referred to as 'devices')" and then uses the single term throughout, and it substitutes "placed on a silent setting and not visible" for the February draft's "turned off, placed in airplane mode, or silenced" 13.

One press account of this meeting is wrong on the central fact. Community Forward Redlands News reported that the board "approved a new districtwide policy regulating student use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices during its Feb. 10 meeting" 14. The district's own adopted minutes record the February 10 motion as denied 6, and the recording shows a substantial discussion rather than none 7. The policy was adopted on second and final reading on April 28 13.

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📚 The library materials proposal became a directive instead of a policy

Discussion item 21.a was a proposed Board Policy on Library/Media Center Material Adoption 15. The draft in the packet, still titled "BP XYZ," would have barred from any school library material containing "Perceived pornography, erotica, graphic descriptions or graphic depictions of sexual acts, sexual violence, and/or sexually explicit content," required that all library material "must be approved and signed off by school site Principal prior to being placed in the library," given a site principal "the independent authority and obligation to remove this content within two business days," and required each school to keep the resulting documentation in the principal's office for at least four years 16. The board did not adopt it 3.

The minutes record that Board Member Candy Olson explained she had proposed the policy after concerns arose about a recently donated book, Gender Queer, containing explicit sexual content, noted that site and district administrators were unaware the book had been added, and expressed concern about the lack of accountability in the current selection process 3. The governance handbook is the route she used: any board member may request that a matter within the board's jurisdiction be placed on the agenda of a regular meeting, in writing to the board president and superintendent at least eight calendar days ahead 17.

The discussion opened at 3:21:59 18 and did not end in a policy. On the record the alternative the board took was put this way: "you could, as a board, direct me, as a superintendent, to come to the next meeting with a process that will be implemented that would include oversight that's being discussed, absent of having to pass a policy" 19. The minutes record the outcome: after discussion with other board members, the board directed Superintendent Cabral to develop a formal procedure for reviewing and approving library materials to ensure inappropriate content is not accessible to students 3. A return date was stated on the record: "I can have it by the time we meet again on March 10th" 20. KVCR News reported the same outcome the next morning: "Instead, they directed Cabral to draft a new districtwide procedure to add oversight and documentation for book donations" 21, and Community Forward Redlands News reported draft procedures due by the March 10 meeting 22.

The proposal cut against a policy the district has had on its books since 1995. BP 6163.1, Library Media Centers, states that "school libraries have a responsibility to nurture intellectual growth and freedom" by providing, among other things, "Materials that present opposing sides of controversial issues, so that students may learn, with guidance, how to analyze and think critically about what they read," and it provides that "Library staff may consult with teachers, administrators, students and community members when preparing recommendations for purchasing, removing or replacing library books and materials" 23. That conflict was raised from the podium: the minutes record Gina Porter stating that district librarians follow established professional standards including the Library Bill of Rights and guidance from the California School Library Association, and expressing concern that the proposed policy conflicts with existing district policy 6163.1 and with practices in other districts 24. The district also already has a route for contested material: AR 1312.2, Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials, last revised in August 2025, sets out procedures for handling challenged or questioned materials 25.

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💼 A four-site classified reduction, much smaller than the one it followed

Item 17.a was Resolution No. 2025-2026-17, reducing or eliminating site categorically funded classified positions for lack of work and/or lack of funds 26. The resolution in the packet names the positions: one Instructional Paraprofessional II in Language Support Programs at Redlands High (3.5 hours a day, 180 days), two Instructional Paraprofessional II positions in Special Education at Mission Elementary (1.0 hour a day, 180 days), one Instructional Technology Paraprofessional at Mentone Elementary (3.0 hours a day, 176 days) and one at Crafton Elementary (7.0 hours a day, 176 days), with the reductions effective July 1, 2026 and bumping rights preserved according to seniority and prior positions held in the district 27.

A clerical correction to that table was put on the record before the vote: "I have one change for item 17A. I have a clerical edit to Resolution 17, page 1," splitting the Mission Elementary line into one special education position and one general education position rather than two special education positions 28. The minutes record the motion, made by Melissa Ayala-Quintero and seconded by Jeannette Wilson, as carried 29.

This is a small action and it arrived in the middle of a much larger one. Two weeks earlier, on January 27, the board had taken up Resolution 2025-26-15, authorizing a reduction in force for permanent classified employees for 2026-27 30. KVCR News reported of that meeting that "the Redlands school board voted to start the pink slip process for 138 jobs" against a $17 million shortfall 31. Most of the layoff comment on February 10 was addressed to that January action rather than to the five positions actually before the board, and the minutes reflect it: Gina Porter told the board that proposed cuts to up to 135 positions included her own 24.

The board also approved and ratified a clinical experience agreement with the University of Mary, effective December 10, 2025 29. The agreement itself sits in the packet as scanned images rather than extractable text; rendered, it is an affiliation agreement with the University of Mary's St. Gianna School of Health Sciences under which the district serves as a clinical site 32.

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🗣️ Two public comment periods, and what the minutes record

The count reported for the first comment period was 46 speakers, and the time was set at two minutes each 33; for the second period the count announced was 20, at three minutes 34. The minutes record comments from 22 speakers in the first period and 16 in the second.

On layoffs and staffing. Jean Saglam opposed the proposed layoffs as harmful and unnecessary and asked the board to reassess its priorities 35. Siw Heede said reducing staff, particularly in special education, could lead to burnout, increased sick leave and students falling through the cracks 36. Michael Paisner urged the board to reconsider prioritizing executive salaries over positions that directly support students 36. Daniel Ambriz opposed cuts affecting counselors, health technicians and paraprofessionals and asked board members to visit moderate and severe classrooms, without cameras, before making staffing decisions 24. Nicole Matson warned that reductions to the health department would create gaps in legally required medical care under students' IEPs and 504 plans and increase district liability, speaking both as a nurse and as the parent of a child with a disability 37. Lamar Simmons said enrollment has declined 7.1% since 2019 while the proposal would reduce certificated staff who work directly with students by 9.85%, and that students with disabilities have increased 12.8% 38. Alicia, describing the shortfall as a $20 million deficit rather than the $17 million figure other speakers used, asked for a clear public report on non-classroom cuts and urged the board to prioritize attrition, early retirements, vacancy freezes and contract renegotiations before reducing student-support positions 38. David Kovach closed with a quote from Martin Niemöller and asked those who did not receive notices to support colleagues who did 38. Joshua Hall said most proposed layoffs are affecting lower-level staff while only three administrators are impacted, and asked for a more equitable approach 24. Peter Hall said most proposed layoffs affect teachers, librarians, paraprofessionals and health workers and asked that cuts come from the top instead 24.

On the library proposal. Michael Paisner opposed it, said board members lack Library Science expertise, named Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies and Fahrenheit 451 as classics that should remain, and criticized vague restrictions on "perceived pornography" 36. Lindsey Schmitz said access to diverse, award-winning and culturally significant books is essential to a quality public education 24. Pat Molnar called terms like "wholesome," "choice" and "controversial" vague and inadequate 39. Valerie Taber said the policy would allow removal on vague and subjective terms such as "wholesome" and "prevailing concept of decency" without oversight or community input, and that First Amendment protections require objective, fact-based removal procedures 40. A commenter the minutes identify only as Bea opposed the policy and said community feedback and expert input had not been sufficiently considered 40. Avery Johnston-Cabral said many students read well above grade level and further limits would restrict access to appropriate and challenging materials 37.

In support of more oversight. Dale Broome said sexually graphic books, including It's Perfectly Normal and Gender Queer, had been placed in school libraries without clear documentation of approval, and asked for a policy requiring review and administrative approval of books containing sexually explicit content 36. Valerie Zavis supported oversight and accountability and said decisions about library materials should be documented and approved 39. Greg Brittain supported the district's library materials policies, emphasized the board's oversight responsibility, and separately questioned whether the multi-day Catalina field trip and the proposed Hawaii trip were appropriate uses of funds 40. Emily Heebner took a third position, supporting choices that promote engagement and suggesting books on civics and finance, graphic novels and audiobooks for reluctant readers 39.

On board conduct and on pay. Eriko Grossman raised board members' conduct at a conference in Sacramento and asked for clarification of the factors behind the reported $17 million deficit 35. Mark Laird said the financial crisis was created by approving raises and hires with temporary funds, welcomed the Orangewood High restroom project, and said decisions about what is age-appropriate should be made by trained professionals 37. In the second period, Katie Swift said a 0% raise despite a state-recommended 2.3% COLA undermines district educators, Janessa Greenleaf said a 0% raise dismisses educators' dedication and asked for a modest cost-of-living increase, and Elena Martinez said her current salary causes financial stress that limits savings, homeownership and family planning and reduces her ability to provide supplemental materials for students 41. Carol Rivera said her cost of living has risen sharply while her salary is $12,000 less than at her previous school 44. Michael Paisner raised the governance policy passed in December, saying it requires board members to act with professionalism, civility and respect and to foster a culture of inclusion, and said Ms. Olson had allegedly violated it by posting and endorsing content opposing board-approved pronoun use and attacking fellow board members, criticising Ms. Rendler for not enforcing it 41. The handbook he referenced commits each member to "treat fellow board members, the Superintendent, staff, students, and the public with courtesy and respect, even when (and especially when) we disagree" and to "model the civility and professionalism I expect from all RUSD staff and students in person and online" 42.

Peter Hall commented on perceived inconsistencies in how the board enforces its rules during public comment, saying a previous attendee, Bea Hamilton, interrupted Superintendent Cabral twice without consequence while his own brother was removed for reading an email between Jeffrey Epstein and a doctor 43. Joshua Hall had read portions of that alleged correspondence earlier in the same period 44. Valerie Taber said she had been removed from a previous meeting for language while others were allowed to present graphic material in front of children 43. Jeff Poggi said Redlands was once a "gold standard" for teaching and that the board has focused on culture war issues while neglecting community priorities 43.

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📣 Association reports and the district's account of the deficit

Stephen Caperton of the Redlands Teachers Association disputed statements attributing the district's financial challenges to the 2022-23 salary settlement, saying the 13.25% compensation increase aligned with a historic 13.26% permanent COLA and augmentation provided by the state during a year of 9.1% inflation and that the funding was ongoing, not one-time 45. He added that surrounding Inland Empire districts reported average settlements above 9%, that the district contributes roughly $5,000 less per employee toward health and welfare benefits than neighbouring districts, and that the following two-year agreement provided 6%, below the COLA the district received, negotiated alongside an early retirement incentive 45. (The minutes of this meeting print his surname as "Carperton"; the district's own minutes elsewhere, and later coverage, give "Caperton.") KVCR News reported the same dispute ten days later, quoting him that "the 2022-23 raise was supported by ongoing state funding tied to increases in the Local Control Funding Formula" 46.

Liz Huerta-Brewster of the Redlands Education Support Professionals Association apologised to the Transportation and Maintenance and Operations departments for not being acknowledged at the previous meeting 45. She asked the board to pause and re-examine budget assumptions, explore alternatives to layoffs, and engage transparently with labor partners before making irreversible decisions, describing layoffs as a last resort 47. Jennie Dyerly of the Redlands Administrative Personnel Association shared that the National School Public Relations Association had named Superintendent Juan Cabral one of the 2025-26 "Superintendents to Watch" 47.

Superintendent Juan J. Cabral told the board he takes full responsibility for the district's current budget situation and welcomed accountability from the board, staff and community 48. He explained that when he assumed the role in 2023, raises had been approved using one-time funds, and that declining enrollment of nearly 400 students further reduced anticipated revenue; he said the recommended reductions focused primarily on positions outside the classroom, that some itinerant paraeducators would be reassigned to classroom roles, and that meetings and site office hours had been held with affected staff 48.

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🏛️ Board comments

Melissa Ayala-Quintero thanked Cabinet, the superintendent, Child Nutrition Services and the Optimist Club for supporting Civics Day, recognised students who shadowed the board clerk, and marked Black History Month 49. She used her comments to explain her position at the previous meeting, saying she did not support layoffs, that her position had been based on a request for a smaller, more limited list of proposed cuts, and that she had asked the superintendent to explore additional cost-saving options 49. Michele Rendler reported on the Dual Language Immersion meeting at McKinley and visits to the wellness centers at Redlands East Valley and Citrus Valley, congratulated staff on a Golden Bell Award for the Bridge Adult Transition Program, and said layoffs were necessary because of the expiration of one-time COVID funding, declining enrollment and lower attendance affecting state funding 49.

Jeannette Wilson said her attendance at the CIF executive committee meeting was to support female athletes seeking a safe and fair playing field, and that the purpose was to advocate for the girls' opportunities and well-being, not to protest or act in a mean-spirited manner 50. Candy Olson said that during the recent CSBA trip she did not protest, that she passed by Beth Born, greeted her, took a photo and entered the conference without engaging with the public, and that at the CIF executive championship she did not protest trans athletes, as none were present 50. Patty Holohan reported on the City of Redlands Chamber annual awards dinner, recognising Mike Reynolds, asked that a thank-you letter be sent to the Optimist Club for hosting Civic Day, congratulated Tim Rochford at the Chocolate Fantasy for the Boys and Girls Club, and acknowledged Mark Blind's upcoming retirement 50.

Superintendent Cabral announced that Clement Middle School would host its annual Black History Month celebration on February 20 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. 49.

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✅ Everything else the board acted on

The board approved Business Services Consent Items 12.a through 12.e 48, which included a $7,000 agreement with HLCM, Inc. for a feasibility study level estimate of the existing North Campus stadium bleachers at Redlands High School for a proposed press box, funded by Measure D local construction funds 48; a $151,207.00 agreement plus reimbursables with PCH Architects for architectural and engineering services covering HVAC, electrical, roof replacement and a secure point of entry at Kingsbury Elementary, also Measure D 51; acceptance as complete and filing of a Notice of Completion for Bid 16-25 with Epsilon Engineering, Inc. for the Orangewood High School restroom expansion, verified complete as of January 29, 2026 51; and payment transmittals 26001826 through 26001970 totalling $6,107,850.05 52.

The board adopted Resolution No. 19, 2025-2026, Transfers of Appropriations 52, which authorises staff to process transfers of appropriation during the 2026-2027 fiscal year under Education Code sections 42600 through 42602 and 42610 53.

The board approved Educational Services Consent Items 14.a through 14.m 52. Those included field trips for Redlands High and Citrus Valley wrestlers to the CIF playoff tournament at Moorpark, 55 Redlands High Spiritleaders to USA Nationals in Anaheim, 30 Citrus Valley AVID students to Northern California college campuses, and 18 fifth graders from Lugonia Elementary to the Catalina Island Marine Institute 54; a Redlands High girls volleyball trip to Hilo, Hawaii in September 2026 54; a $6,500 agreement with Optum Behavioral Care of California, P.C. for special education evaluation services 55; the 2024-2025 School Accountability Report Cards for all 25 school sites 55; acceptance of the 2025-2026 LCAP mid-year update, which Education Code 52062(6)(A) requires be presented on or before February 28 56; and a memorandum of understanding with California State University, San Bernardino creating a college preparation and guaranteed admission program for qualified students, beginning in 2026-2027 and running through January 30, 2030 56.

The board approved Educational Services Action Items 15.a through 15.f, covering one readmission following expulsion, two reinstatements of stipulated expulsions, one panel expulsion and two stipulated expulsions 57, and adopted Resolution No. 18, 2025-2026, proclaiming February 2 through February 6, 2026 National School Counseling Week under the theme "School Counselors Amplify Student Success" 58. It also approved Human Resources Consent Items 16.a through 16.c, covering certificated, classified and other personnel 58.

In closed session before the open meeting, the board approved the superintendent's recommendations to release and reassign two employees under Education Code section 44951 effective the 2026-27 school year 59, and to proceed with immediate suspension without pay and the termination process for a third certificated employee effective February 11, 2026, by issuing a Notice of Immediate Suspension Without Pay and 30-Day Notice of Dismissal under Education Code section 44934 59. No action was reported on the real property negotiator, existing litigation or student matters 59.

Student Trustee Aubrey Schan reported that Academic Decathlon had completed its in-person competition, that varsity basketball went undefeated in league for the first time since 2006 and would host a CIF game, that varsity soccer teams also qualified for CIF competition and that four wrestlers earned gold at CBL 2. The report also covered upcoming Redlands eAcademy events and the selection of a new mascot, "Sir Reginald (Reggie) the Golden Eagle" 45. Melissa Ayala-Quintero reported from CRY-ROP that 26 Redlands East Valley digital video production students visited a live broadcast at KESQ in Palm Desert and that Student Services and cabinet toured Redlands High School's Adult Transition Program 60. Jeannette Wilson reported that the Compact clubs steering committee had met and that mock interviews are being planned 48.