Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Meeting Resources
Introduction
- Regular Board Meeting held on 2024 at NUSD boardroom, streamed via YouTube. Key themes included:
- Swearing-in of three newly elected board members.
- Annual reorganization of board leadership.
- Public concerns about academic integrity (Apex program) and student cell phone use.
Agenda Items
New Board Member Swearing-In Ceremony
- Description:
- Aiden Hill (incumbent), Austin Block, and Gabriel Anguiano Jr. sworn in for 4-year terms.
- Ceremony included family members and students administering oaths.
- Decisions made or actions taken:
- Formal approval of new board members.
Annual Board Reorganization
- Description:
- Election of officers: Katherine Jones as Board President, Nancy Thomas as Vice President.
- Approval of 2025-2026 meeting calendar (1 regular meeting + 1 study session monthly).
- Committee appointments finalized (Audit, LCAP Advisory, SELPA, etc.).
- Decisions made or actions taken:
- Superintendent Tracey Vackar appointed as Board Secretary.
- Meeting times set: 6 PM for study sessions, 7 PM for regular meetings.
Public Comments
- Key themes:
- Academic Integrity: Brian Foster raised concerns about the Apex credit-recovery program, alleging grade inflation. Called for an independent investigation.
- Cell Phone Policy: Foster recommended stricter policies citing The Anxious Generation research.
- Civic Engagement: Leslie Wong urged respect for diverse viewpoints in board deliberations.
- Staff Recognition: NTA President Cheri Villa acknowledged newly elected city officials with ties to NUSD.
Follow-Up and Commitments
- Apex Program Audit: Superintendent Vackar committed to investigating Foster’s claims.
- Cell Phone Policy Development: Align with upcoming state mandates; consider Foster’s book recommendation.
- Committee Work:
- Audit Committee (Nancy Thomas + Gabriel Anguiano Jr.) to review financial practices.
- LCAP Advisory Committee (Katherine Jones + Gabriel Anguiano Jr.) to oversee 2024-2025 budget/plan.
- Website Updates: Bios for new board members and student representative Joy Lee to be added.
Conclusion
- Outcome: Transition to new leadership with focus on fiscal accountability, academic rigor, and community collaboration.
- Next Steps:
- January 2025: First meetings under new schedule; LCAP/budget workshops.
- Ongoing: Address Apex concerns, finalize cell phone policy, and engage with city officials via liaison committee.
- Closing: Board and staff exchanged holiday wishes, emphasizing rest and readiness for 2025 initiatives.
Formatting verified: Consistent H3/H4 headers, bulleted lists after colons, flat structure, neutral tone.
[173] Aiden Hill: Roll call and this is for our current seated members that are up here on the dais. So, Miss Lemus, do you want to do a manual roll call?
[186] Toya Lemus: Member Thomas? Here. Vice President Jones? Here. President Hill?
[191] Aiden Hill: Here. Okay, moving on to item 1.2, Pledge of Allegiance. If I can get everybody to stand, please. Repeat after me. 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. OK. Moving on to item 1.3, meeting practices and information. The members of the public may observe the meeting via the NUSD YouTube channel or in person at the NUSD boardroom. Spanish translation will be available in person. Regarding public comment, the public will have the opportunity to address the Board of Education regarding non-agendized matters and agendized items by email at publiccomment at newarkunified.org or in-person comments by submitting a speaker card with the executive assistant. And with that, we're going to move on to item two, which is new board member swearing-in ceremony. And actually, before we start that, because I might have jumped the gun, so Ms. Lemus, because I didn't ask you whether you were ready, were you able to activate YouTube and all that other stuff? I mean, we're all live, right? Yes. OK, perfect. OK, so we're ready to move on to item two, new board member swearing-in ceremony. And I will hand this over to the superintendent.
[286] Tracey Vackar: Thank you. Good evening, everyone. This is a very special evening for the Newark Unified School District. I want to thank everyone for coming out here this evening to celebrate our new elected officials that will be assuming office this evening. We have three people that went through the election process, won the election, and we are delighted to welcome them to being part of our Newark Unified School District Board of Education. The following names, Aiden Hill, Who has served prior is? Doing another four-year term Austin block Will be joining us Gabriel and Guiano jr. Will be joining us and I'm gonna step down off the dais they do have some special guests that will be helping to swear them in this evening and I'd also like to give them an opportunity after everybody's words in just To be able to just be a couple comments and afterwards we like to invite you to join us for a celebration here in the boardroom So with that, I'm going to step down and ask Austin Block and his guest to please join me. Right here in the microphone. You can join over here. And so you're going to read it. And then Austin is going to read after you.
[390] Vanessa Labarga: OK. For me. So for the Office of Newark Unified School Board, wait, does he say that part? No. OK. So I, Austin Block.
[403] Austin Block: I, Austin Block.
[404] Vanessa Labarga: Do solemnly swear.
[406] Austin Block: Do solemnly swear.
[407] Vanessa Labarga: That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
[410] Austin Block: That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
[414] Vanessa Labarga: And the Constitution of the State of California.
[416] Austin Block: And the Constitution of the State of California.
[419] Vanessa Labarga: Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
[421] Austin Block: Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
[423] Vanessa Labarga: That I will bear true faith and allegiance.
[426] Austin Block: That I will bear true faith and allegiance.
[428] Vanessa Labarga: To the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.
[433] Austin Block: the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.
[437] Vanessa Labarga: That I take this obligation freely.
[439] Austin Block: That I take this obligation freely.
[441] Vanessa Labarga: Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[444] Austin Block: Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[447] Vanessa Labarga: And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties.
[451] Austin Block: And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties.
[453] Vanessa Labarga: Upon which I am about to enter.
[455] Austin Block: Upon which I am about to enter.
[458] Tracey Vackar: Congratulations. Thank you.
[474] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: So my daughter, Destiny Anguiano, and she'll be reading and swearing me in.
[508] Destiny Anguiano: I, Gabriel Anguiano Jr., do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
[530] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: It's hard to follow.
[533] Aiden Hill: Do it in pieces.
[536] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: I, Gabriel Anguiano Jr.., do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.
[567] Destiny Anguiano: That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
[579] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: That I will take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will will and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I, which I am about to enter. Thank you.
[603] Toya Lemus: Thank you.
[608] Tracey Vackar: And then our last new member will be member Aiden Hill. I love it. I love it too. And Aiden, would you like to invite your guests to come forward? We are not here yet. So let me make an explanation.
[626] Aiden Hill: Sure. So everybody, thank you for coming. And my students that I teach during the day, they are on their way. I was hopefully going to have them swear me in, but it looks like they are stuck in traffic. So we'll just have to introduce them when they come in. But instead, we will have our eminent superintendent walk me through the process. And by the way, there is a reason why I'm wearing a cowboy hat, but I will explain that later.
[653] Tracey Vackar: If you could please raise your right hand.
[657] Aiden Hill: And give it to me in pieces, please.
[659] Tracey Vackar: Use your cheat sheet. Yes, thank you. I, Aiden Hill, do solemnly swear.
[668] Aiden Hill: I, Aiden Hill, do solemnly swear.
[670] Tracey Vackar: That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California.
[677] Aiden Hill: support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California.
[682] Tracey Vackar: Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
[684] Aiden Hill: Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
[686] Tracey Vackar: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California.
[692] Aiden Hill: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California.
[699] Tracey Vackar: That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[704] Aiden Hill: that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[709] Tracey Vackar: And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter.
[714] Aiden Hill: And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter.
[718] Tracey Vackar: Congratulations.
[720] Tracey Vackar: And our other two board members should come back in a minute.
[772] Tracey Vackar: Congratulations, everyone. We can have you please sign your document here.
[801] Tracey Vackar: Thank you. And it is my pleasure to introduce to each of you.
[835] Tracey Vackar: And I will be your guest to show that. OK. Yeah. OK. Can I introduce them? You may. Take us for a second. I think they deserve it, too.
[859] Aiden Hill: OK, all right, we're going to do it one more time. Guys, come on up. Everybody, these are my students from Cupertino High School. So this is Prashant, and this is Cece, and this is Gianch, and this is Sam. And I'm very proud of them, and I'm glad that they were able to come tonight. And we're going to have, why don't you guys come over here, and we'll have Sam read this. I'm sorry, Prashant will read this. But then why don't you guys stand right next to Prashanth. So you stand right here. Do you have the cheat sheet, Tracy?
[899] Tracey Vackar: OK, we'll just do it. No, you're on your own. You can probably get practice.
[905] Aiden Hill: So you and Tracy, you should stand this way. And then you're going to read this, and then I'll repeat after. Let's do it in chunks. OK, so I, Aiden Hill.
[919] Prashant: I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
[926] Aiden Hill: I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
[931] Prashant: And the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic.
[937] Aiden Hill: And the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic.
[942] Prashant: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.
[949] Aiden Hill: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California.
[955] Prashant: That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[961] Aiden Hill: That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
[967] Prashant: And I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter.
[973] Aiden Hill: And I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter. Okay, all right, thank you.
[984] Tracey Vackar: At this time, I'd like to welcome Mayor Hannon to the platform.
[1008] Mike Hannon: Thank you very much. I apologize for looking less mayoral tonight. I only received a notification of this great opportunity about five minutes before six. So I rushed down here after walking my two dogs around the neighborhood. As Mr. Hill knows, he sees me. But I wanted to take an opportunity to, one, thank former board member Nguyen and former board member Plancarti for their outstanding service to our community. I had the opportunity, as I always do, to listen to the school board meetings and heard their closing comments as they were leaving the board. And I thought that their points that they made in terms of focusing on really what is our primary responsibility as a community, but the education and the quality of the education for our children. Excited about Mr. Block and Gabriel, I apologize. I didn't want to butcher your last name and Mr. Hill being reelected. I'm really excited about these new members of the board. Turning a page, starting a new chapter, where again, this board is gonna focus in really on what's most important to our community, the quality of the education for our children. We had a swearing in ceremony at City Hall last week. We welcomed three new council members to the city council. So working in collaboration with the school board, I'm excited about the partnership that we've established. As I heard from the community, as others have heard, As I campaigned this last year, schools are very important to our community. As we talk about a vibrant business community, quality housing and affordable housing, schools are right there at the top of the list that folks are concerned about. So I'm happy to be here as the mayor. I'm happy to work in collaboration with the school board. I look forward to working with the new president of the school board, Ms. Jones. And I think together we're gonna come up with a vision that's gonna be beneficial to the community in its entirety. So thank you for the opportunity to say a few words. Thank you.
[1127] Tracey Vackar: You know, on behalf of myself and my entire extended cabinet, I'm going to actually ask all of our principals and directors to please stand. Thank you for being here this evening. Thank you to the executive cabinet for being here this evening. We really do look forward to working with you as part of a team to be able to work and focus in on what's best for our students. And we just want to be able to welcome you And thank you so much for your service that you're about to give. With that, I'd like to ask everybody to please join us for a reception here this evening. Our board meeting will commence at 7 PM.
[3913] Aiden Hill: So calling this meeting back to order at 7.05 PM, we're going to go to item number three, approval of the agenda. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda?
[3925] Nancy Thomas: I move that we approve the agenda. I'll second.
[3929] Aiden Hill: Member Thomas moves, Vice President Jones seconds. And are we going to do this? Well, actually, we can't do it through board docs yet. So we're just going to do roll call, right? Go ahead.
[3937] Toya Lemus: Correct. Student board member? Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Thomas? Yes. Member Aguiano? Yes. Member Block?
[3954] Toya Lemus: Vice President Jones? Yes.
[3957] Aiden Hill: President Hill? Yes. Great. Motion carries. So moving on to item four, public comment. First, we're going to talk about public comment on non-agenda items 4.1, and on 4.1, We have Ms. Cheri Villa. Well, actually, before we have Ms. Villa come up, do we have anybody that submitted an email comment? No, we do not have any public comment. OK, great. OK, so Ms. Villa, welcome.
[3992] Cheri Villa: Good evening. There was no employee update on the agenda today, so I hadn't seen you there. I hope that's OK. Board member Hill. school board members, executive cabinet, good evening. Officially to introduce myself to our new board members, welcome board Member Anguiano, I hope I'm saying that right, and board member Block. On behalf of NTA, welcome to, I don't want to say welcome to NTA, but welcome to, yeah, oh. So we look forward to a positive working relationship. As I always, like to have or I strive to have with the board members. So I will be passing on my contact info. And we'll be happy to meet with both of you, each of you, to have started working relationships. So welcome again on behalf of NTA. On a similar note, I'm going to keep it short. Two other members of our NUSD family that I just wanted to give recognition to. First is one of our NTA teachers, Julie Del Catancio. She was just recently elected to our Newark City Council. So, thank you. So, in her last name, Councilwoman Del Catancio, we've got full support of NTA. And another one of our NTA family members, Mr. Pat Irby, he's interim principal at BGP right now, is being sworn in tonight at the New Haven School Board as one of their newest elected members. So, thank you. And before the repositioning, I guess, you call out of board members, Board President Hill, congratulations on being elected again. You have the full support of NTA. And I'm going to use your words, we look forward to doing good things. And to our upcoming board president, Board President Katherine Jones, you were one of us. You'll always be an NTA member. Again, very excited to be working with all of you. So, thank you.
[4127] Aiden Hill: Thank you, Ms. Villa. Okay. We also have 4.1 public comments on non-agenda items. Mr. Foster.
[4148] Brian Foster: Excuse me for reading, but I'm under the time clock, so I have to be very careful. Thank you, President Hill and members of the board. I was thrilled to see at last week's meeting your recognition of sixth grader Juliana Garcia for her academic achievements, who in 20 months rose from third to sixth grade level in math and reading. She said that she achieved grade level through hard work and strict teachers. I hope that you can replicate whatever worked for her with the rest of the student body to bring up everybody else's scores there. At the high school level, that would also mean getting rid of Apex to improve scores. That's your online learning program. I first advised the board on June 3rd, 2021, that Apex undermines teacher authority and allows school students to falsely earn semester credits in just weeks or as little as one day. For my comments, the prior administration, not you guys, unfairly and maliciously attacked me and put my teaching credential in jeopardy. I want to thank member Hill for his heartfelt apology last month. about my disrespectful treatment. As my attorney noted, she had never seen a school board member issue an apology such as that. Of course, I will fully support your call for a truly independent investigation of Apex, and I will voluntarily provide to the district all of my evidence. Also, I wanted to recognize Member Thomas, who reminded me last month in a lengthy phone call that she has been working diligently behind the scenes for years to champion my cause, so I know I can count on your support as well. To new member Block, I will remind you that you asserted to me online that you were independent from the failed slate, and now is your opportunity to prove that independence and show support for Apex. I'm sorry, support for an investigation into Apex. I've been gone from Newark for over two years, so Apex's implementation might have changed since I left. However, upon, when I attended last June's high school graduation to see the last of my students graduate, I came upon a cluster of teachers who were remarking that a number of students should not have walked the stage because they had failed their course. That suggests that the problems with Apex are still alive. The last two election cycles sent a clear message from the voters that they rejected the prior administration's lies, even when couched in positive, uplifting words. Parents are smart enough to know that NUSD's academic performance has been horrific for a decade, and they want the truth so that they can fix the problem. They want their children to succeed, like Juliana, beyond high school. They know that a high-performing school district creates intergenerational wealth from rising property values. No one from the district has yet asked for nor allowed me to show my evidence supporting my claims about Apex. Your superintendent indicated in a prior meeting that she was going to conduct an investigation, and I look forward to working with her. Your second greatest impediment to achieving academic success, at least at the high school, is with cell phone use. Given the state's mandate to create a new cell phone policy, you have a wonderful opportunity to fix that problem. I would suggest that you read this book, The Anxious Generation, which was published just this year. that provides all the scientific and methodological longitudinal studies that you need to learn all about how phones are ruining this generation. In fact, I would recommend that you have this book assigned to all high school health and PE classes instead of wasting their time on character strong. Thank you for probably a little over my three minutes. Thank you.
[4339] Aiden Hill: Thank you, Mr. Foster. OK, moving on to item 7.3. Or no, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We have one more. So Ms. Leslie Wong for non-agenda items.
[4361] Leslie Wong: Thank you for allowing me to speak and welcome new school board members. We're all here to ensure our children have the best education possible. To do so, we need to respect freedom of speech. Each of you brings a unique perspective and experiences to the table. and they're invaluable to shaping policies that best serve our students and community. By respecting one another's rights to express differing viewpoints, you're upholding democratic values and you are modeling for our children the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect. Encourage debate, listen actively, and consider all voices. Through this diversity of thought, we can find the best balanced and effective solutions. While we may not always agree, respecting each other's freedom of speech is essential for collective growth and understanding. Thank you.
[4427] Aiden Hill: Thank you, Ms. Wong. And finally, Ms. Parks, 7.3, Do you want to speak now, or do you want to wait? OK.
[4445] Cindy Parks: Welcome to the new members. I wanted to request that you pull this item. There were no minutes attached to the agenda. Thank you.
[4455] Tracey Vackar: I believe there's a link. There should be a live link on there.
[4463] Cindy Parks: It might be something that you see in yours, but on the public's copy only.
[4468] Tracey Vackar: We will pull that item. We actually were trying to do something at the recommendation of CSBA. OK. It's interesting. We tried it.
[4482] Aiden Hill: All right. When we get to that item, we'll look at it. OK. All right. So moving on to topic five, annual organization of the Board of Education. And so we're now going to go through a process of electing both our officers for the year, as well as who will be serving on various committees. And so we will just take this one at a time. And at some point, we will probably do some rotation of seats to acknowledge the new positions. So without further ado, item 5.1, election of officers the president. So the recommendation. is that the Board of Education approves the nomination of the new board president. So the way that we've done this in the past, we've had changes, but I believe at this point, even though we've informally talked about this being a rotation, I believe that it is still an election at this point. So at this point, we could talk about, I mean, I would like to suggest that we have Vice President Jones come into the role of president. She has been serving as vice president for the past year and has learned all of the details behind the scenes. She's attended every single agenda setting meeting and a number of other meetings. And so I think that she has all the requisite experience. and has also weathered a variety of storms. So I would recommend that we promote her to president, but would like to open it up to the board if there's any additional thoughts on this topic.
[4605] Nancy Thomas: I'll second that nomination.
[4608] Aiden Hill: OK. All right, so I guess I made the motion, and Member Thomas seconded. And so we're going to do a roll call vote. Yes, she can vote. Yes, she can vote.
[4630] Toya Lemus: Student board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Thomas? Yes. Member Anguiano?
[4639] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Yes.
[4640] Toya Lemus: Member Block? Yes. Vice President Jones?
[4647] Aiden Hill: President Hill yes, okay motion carries and so at this point we're gonna play musical chairs Okay, so so then let's let's go to on to Vice presidents so are so Again, usually we do it kind of based on a rotation and so further rotation It would be Member Thomas that would be up. Are there any, I mean, do we feel, does everybody feel comfortable with that?
[4686] Tracey Vackar: Actually, it's a roll call vote for the first one. It's two different items.
[4694] Aiden Hill: For the Vice President?
[4698] Aiden Hill: Yeah, so we just did the vote for President.
[4706] Austin Block: We do need to switch chairs right now.
[4709] Aiden Hill: OK. OK. Sorry. That's OK. All right, so then I will just stand here until somebody tells me where I need to sit.
[4723] Tracey Vackar: I think she can do it right there from her location.
[4725] Aiden Hill: OK, so go ahead. We'll make the moves next year. Yes, go ahead.
[4731] Kat Jones: So at this point, as Member Hill just uh, suggested. Oh boy. Um, yeah, no kidding. I'm like, my fingers, my finger in there. Um, the nomination to, uh, have Nancy or excuse me, member Thomas, um, become vice president at, uh, next. Are there any comments from any of the board members?
[4763] Austin Block: Okay.
[4771] Kat Jones: No, no. OK, so when it's up like that, then it's working. When you push it down, it's lower, and so then it's off. So it's an on and off. Now it's on.
[4781] Austin Block: Then I'll second.
[4786] Kat Jones: OK, so Nancy, wait. No, I moved. I motioned. And member Block, second. And can you do a roll call vote, please?
[4800] Toya Lemus: Student board member, Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Thomas? Yes. Member Anguiano?
[4809] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Yes.
[4810] Toya Lemus: Member Block?
[4811] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Yes.
[4813] Toya Lemus: President Jones? Yes. Member Hill?
[4818] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[4821] Toya Lemus: Six ayes. That would be six yeses.
[4827] Kat Jones: I'll get it eventually. OK. Moving on then I think at this point should we do the shuffle of seats.
[4838] Tracey Vackar: You may. It's your call.
[4840] Kat Jones: All right. So yes let's shuffle our seats which means you two get to stay and the other three of us get to play for your own service.
[4849] Nancy Thomas: I'll miss you.
[4850] Tracey Vackar: I know. Separation anxiety.
[4857] Kat Jones: Or new roles, I mean. Oh my gosh, was it?
[4886] Kat Jones: All right, is everybody settled in? Sort of? All right.
[4901] Kat Jones: So you all have to bear with me as I attempt to go through this. Appointment of superintendent as secretary of the governing board. Do I need to say anything? or is it just a motion and second? Any comments from the board on this? All right. Someone would like to make a motion to accept the superintendent as secretary of the board, governing board?
[4933] Nancy Thomas: I move that we appoint the superintendent as secretary of the board. Someone second?
[4942] Aiden Hill: I second.
[4944] Kat Jones: Roll call, please.
[4948] Toya Lemus: Student board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[4954] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[4955] Toya Lemus: Member Anguiano?
[4958] Austin Block: Yes.
[4958] Toya Lemus: Member Block?
[4959] Austin Block: Yes.
[4961] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas? Yes. President Jones? Yes. Six ayes.
[4969] Kat Jones: All right, so six ayes, motion passes. Congrats, superintendent. OK, the next item on the agenda is to go over the dates for the 25-26 year. Well, actually, it's just 25, isn't it? It's all of 25. It's all of 25. All of 25. OK. So I believe that it was passed out. There was a list of the proposed meeting dates and study sessions. One of the things that we, sorry, one of the things that Superintendent Vackar and I talked about prior to the meeting was we went through and found dates, looking for dates, sticking with our Tuesdays as in first of third weeks of the month. And we would like to propose that we move to one regular board meeting a month, which would be in the first week, and a study session in the third week. This would give us the opportunity to have something presented to us, and then that we can have a real dialogue about whatever that report is, whether it's an interim or LCAP or whatever it is that's coming forward at the time. And we will make suggestions as to what would happen in those study sessions each month. So this is something different than what we have done in the past. We've usually had the two board meetings and had not as much opportunity to have the study sessions. So the dates that are listed here, in January we would start with the third Tuesday of the month, and it would be a regular board meeting since there is no first Tuesday in the month that we would be meeting. And then moving after that for February, March, April, May, and June, the first meetings would all be school board meetings and regular board meetings, and there would be a study session as the third week of those. In June, the proposal is to have two regular board meetings because we have a number of things to finish up. We also have the interim. Is it the interim?
[5119] Tracey Vackar: You actually have the budget. We have the draft budget and draft LCAP. Yeah. So that could send the first meeting in June, and the second meeting would be the actual vote to be able to bring that forward.
[5129] Kat Jones: They are public hearings. And those we are proposing that they are the second and fourth Tuesdays. To give a little bit of more, to give a little more time, it alleviates coming back right after Memorial Day weekend and all of the end of school activities. So it gives a little bit of a breather there. And then moving for the next, the 25-26 school year, the regular board meetings, again, the first Tuesdays for August, September, October, and those three. would be the first Tuesday was the regular board meeting, and the third Tuesday being study sessions. Moving into November and December, we would have one board meeting, one regular board meeting for each of those. In Tuesday, it would be the third Tuesday on the 18th, and then December 11th, the Thursday, could be the organizational meeting. At that time, we would also be doing budget at that time, I believe. Yes, President, or Member Hill.
[5199] Aiden Hill: So thank you, President Jones. So it sounds like you've taken the calendar and you've identified any other potential dates where there might be conflicts. And you've made sure that we don't have a conflict, right?
[5215] Kat Jones: So there's- We have done it. We've really tried to do that.
[5217] Aiden Hill: So there's no conflict with spring break. There's no conflict with, and it looks like from our May and June meetings, that we don't have any conflict with the graduations. And then I'm imagining, given that you've got Thursday, December 11, that there shouldn't be any conflict with CSBA.
[5236] Tracey Vackar: Correct.
[5236] Kat Jones: We looked at that as well.
[5237] Aiden Hill: OK.
[5238] Tracey Vackar: OK. And we also looked at the fact that you have to have the first interim report done by the 15th in Seminole County. OK. Just a couple of comments real fast, if I could. With the study session, it's possible that there may be an occasional agenda item that you would also have is a possibility that we would have to go off and notice. Sometimes we have some timely things that we have to fiduciary do on behalf of the district. For instance, if we have an expulsion, they have to be heard by the board within 10 days of the actual expulsion hearing. So we want to make sure that we can time that if we need to. It's also possible that you might have a closed session, either before the study session or after the study session, if there is a matter that we really need to bring to your attention and make sure that you are informed.
[5286] Nancy Thomas: Any questions? I have a question about June, May and June. Because we start out with May 6 as a regular meeting, and then we don't have the We don't have the public hearings for the budget or the LCAP until June 10th, I assume, right? That's correct. Because that's a long time between, plus those are when school's already out of session. So people that might have otherwise be interested may not be available. I'm just wondering what the thinking was at.
[5327] Tracey Vackar: Those have been the standard times of when we've been doing the LCAP and the budget adoptions. It actually follows the last three cycles that we've had here in the district.
[5335] Nancy Thomas: So you mean we didn't have a public hearing in May? No, you did not.
[5340] Tracey Vackar: You've always done them in June. OK. As a matter of fact, it actually makes sense because your May revise doesn't come out until about May 15th. Yeah, OK. So if you think about the May revise and the fact that you might have some slight adjustments that you're making to your budget, the LCAP committee actually would have already done most of their work already, and you would have already had a preliminary look at the LCAP through a presentation that would happen possibly in May. So you would have some ideas to what that looks like and then you actually do your public hearing and then your final adoption in June.
[5370] Nancy Thomas: My only concern is, or maybe it's more of a suggestion, is that we develop a board calendar that has the subjects of these study sessions mapped out for the year because we have We have a lot of issues that we've asked for a deeper dive into. And I worry that if we don't have a board calendar that captures the reports and discussions that we've already asked for, that I'd like to see them in a board calendar.
[5409] Tracey Vackar: Board Member Thomas, we've actually been keeping a running list and I want to thank Toya for helping and going back and actually looking at some prior board meetings and making sure that we've captured. I think what we'll be doing is we will be sharing a survey and there's a couple of natural things that we'd want to be able to share with the board that would be timely to some of the work that we have to do as well to make sure that you're informed or there might be a special hearing that you need to hear about for a deeper dive in the study session with regards to either academic It could be a financial report that might be coming forward that we think you might need to have more information on. So I think we can go back and take a look at those. We'll work very closely with both the president and the vice president as we sit there and try to cycle those out and identify them. That way staff has time to be able to prepare.
[5455] Nancy Thomas: So will we be having a board calendar published for the year then? No, no.
[5460] Tracey Vackar: The dates will be published. I don't know that we're going to have all the different items necessarily published. We're going to go back and take a look at our cycle. I want to be able to work with staff, and we'd like to be able to make some recommendations based on the work that we have to do, and then also some of the other things that you asked.
[5474] Nancy Thomas: Because the board calendar itself covers items that are in the regular meetings as well. The one that CSBA recommends. OK. OK.
[5488] Kat Jones: We did talk about that. All right. Yes?
[5497] Joy Lee: For the study sessions, will there be public comments allowed?
[5501] Kat Jones: Always.
[5502] Joy Lee: OK.
[5505] Kat Jones: So any other comments before I ask for a motion?
[5510] Nancy Thomas: The only other comment I wanted to make is that many boards do have just one regular meeting. a month, and it seems to work. So I think we have been remiss in having deep dives into some of the issues that we really need to discuss. So I like this. I like this method.
[5531] Kat Jones: Great. Can I ask for a motion?
[5535] Joy Lee: I'll motion to approve. Do I have to say the name?
[5540] Kat Jones: Proposed date, meeting dates.
[5542] Joy Lee: To set regular meeting dates for 2025-2026. agenda item 5.4.
[5548] Kat Jones: I'll second. Student member Lee makes the motion and member Block seconds. And can we have a roll call vote please? Sure.
[5568] Toya Lemus: Member Lee. Yes. Member Hill.
[5572] Austin Block: Yay.
[5574] Toya Lemus: Member Anguiano.
[5576] Austin Block: Yes.
[5577] Toya Lemus: Member Block?
[5578] Austin Block: Yes.
[5579] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas?
[5580] Kat Jones: Yes.
[5581] Toya Lemus: President Jones?
[5582] Kat Jones: Yes.
[5584] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[5585] Kat Jones: Motion carries. Thank you. All right. So the next item is 5.5, setting of the regular meeting times. It is recommended that the Board of Education Regular meetings start at 6 for closed session and 7 PM for open session and commence by 10. Study sessions will begin at 6. And if the closed session is necessary, then this can be scheduled either prior or after the 6 o'clock study session. Any comment from the board? All right. May I have a motion, please?
[5642] Aiden Hill: I move to approve 5.5 set regular meeting times.
[5648] Kat Jones: I'll second that. OK. Member Hill, motions. Vice President Thomas, seconds. May I have a roll call vote?
[5659] Toya Lemus: Student Board, Member Lee?
[5660] Kat Jones: Yes.
[5662] Toya Lemus: Member Hill?
[5665] Toya Lemus: Member Anguiano? Yes. Member Block? Yes. Vice President Thomas?
[5672] Kat Jones: Yes.
[5673] Toya Lemus: President Jones.
[5674] Kat Jones: Yes.
[5675] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[5676] Kat Jones: Motion carries. How are you two doing? It's a lot to take in. All right. OK, moving to, I believe that was 5.6.
[5690] Kat Jones: Oh, 5.5. I'm on 5.6. OK. Appointment of board member representative to serve on the Audit Committee for two years. So right now, we are moving into the section that goes through and talks about each one of the committees. And so I'm just going to give a little bit of background on each of these. And I know that some of us are more familiar with others than what the different committees are. But it would be, I believe when we were looking at this, it's we need to each sign up for three, possibly four committees.
[5737] Aiden Hill: And that includes alternates.
[5741] Kat Jones: Yes, that includes alternates. Yes. Excuse me. There are, I'm going to go back and look at my other list. There are, I'm looking at the number of committees that we have. One, two, three, four, five, six. Is it seven committees?
[5763] Tracey Vackar: I thought we had nine. I took two off until we can bring those back for a bigger board discussion. Because the one was for the CBOC.
[5773] Kat Jones: No, that one's on here. It's still on there. It's on. We've got audit. May I? Yeah. Just read the different committees. There's the Audit Committee, the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. There's a representative to the city of Newark, so it's a Newark liaison. Yeah, I was getting there. NUSD City Liaison Committee. There's an LCAP Advisory Committee. We have a Newark Teacher Induction Advisory Council. We have Mission Valley ROP Governing Council. And we have the Regional Policy Board of our SELPA. So those are the different committees that we're looking at tonight. So has everyone had a chance to kind of look at them and think about it?
[5825] Aiden Hill: OK, great. I do have one question, President Jones. And it's just because my memory is failing me. So for the Audit Committee, has it always been a two-year term?
[5838] Nancy Thomas: I believe. I believe it's a one-year term for the board members, but a two-year term for the third community member.
[5849] Aiden Hill: Yes, because it says two-year term. But I think it's one year, unless there's something different in the bylaws.
[5856] Nancy Thomas: I believe it's one year.
[5858] Tracey Vackar: Can I just ask a question on that? And I have to go back and go look at the bylaws. But I thought what I had understood from the committee is that one board member stays on for historical information and it rotates off, right? So would it not be two years? Am I incorrect on that? Or was that strictly for the voting members that come from the community?
[5878] Nancy Thomas: Yeah. I don't think it's ever been like that. I think what's happened, though, is that the board president is precluded from being on it. So there's been a shift.
[5889] Tracey Vackar: A shift that happens with it.
[5891] Nancy Thomas: Yeah. OK. Because President Jones cannot be on it.
[5896] Tracey Vackar: OK. in their bylaws that it was a two-year term. So maybe it is not.
[5901] Nancy Thomas: It is a two-year term for the third member.
[5903] Aiden Hill: So for the public member.
[5906] Tracey Vackar: Got it.
[5906] Kat Jones: OK. Although I have to say it does make sense that one board member does stay on for two years so that there is that continuity from a board standpoint. But I did not look at the policy, the bylaw itself.
[5922] Aiden Hill: Yeah, I'd just like to make a recommendation, because I do think that our bylaws say it's one year. But I agree that we need to have continuity, right? It's a really important position. And so I think that we ought to always consider people who are already on there, whether it maybe makes sense for them to continue for at least another term. And then if we decide that we want to extend that to be an official two-year term, we could have that be a future agenda item. But at least for now, just because I'm pretty sure that our bylaws say one year. But as Member Thomas is saying, if you're the public member, that's a two-year term.
[5956] Kat Jones: Yes, I do know that for sure. All right, so yes.
[5963] Joy Lee: For the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, Measure O, if there's no students on it, is it possible for the student board member to also join that committee?
[5976] Aiden Hill: Per Ed Code, I believe that you can attend. I believe that you can attend any meeting.
[5981] Kat Jones: Yeah. That would not be a problem at all.
[5984] Aiden Hill: I mean, you don't have a voting role, but you could attend.
[5987] Kat Jones: Yeah, but attend and give input. I think so.
[5991] Tracey Vackar: So at this point, there's nothing in the closed session. So yeah, by all means, you could attend.
[5999] Kat Jones: So if it is OK with everyone, I'd like to just go through each one. And we can have a discussion at the time as to who would be interested in that position. for that committee. I think it's really important that we all say what we'd like to do, and then we kind of discuss from there. Even if all five of us want to be on the same committee, I think it's good to just express our feelings as to which ones we're interested in. So the first one is 5.6, and that is the audit committee. So I've been on this committee. I will be stepping down because I can't be on that and be board president. So I guess I would open it up to the rest of you to say if you're interested in being on that committee.
[6049] Nancy Thomas: I'm definitely interested in being on that committee.
[6055] Kat Jones: Anyone else?
[6059] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Just a clarification on times to become and be a part of that particular committee. What does it entail, the details on the timing?
[6070] Kat Jones: It's usually the meetings are quarterly and they are at there like six o'clock meeting. I believe there's like six to seven seven thirty at the latest. There are occasionally meetings that that will go longer than that hour but usually never longer than an hour and a half. There will be one. In March, for sure, I'd have to dive into my calendar and look at what the other ones are. But it's basically one a quarter.
[6104] Nancy Thomas: I believe there's one in January, isn't there? There's usually one with the auditor before the audit report is brought.
[6112] Kat Jones: I think it's in January. I could look at my phone, if that is OK with you all, to look at those dates.
[6125] Tracey Vackar: So with the audit committee, it's required to meet at least a minimum of once per year. But they have a meeting on average quarterly. And if there's not business to be done in that meeting, sometimes it's canceled if there's not a quorum.
[6137] Kat Jones: Yeah, I'm not seeing January. I know there's one in March. I apologize. We're not thinking about putting those future dates on the agenda.
[6151] Nancy Thomas: Well, actually, we probably don't have one scheduled for January because we had one in December. But the audit report wasn't ready for the audit committee to look at it. I think we pushed to possibly have one in January. We can add one.
[6168] Aiden Hill: Normally, I know that they have to present their audit findings before the end of January. But because we had issues, it looks like that's been extended. So it doesn't sound like you're required to have a January meeting. So it sounds like you're going to do it in March, maybe, or whenever they're ready. And then, in my experience being on the audit committee, that usually you have a meeting sometime in the March, April time frame to work with the auditors, because they're going to start talking about a plan for what they're going to audit for that year. And so they'll want to review that with you. And then they'll go through and they'll start to do their audit in the summer. And then you're normally coming in towards the end of the summer to get their preliminary findings. So this is kind of the August time frame. And then I believe that you meet with them like November? November. December, yeah.
[6216] Kat Jones: I do. Yeah, we did. Now I'm kind of remembering. I believe it's a late January meeting is what it is. I don't think so.
[6229] Tracey Vackar: Not this year, but you guys have extended it because.
[6232] Kat Jones: Yeah, we've extended it. I think it goes into early February maybe, and then we meet again at the end of March.
[6238] Jose Quintana: But it's basically quarterly.
[6241] Kat Jones: It's basically quarterly. Any other questions? I'm sorry, I'm more vague on that than I wish I was.
[6251] Tracey Vackar: But the hours are usually from 6 PM. They typically last about an hour long. Yeah, 6 to 7.
[6260] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: So in that case, I will consider to be a part of the audit committee. And also, just clarification, I just wanted to know the times and dates to be sure, to fully commit.
[6274] Kat Jones: I believe it's usually Thursday meeting. Wednesday or Thursday. Now I have to go back and look. I'm sorry. We did not meet in November. Is he got a meeting on Wednesdays or Thursdays? Jose, did we meet in November? We did meet in November.
[6302] Tracey Vackar: When did you last meet? Yes, we did. We did meet in November. Here, microphone. I was trying to remember what the date.
[6308] Jose Quintana: That is correct. We did meet in November, and I can get you the date. President Jones.
[6317] Aiden Hill: Are they Wednesday?
[6319] Kat Jones: I was trying to remember if they're Wednesday or Thursday. I think they're Wednesdays. Actually, they're Wednesdays. I think they're Wednesdays. They're Wednesdays.
[6330] Jose Quintana: President Jones, the last meeting we did have was Wednesday night, November 13th at 6 PM.
[6336] Kat Jones: OK. So yes, they follow Wednesdays.
[6342] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Thank you. OK.
[6342] Kat Jones: I have a question. question about how we want to go about doing this. Because if we're all speaking, we're all saying these are the ones that we're interested in, and I don't know what's proper to do. So I look to the rest of you for this on handling this properly. But if we're going to be able to express which ones we're interested in, We can't really talk about it, make a vote, and then go to the next one, because maybe it would work out. It might shuffle. Yeah, I think going over each one. And just saying who's interested first, and then we can go back and do the votes. Yeah, I agree. We'll try to make this quick so that it doesn't drag on forever. I guess we got an agreement on that one. Yeah. OK, so let's see. For audit committee. Nancy, I'm sorry, Member Thomas, is that correct? I'm interested. OK. And, um, and Member Aguiano, is it, is it Aguiano?
[6411] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Aguiano.
[6412] Kat Jones: Aguiano. OK, thank you. I will do my best. Aguiano, anyone else interested in audit? OK. Well, seeing as it takes two members, and we've only got two people that are interested, I think we can do vote.
[6428] Austin Block: So I'll make a motion to nominate members Thomas and Anguiano for the audit committee.
[6434] Kat Jones: Perfect. Do I have a second? I second. OK. So a motion from member Block and a second from member Hill. And could we have a roll call vote, please?
[6448] Toya Lemus: Yes. Student board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill? Yes. Member Anguiano?
[6455] Kat Jones: Yes.
[6456] Toya Lemus: Member Block? Yes. Vice President? Yes. President Jones?
[6463] Tracey Vackar: Yes.
[6463] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[6465] Kat Jones: Motion carried. So we move on to the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee. This one. Let's see.
[6490] Tracey Vackar: So the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee is just about done. This was the committee that worked on identifying some of the stakeholder input that, you know, came with doing the bond. And so there shouldn't be too many more meetings left, I wouldn't think. I mean, so it's going to be a very short-lived meeting because once, I think, so this is a group that works with the fundraising arm and some other stuff that's happening with, you know, community input. Since Measure O passed, this will be a relatively quick committee piece.
[6532] Aiden Hill: And there's a problem with this. So we're not going to need this for Measure O?
[6537] Tracey Vackar: So Measure O, no, you're not going to need this for Measure O. Oh. Is there my answer? This is the one that Phoung and Planned Carte served on, I thought.
[6554] Kat Jones: I thought this had to do with moving forward with a committee that is a community committee.
[6566] Nancy Thomas: Yeah, the Phuong and they were really responsible for the- You're right, taking the bond forward.
[6575] Tracey Vackar: This is for measure O, you're right. This is the actual Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. My apologies. That's OK.
[6583] Nancy Thomas: I have a question about this. Are these board representatives voting members? Or are they just?
[6592] Jose Quintana: No. They would, Vice President, it would be pretty much like ad hoc committee that they would sit in for these meetings. But the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee would run the meeting. As a CBO, I would sit into those meetings, help coordinate space for them and give them updates, fiscal updates, construction updates on the projects. I would also say that the last bond that we did have was the G measure that we want to close up. We do have two members currently and given that if we keep them with this current measure open, we would have one of our members that have been sitting in for quite a while, only two more years. But if we close up that Measure G completely, they would have an opportunity to continue on the CBOC committee for the next six years. And I think consistency and continuity for these two current members in the community would be ideal moving forward. Typically we have, we definitely want a quorum, so we'd have five. or more into this committee. And so having two that are seasoned and senior would assist in moving forward and teaching them some of the processes and procedures.
[6683] Kat Jones: So with that, I'd like to hear from everyone if they're interested in being part of that committee. So it's two non-voting members. I see it as a liaison, kind of a liaison role.
[6703] Jose Quintana: Absolutely. If I may clarify, they do bring this back to the board. They can have a voice piece of what's going on. Just like they go to a school site or an event, they actually bring back information that was passed along to these committee members. And so they also give their input and see what's going on with it. And that also helps the committee. Yes.
[6729] Joy Lee: I would be interested, but like in addition to the other board members because I'm not going to be on the I'm not going to be able to be on there for a year, right?
[6738] Kat Jones: Okay Okay Yeah, let's move on and the next one is the city of Newark and you and the NUSD liaison committee Personally, that is a committee I would really like to be a part of, but I'm interested in hearing from the rest of you.
[6762] Aiden Hill: Yeah, and I'm currently on it, and I would like to stay if people agree, just from a continuity perspective.
[6772] Kat Jones: Anyone else interested?
[6773] Austin Block: That was one that I'd expressed interest in, but given that we haven't heard a lot from participation in the Bond Committee, I'd be willing to sign up for the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. rather than the city liaison one.
[6790] Kat Jones: Thank you. Anybody else? All right, so moving on to the next.
[6795] Aiden Hill: By the way, we forgot to do this with auto one, but we should have an alternate for each of these positions. Yes, this is true. So member block could be an alternate for the liaison committee.
[6809] Kat Jones: OK.
[6811] Aiden Hill: And does anybody else want to be the alternate for the audit committee?
[6820] Nancy Thomas: I'm not sure the bylaws call for an alternate.
[6822] Aiden Hill: We had an alternate before.
[6824] Nancy Thomas: We did have an alternate before.
[6830] Austin Block: I don't mind if we need one.
[6832] Kat Jones: OK.
[6841] Kat Jones: Wait, I'm sorry. I'm trying to write and think at the same time. It's not working out for me tonight.
[6853] Aiden Hill: So for the audit committee, we have member Thomas will remain on the committee. Right. Member Anguiano, did I say it right? Member Anguiano is going to be newly joining the audit committee. Right. And member Block is going to be the alternate.
[6867] Tracey Vackar: Thank you. And you actually took a vote already on that, so you'd have to go back and re-motion to add an alternate.
[6874] Aiden Hill: OK. So I re-motion to add an alternate to the audit committee. Can I get a second?
[6882] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: I second that.
[6886] Aiden Hill: So we'll have to do this ad hoc.
[6888] Kat Jones: Ms. Lemus, may we have a roll call vote again on that? Thank you. I'll try not to, but it's OK.
[6896] Toya Lemus: Student board member?
[6898] Kat Jones: Yes.
[6899] Toya Lemus: Member Hill. Yes. Member Aguiano. Yes. Member Block.
[6904] Austin Block: Yes.
[6905] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas.
[6906] Kat Jones: Yes.
[6907] Toya Lemus: President Jones.
[6908] Kat Jones: Yes. Six ayes. Motion carries to add the alternate. Thank you.
[6915] Aiden Hill: And I'd like to make a motion for 5.6 because we didn't make a motion for it, right?
[6919] Kat Jones: For Measure O. For the Citizens Bond Committee, we didn't actually, we need Is that one person? It's two people. So right now.
[6932] Aiden Hill: I'm sorry, 5.7.
[6933] Kat Jones: Member Block, and we need one more for that. Student member Lee would like to be on that, but she would not be part of that.
[6945] Aiden Hill: I think if it's not a voting position, it's not a problem. It's only right if it needs to be voting. But if it's not voting.
[6952] Kat Jones: But the recommendation is to have two school board members on that. And member Lee.
[6958] Aiden Hill: OK.
[6960] Kat Jones: So we have member Block who's interested. Anyone else interested in the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee?
[6967] Nancy Thomas: I might be interested. All right. Put me down as a question mark. OK. Depending on what else comes up that I might want.
[6973] Kat Jones: All right. Sounds good. So we're not taking a vote at this time on 5.7, which is the Citizens Bond Committee. The liaison we have. three people, two members, and an alternate. If that is OK with everyone, that would be myself and Member Hill as the members and Member Block as the alternate. So if that is OK with everyone, we can take a vote on that at this point. So I would entertain a motion.
[7009] Austin Block: Someone would like to step in as the alternate for that one. a little cautious about overburdening myself. So if I'm going to be all the alternate on the audit committee, I'm a little hesitant to take on another alternate role if someone else would like to take that on. Otherwise, I'm OK.
[7022] Kat Jones: It's safer to take on two alternate roles than it is to take on a member role, to be honest with you.
[7030] Aiden Hill: You are rarely called as an alternate.
[7033] Kat Jones: Yeah, you're rarely called as an alternate. So you would probably be OK. But yes, I will put it down a question mark at this point. And we won't make a final vote yet. Because we're all looking at two positions, two committees that you're a member and at least one that you're an alternate for. It's kind of, if we think about it that way, it should help. All right, so the next one is the LCAP Advisory Committee. That is one that I am also very interested in. serving on as a member if there are, and would like to hear from other people about that.
[7077] Aiden Hill: And is the board, are we just, we don't vote, right?
[7082] Kat Jones: No, it's just attending, bringing back information to the board.
[7089] Aiden Hill: And how often does it meet?
[7092] Kat Jones: It meets like five or six times a year. It gets a little heavy in the spring.
[7102] Karen Allard: Currently, there's three meetings scheduled.
[7110] Aiden Hill: I'd be willing to serve on that. I haven't served on that before. I also have interest in the LCAP committee.
[7118] Tracey Vackar: OK. The LCAP committee meeting does often, though, meet late afternoon, correct, Karen?
[7127] Karen Allard: Usually, it's a 5 to 6 30. OK. Can you attend via Zoom?
[7130] Tracey Vackar: A little bit earlier, just to give you a heads up.
[7132] Aiden Hill: Can you attend via Zoom?
[7137] Karen Allard: Currently, no.
[7139] Tracey Vackar: So this is actually a Brown Act committee.
[7141] Aiden Hill: OK, what day is it?
[7142] Tracey Vackar: What was that?
[7144] Aiden Hill: What day is it? What day of the week is the meeting?
[7148] Karen Allard: I think they're on Thursday. The first one was January 9.
[7152] Aiden Hill: OK, then I'll have to bow out. I can't get over here that quickly.
[7159] Nancy Thomas: If you need another member, I might be willing. I could be an alternate.
[7162] Kat Jones: Alternates? issue with it but it's strictly advisory so I mean I don't see why we couldn't why don't I remove myself then from consideration I can take on another one and then open up a spot that's fine with me okay but we're speaking our piece right now so say what you're interested in yeah so You're interested in being an alternate also, potentially?
[7227] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Correct.
[7228] Kat Jones: But not a member?
[7231] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: That is correct, President Jones.
[7233] Kat Jones: OK. OK. The next committee is for Teacher Induction Advisory Council. And you had a little, um, Do we want this for sure? We're not sure what's happening.
[7256] Tracey Vackar: Do you have any advice on 510? I do. I talked to Ms. Leonore, and we will need to have this. They are supposed to have one meeting, although I found out last year they did not have a meeting.
[7268] Aiden Hill: That's not true.
[7269] Tracey Vackar: So this is definitely one that we would need.
[7271] Aiden Hill: That's not true.
[7272] Tracey Vackar: There was a meeting.
[7273] Aiden Hill: Yeah.
[7274] Tracey Vackar: Last January?
[7275] Aiden Hill: Yeah. I was sitting in.
[7278] Tracey Vackar: Oh. OK, I heard something different. So it does meet the once a year typically. And this year there might be a reason to meet too if we make a shift in our induction program and move either with one of the county offices to help support us.
[7298] Kat Jones: OK, so that's one that really is, I mean, you're meeting once, maybe twice. It's not a meetings report meeting. What's that?
[7315] Tracey Vackar: They can be quarterly, but quite often they're canceled because there's not really an action item that needs to be done.
[7323] Kat Jones: OK. So we have.
[7328] Aiden Hill: I'm willing to sign up for that if nobody else is interested.
[7334] Kat Jones: OK. And that is just one member.
[7336] Austin Block: Hold on. Member Block, are you interested? Yeah, I'm interested as well.
[7339] Kat Jones: OK. All right.
[7345] Aiden Hill: And that's just for one member, right?
[7350] Kat Jones: Right.
[7352] Aiden Hill: So I don't have a preference on this member block. So if you want to be the lead, and you want to have me be the alternate, that's fine, or vice versa, whatever works for you.
[7361] Austin Block: OK. I think this is one that I was pretty enthusiastic about, so I'd appreciate it. OK. I'll be the alternate. Thanks.
[7369] Kat Jones: OK. So the next one to think about is the Mission Valley ROP Governing Council. And that one meets, I believe, is it quarterly? Bimonthly?
[7382] Nancy Thomas: No, monthly.
[7384] Kat Jones: Oh, monthly. OK. That one is a monthly meeting. Do we have any information on what time that meeting?
[7392] Nancy Thomas: It's at 3.30 in the afternoon on Thursdays.
[7396] Kat Jones: Oh, yeah. There's a list of the dates there.
[7405] Nancy Thomas: No. I say that it's never been done.
[7411] Tracey Vackar: Yeah, it's actually another Brown Act committee. And so it actually has restrictions. And because there's a vote that goes with it, it would be just because you'd have to notice whoever is there would have to publicly post their site that they're also.
[7428] Kat Jones: OK. Interested people in that one?
[7439] Nancy Thomas: I've been on it a lot, and it's been a valuable experience. I'm willing to go have someone else be on it if they want to be.
[7454] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: I love the opportunity, but the timing is really just a tough time, 3.30. OK. Thank you.
[7462] Nancy Thomas: then I'd like to be on it.
[7464] Kat Jones: All right. And that is just one. We would need an alternate for that. They're Thursdays also.
[7477] Nancy Thomas: Thursday once a month at 3.30.
[7484] Kat Jones: I could be alternate if need be. I could do that. All right.
[7493] Nancy Thomas: Did you pass over the SELPA?
[7495] Kat Jones: Nope. That's next. So SELPA is next. Those meetings are 3.30 to 5. I believe they're quarterly. 3.30 to 5 on a Tuesday.
[7517] Nancy Thomas: Who is the current rep?
[7518] Kat Jones: I am. And I'm trying to remember. It was either a first or a third Tuesday. Let me look. I wasn't able to make the last one, so I'm.
[7532] Aiden Hill: Is that a Brown Act committee?
[7554] Kat Jones: Yes, it is a voting role. It's one board member and it is a voting role. I'm just looking to see if. What's that? No, it's 3.30 to 5. The meetings are 3.30 to 5. Trying to find where it was. I haven't figured out how to search yet. If I learned how to search, I would be okay. Okay, SILPA meeting, 3, 30, let's see, Tuesdays. It looks like third Tuesdays. They're quarterly, right? They're quarterly, yeah. March, June, September. December. We just had one. Yeah. Oh, right. And it is a Tuesday, 3.30 to 5. Any interest in that one? In the SOPA? I have been on it. I can do it again.
[7645] Joy Lee: If it helps, I have the upcoming meeting dates in front of me.
[7650] Kat Jones: Yeah, it's March 25. And then in June, it's the third. It says June 10. Is it June 10th?
[7657] Aiden Hill: Okay. I think one of the challenges, President Jones, and we can't solve this right now, but I think that a lot of the times for these meetings, if you have a job, especially if you have a job that's not nearby, and you can't attend via Zoom, it becomes problematic. And so that might be something, we're not going to solve it here, but that might be something that Maybe whoever is the representative could bring up at these committees to say, is there a way that we could move these times so that we could have greater board participation?
[7691] Kat Jones: Yeah. OK. I mean, I'll continue with it. I just want to make sure I'm not overextending myself on the number that I've said yes to and that I'm looking at. So let me just. Ms. Vackar, what were the two that you took off? Because those are going to have to come back, and we're going to have to deal with those.
[7722] Tracey Vackar: I don't know that I took anything off.
[7724] Kat Jones: I thought we had nine when we were talking about this the other day. I don't think so. OK. I must have been wrong then.
[7732] Tracey Vackar: If you didn't have them on your list, you named off your list there. I don't think that's.
[7738] Kat Jones: Yeah. OK, that puts me at three with an alternate at four. But I think that was what I did last time. It just is a lot. All right, we did 5.6. We voted on that for audit. We need to go back to citizens bond oversight. And we need two for that. Is that correct? We need to and we have block member block and member Thomas that are interested. Yeah. OK. And. It's not a voting. Yeah. I don't think we need an alternate. I think we can get away without an alternate for that. OK. So may I have a motion for five point seven which is the citizens bond. Oversight Committee, currently Member Block and Member Thomas are interested in being a part of that. Do I have a motion? If not, I'll make one. I'd make a motion for Member Block and Member Thomas for this position.
[7822] Aiden Hill: I second.
[7826] Kat Jones: Oh, let me add that Member Lee would like to attend for the rest of the school year. those meetings as well. Can I have a remotion? Sorry.
[7837] Aiden Hill: I'm for item 5.1. Appointment.
[7842] Aiden Hill: 5.7. Sorry. What am I saying?
[7845] Aiden Hill: Citizens Bond Oversight Committee move that member Block and member Jones.
[7852] Kat Jones: Thomas.
[7853] Aiden Hill: Thomas. I'm sorry. Member Block and member Thomas with student member also in attendance be appointed to this committee.
[7864] Austin Block: I'll second.
[7864] Kat Jones: Perfect. All right, so member Hill motions and member Block seconds. We have a roll call, please.
[7875] Toya Lemus: Student Board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[7880] Austin Block: Yes.
[7880] Toya Lemus: Member Ingiano?
[7882] Austin Block: Yes.
[7883] Toya Lemus: Member Block?
[7884] Austin Block: Yes.
[7885] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas? Yes. President Jones?
[7889] Kat Jones: Yes.
[7890] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[7891] Kat Jones: Motion carries. Thank you. All right, I think we are ready to vote on 5.8, which is the liaison committee with the city, with myself and Member Hill as members, and Member Block as the alternate. Could I get a motion for that, please?
[7912] Nancy Thomas: I move that Member Hill and President Jones be members for the liaison committee, and that Member Block be an alternate.
[7923] Kat Jones: Do I have a second?
[7924] Aiden Hill: I second.
[7926] Kat Jones: Member Thomas, motions. Member Hill, seconds. And a roll call vote when you're ready, Ms. Lemus.
[7933] Toya Lemus: Student Board, Member Lee? Yes. Member Hill?
[7938] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[7938] Toya Lemus: Member Nguyen?
[7940] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[7941] Toya Lemus: Nguyen. Member Block? Yes. Vice President Thomas? Yes. President Jones? Yes. Six ayes.
[7950] Kat Jones: Motion carries. Moving on to 5.9, which is the LCAP Advisory Committee and the members, myself and member Block with member Aguiano or member Hill as alternates. Do you care about that one? Is that still good with everyone? Yeah.
[7984] Aiden Hill: So move. Do you want to be the alternate for that one, for the LCAP?
[7996] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: So we just discussed just mentioning that I will be able to go on to the LCAP committee instead of member Bok.
[8007] Kat Jones: OK.
[8007] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Is the regular member not the alternate? That is correct.
[8014] Kat Jones: Okay, so member myself and member Aguiano as members with member Hill as the alternate. Is that correct? Do I have it right now? All right. May I get a motion for that?
[8033] Austin Block: Motion to nominate President Jones and member Aguiano with member Hill as an alternate for the LCAP Advisory Committee. I second the motion.
[8044] Kat Jones: So, Member Block, motions. Member Aguilano, seconds. And may I have a roll call vote?
[8059] Toya Lemus: Student Board Member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[8062] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8063] Toya Lemus: Member Aguilano? Yes. Member Block? Yes. Vice President Thomas?
[8068] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8068] Toya Lemus: President Jones?
[8070] Tracey Vackar: Yes.
[8070] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[8071] Tracey Vackar: Motion carries. Clarification, who was the second?
[8081] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: I second the motion.
[8084] Tracey Vackar: Thank you. I just didn't write it down. I've got so many things crossed out. I know, me too.
[8090] Kat Jones: All right, moving on to the Teacher Induction Advisory Council. The motion would recommend member Block as the member and member Hill as the alternate. That's still sounding okay. May I ask for a motion for 5.10 then?
[8114] Nancy Thomas: I move that member Block be on the teacher induction panel and member Hill be the alternate.
[8123] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: I second that motion.
[8124] Kat Jones: Okay, member Thomas motions. Member Anguiano seconds.
[8134] Toya Lemus: Student board member Lee, how do you vote?
[8136] Joy Lee: Yes.
[8136] Toya Lemus: Member Hill?
[8137] Joy Lee: Yes.
[8138] Toya Lemus: Member Aguiano?
[8140] Austin Block: Yes.
[8141] Toya Lemus: Member Block?
[8142] Austin Block: Yes.
[8144] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas?
[8146] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8147] Toya Lemus: President Jones?
[8148] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8149] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[8150] Kat Jones: Motion carries. We are down to 5.11 for MVROP. May I have a motion for Member Thomas to be the member, Member Jones being the alternate?
[8167] Austin Block: President Jones, me, myself, and I. Motion for Vice President Thomas as the representative for the MVROP committee and for President Jones as the alternate.
[8179] Kat Jones: I'll second. Block motions. Jones seconds. And when you're ready, a vote, please.
[8191] Toya Lemus: Student Board Member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[8195] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8197] Toya Lemus: Aguillano.
[8198] Austin Block: Yes.
[8199] Toya Lemus: Member Block.
[8200] Austin Block: Yes.
[8201] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas.
[8204] Toya Lemus: President Jones.
[8205] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8206] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[8207] Kat Jones: Motion carries. All right. 5.12, I believe it's the last one. I'll make a motion that I run for the, that I take position.
[8223] Nancy Thomas: I second that.
[8227] Kat Jones: Short and sweet. No alternate. Oh, there should be an alternate for that one. But it's a 330 to 530. Or 330 to 5.
[8241] Nancy Thomas: I could be the alternate. OK.
[8246] Kat Jones: Thomas will be the alternate. So I'll change my motion for member President Jones as the member, and Vice President Thomas as the alternate. And a vote when you're ready. Do we have a second? Oh, second. I'm sorry. I'll second it. Thank you.
[8276] Toya Lemus: Student board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[8281] Austin Block: Yes.
[8281] Toya Lemus: Member Aguillano?
[8283] Austin Block: Yes.
[8284] Toya Lemus: Member Block? Yes. Vice President Thomas?
[8286] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8286] Toya Lemus: President Jones?
[8287] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8288] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[8289] Kat Jones: Motion carries. Thank you. OK, we are at the consent agenda for personnel items. And we have 6.2, which is the personnel report. And may I have a motion?
[8314] Aiden Hill: President Jones, I don't want to presume but I just remember that when I was a new board member that I was still learning how a lot of this stuff worked. So just in case you don't know, so there's certain items that they may not merit a lot of discussion and so they get put under what's called the consent agenda and there's an item for personnel and then there's an item for non-personnel and so we have the option to either just to approve the entire agenda, or if we want to pull certain items and discuss them, we can request to pull them. And in this situation, for personnel items, we only have one item, which is the personnel report. So the question is, do we want to just go ahead and approve this, or do we want to pull and discuss this?
[8360] Kat Jones: So one of the things that you would do when you're looking at the agenda prior to the meeting is to go through and read whatever it is, and if you're good with it, you don't pull it. If you have questions that haven't been answered prior to the meeting, then you would ask to pull the item. So looking at the personnel report, does anyone have a problem with it? Just going to motion.
[8384] Aiden Hill: I move. Unless anybody wants to pull it, I move that we approve item six, consent agenda, personnel items. I'll second.
[8394] Kat Jones: Member Hill, motions. Member Block? Seconds for the 6.2. Could we have a roll call vote, please? Yes.
[8403] Toya Lemus: Member Hill? Yes. Member Aguiano?
[8411] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[8411] Toya Lemus: Member Block? Yes. Vice President Thomas? Yes. President Jones?
[8416] Kat Jones: Yes.
[8416] Toya Lemus: Aye. Vice.
[8417] Kat Jones: Motion carries. Okay, moving on to the consent agenda for non-personnel items. President Jones?
[8428] Tracey Vackar: Staff would like to pull item number 7.3. OK.
[8436] Aiden Hill: Pull to discuss or pull it from the agenda?
[8438] Tracey Vackar: We're going to pull it from the agenda. Although I show that it's still actively working, I'm concerned that a member of our public says that they're not able to access it. I'm not sure if it's because our server was down over the weekend and if that caused a hiccup. But I want to make sure that we agendize this correctly and that the public's fully aware.
[8455] Kat Jones: All right. Thank you. We're looking for a motion for 7.2, which is the mid-year revision for the signature card.
[8467] Aiden Hill: I move to approve item 7.2, signature card mid-year revision.
[8472] Kat Jones: I'll second that. All right. Member Hill motions. Member Thomas seconds. And a roll call vote when you're ready.
[8482] Toya Lemus: Student board member Lee, how do you vote? Yes. Member Hill?
[8486] Aiden Hill: Yes.
[8487] Toya Lemus: Member Anguiano? Yes. Member Block?
[8492] Austin Block: Yes.
[8492] Toya Lemus: Vice President Thomas?
[8494] Toya Lemus: President Jones?
[8495] Tracey Vackar: Yes.
[8498] Toya Lemus: Six ayes.
[8499] Tracey Vackar: Motion carries. I believe on this item, I believe we're going to need signatures from our two newest board members as well to be on the signature card. So before you leave this evening, make sure we get your signature. Otherwise, Ms. Toyo will be chasing you down. Oh, yeah, you don't want that to happen.
[8520] Kat Jones: OK, as we move on to 8.1, Board of Education Committee Reports, Announcements, Requests, Debriefs, and Discussion. This is your opportunity to say anything if you would like to say anything. So we'll start with member Lee.
[8539] Joy Lee: Yeah, I just wanted to welcome you guys to the board. I'm really excited to work with you two, and I'm excited to work with the rest of the board. in the next couple of months before I leave. But I was wondering if we were going to have a bio update on our website then.
[8555] Tracey Vackar: We'll be working on those.
[8558] Joy Lee: Could I add in my bio too?
[8561] Tracey Vackar: You can. Oh my goodness, it's not on there? Yeah, it's not on there. We're actually working on a lot of revisions with the entire website. And I want to update mine too. Thank you, Member Lee.
[8577] Joy Lee: Yes, that's it. Thank you.
[8579] Kat Jones: Member Hill.
[8580] Aiden Hill: Great. So echoing Member Lee, I just would like to welcome members Block and Anguiano to the board and looking forward to working with you. And it's an exciting time where I think we're at a point in the district where we've got a lot of things starting to bud and to bloom. And so it'll be great to work together and to see everything come to fruition. So that's first off. And then second off, I know that there were probably people that were wondering why I was dressed up as a cowboy today. And so part of it is because I found out that our superintendent loves cowboys. And she's threatened to wear a cowboy hat, too. But that's actually not the main reason.
[8623] Tracey Vackar: I think they were cowboy boots, I was blindfolded.
[8627] Aiden Hill: So the real reason, actually, is that my grandpa, who is no longer alive, He grew up at a time in our country when the Old West was transforming into modern society. And he grew up in Colorado. And he grew up on a ranch. And he was kind of a cowboy. And I'm actually wearing his bolo tie right now that is of a cow skull. And I think probably made from cow bone or something. I'm not sure of the origin. But the reason why I wanted to honor my grandpa, is that he grew up in a time really when education, not everybody had access to education. I don't believe that he even graduated from high school, certainly not college. But he got an informal education. And he learned about the importance, what he learned about our country's history. And he learned about the importance of civic participation. And I saw that in action when I was young. And I used to live many years ago down in San Diego. And there was a little town right next to it. It's a big town now, but at that point, it was a little town called Poway. And at that point, it was just a little podunk town. But my grandpa and grandma had moved out there to be close to my parents. And my grandpa got very involved in local civic affairs. And some might say that he might have been the prototype for Ms. Cindy Parks. And so he would regularly come to city council meetings. And he was abreast of all of the issues. And he would come and speak on various issues. And he had a major impact. And at some point, people had christened him Mr. Poway. And he really cared about being involved public affairs and believing that we're graced with having a democracy and the ability for citizens to speak and to provide input. And he cared so much, he used to carry around little pocket Constitution books that he would hand out. And I still have some of those. And so I just wanted to, I'm sure that if he were alive today, that he would be just proud as punch that I'm actually sitting up here And so I just wanted to honor his memory and his inspiration. And that's it for me.
[8790] Gabriel Anguiano Jr.: Thank you for sharing that. That's really touching. It just shows the tradition. So first of all, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for being present today. It's a really special occasion for ourselves and also the newly elected and also the existing individuals that are here. Congratulations, President Jones and also mentor Thomas. But just wanted to really just mention that I feel really honored to be able to represent the community, the students. Thank you, Joy. Really appreciate your voice and also your appearance and being here means a lot. The community is really special it's near and dear to my heart and I'm willing to really be a part and just to listen to listen but also make the best decisions with my colleagues but I just wanted to say thank you and also to a superintendent of a car really appreciate the welcoming and also just the embracing of this particular moment and Miss Lemus you do not go on I'd really appreciate the time and also the efforts of getting us on board and really being on top of things for us to be called and to be members of the board.
[8882] Austin Block: Thank you. I'd like to echo what my fellow board members have already said to thank everyone, staff, fellow board members for the very warm welcome and to all the family and community members who also came out tonight. I'm really looking forward to collaborating with you all in support of Newark students. I'd also like to just give one more shout out to board members Nguyen and Plancarte for all the wonderful work that they've done over the last several years as well. Thank you everyone and looking forward to a great few years ahead.
[8914] Nancy Thomas: Thank you and I too would like to welcome our new board members, Mr. Anguiano, did I say that right? And Mr. Block. I'm really hopeful and looking forward to the next year or two that I'm going to be here. And I think we are on the cusp of great things happening in our district. And I think everything has to do with the quality of our board and our staff, and really appreciate all of you. Thank you. Oh, one other thing. I wanted to thank the superintendent and Kat Jones for doing, Ms. Jones, President Jones, for doing a great job on setting up the board meetings for next year. I think this is going to work out great.
[8971] Aiden Hill: Great.
[8974] Kat Jones: Well, thank you. I, too, would just like to welcome the two of you and welcome you back, Member Hill. We're glad that you're all here. And I look forward to really working collaboratively with all of you and listening to ideas and making some really powerful decisions for the students of Newark. This town is, the students in this town mean a ton to me. So I'm choked up for words because the students of this town just mean that much. My passion has definitely been here to serve for the children, and I'm really glad to be able to be here to do this, so in this opportunity. So thank you. I look forward to working with staff and the board and just making some, continue to make the powerful changes that we've been making. Yes.
[9038] Aiden Hill: If I could add just one more thing, which I suspect that my fellow board members will echo. I think that we want to wish everybody a happy holiday and especially staff for all of your hard work. And yeah, I mean, it's been a lot. I think we all know it's been a lot. But I think that we're about to earn some well-deserved rest and peace and happiness. And so wishing everybody a happy holiday and a happy new year.
[9071] Joy Lee: And if I could just add one more thing. Good luck to all my peers. Wishing you all the best of luck on your finals. Hoping you guys all pass. And also, I forgot to congratulate you guys on being president and vice president.
[9087] Kat Jones: Thank you. Thank you. Yes. So definitely, happy holidays to everyone. Enjoy your break. And please take more than a day. I know you all too well. Take some time for yourselves. Spend time with your family. Enjoy that, because it's the only one you've got. So it's really super important to spend that time with family. All right, and with that, Superintendent Vackar, it's all yours.
[9119] Tracey Vackar: Thank you. Well, happy holidays back to everyone and to our community and everyone that worked so hard here in the district. On behalf of my entire team, we wish all of you a very happy holiday. We are happy to help continue to serve, and I really just want to thank my team that's up here. It's wonderful to have a team, but behind them also are a lot of people that help make a lot of things happen. And so on behalf of all of us, we want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you at the beginning of the school year.
[9152] Kat Jones: Thank you. And with that, I will adjourn the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Roll Call
Type Procedural
TRUSTEES:
Member Gabriel Anguiano Jr. Member Austin Block Member Aiden Hill Member Katherine Jones Member Nancy Thomas
STUDENT BOARD MEMBER:
Member Joy Lee
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Type Procedural
PURPOSE:
The Governance Team will recite the Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Meeting Practices and Information
Type Information, Procedural
IN-PERSON MEETING INFORMATION:
Please see the attached meeting information in English and Spanish.
OBSERVE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING:
Members of the public may observe the meeting via the NUSD YouTube Channel, or in-person at the NUSD Boardroom. Spanish translation will be available in-person.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The public will have the opportunity to address the Board of Education regarding non-agendized matters and agendized items by email at PUBLICCOMMENT@newarkunified.org, or in-person comments by submitting a speaker-card with the Executive Assistant.
File Attachments Original Board Meeting Guidelines (1).pdf (259 KB) Board Meeting Protocols_ENG(1).pdf (69 KB) Protocolos de la Reunion de la Mesa Directiva_ESP (1).pdf (65 KB)
2. New Board Member Swearing In Ceremony
2.1 Received Certification of the November 2024 General Election Board of Trustee Results
Type Information
PURPOSE:
The Superintendent of School will share the official certification results with the community for Newark Unified School District Board Member elections.
2.2 Oath of Office for New Board Members
Type Information, Procedural
PURPOSE:
Newly elected school board candidates Aiden Hill, Austin Block and Gabriel Anguiano Jr. will enter into the Oath of Office for a Four Year Term and will officially take office immediately upon their swearing in on December 17, 2024. This term will commence in December 2028.
The community is invited by the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools to attend this special event and wish our newly elected Board Members best wishes as they enter into office for the next four-years.
2.3 New School Member Reception
Type Information
PURPOSE:
A celebration reception will be held in honor for the for the newly elected School Board Members Aiden Hill, Austin Block and Gabriel Anguiano Jr. following the swearing in. The Community is invited to celebrate with the Newark Unified School District Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Office.
BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2024 the Newark Unified School District through the Alameda County Registrar of Voters held their school board elections to fill three seats that were up for election. This is a 4-year term beginning December 17, 2024.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3.1 Approval of the Agenda
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approve the agenda for this meeting.
Action
PURPOSE:
Members of the Governance Team may request that the agenda be amended or approved as presented.
Motion & Voting The recommendation is that the Board of Education approve the agenda for this meeting.
Motion by Nancy Thomas, second by Katherine Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Joy Lee
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1 Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
Type Procedural
PURPOSE:
The Board of Education encourages the community's participation in its deliberations and has tried to make it convenient to express their views to the Board.
BACKGROUND: Please see the instructions on the link below for public comment information on non-agenda items and agenda items.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/nusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C4Q2D4019F40
4.2 Public Comment on Agenda Items
Type Procedural
PURPOSE:
The Board of Education encourages the community's participation in its deliberations and has tried to make it convenient to express their views to the Board.
BACKGROUND:
Please see the instructions on the link below for public comment information on non-agenda items and agenda items.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/nusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C4Q2D4019F40
5. ANNUAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
5.1 Election of Officers- President
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the nomination for the new
Action Board President.
PURPOSE:
The board shall nominate a candidate to be voted and approved by the Board as the new President.
BACKGROUND:
Board Policy 9100: Organization
Annual Organizational Meeting The Board shall hold an annual organizational meeting within the time limits prescribed by law. (Education Code 35143) At this meeting the Board shall:
- Elect a president and a clerk from its members.
- Authorize signatures.
- Develop a schedule of regular meetings for the year.
- Develop a Board calendar for the year.
- Designate Board representatives. (cf. 9140 - Board Representatives) (cf. 9320 - Meetings) Election of Officers The Board shall each year elect its entire slate of officers. (cf. 9224 - Oath or Affirmation)
Officers of the Board (NUSD Governance Team Handbook)
At the annual organizational meeting, the Board shall elect from among its members a President and Vice President/Clerk of the Board. The term length of the officers shall be for one year. The Board shall designate the Superintendent as Secretary of the Board.
Duties of the Board Officers (NUSD Governance Team Handbook)
The President of the Board of Education (Board Policy 9121) At the annual organizational meeting, the Governing Board shall appoint a president from its membership. The president shall preside at all Governing Board Meetings. They shall: Call the meeting to order at the appointed time. Announce the business to come before the Board in its proper order. Enforce and maintain the Board's policies related to the order of business and conduct the meetings. Recognize persons who desire to speak, and protect the speaker who has the floor from disturbance or interference. Explain what the effect of a motion would be if it is not clear to every member. Restrict discussion to the question when a motion is before the Board. Rule on parliamentary procedure. Put motions to a vote, and state the results of the vote. The President shall have the same rights as any member of the Board, including the right to move, second, discuss, and vote on all questions before the Board, allowing other members priority to speak and make motions as a point of courtesy.
The Board President, or in their absence the Vice-President, shall also perform other duties as directed by law, State Department of Education regulations, and the Board, including the duty to: Meet with the Superintendent before meetings to review the agenda and meeting details. Represent the District at events when invited or appropriate. Sign instruments, acts, and orders necessary to carry out state requirements or the will of the Board. Consult with the Superintendent on appropriate Board issues or crucial matters which may occur between board meetings. Appoint and disband all committees, subject to Board approval. Call for meetings of the Board as they shall deem necessary, giving notices as prescribed by law. Be responsible for the orderly conduct of all board meetings. Share informational mail with other board members.
When the president resigns, is absent, or is disabled, the Vice President shall perform the President's duties. When both the President and Vice President are absent or disabled, the Board shall choose a President Pro Tempore to perform the President's duties.
Motion & Voting The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the nomination for the new Board President.
Motion by Aiden Hill, second by Nancy Thomas. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Joy Lee
5.2 Election of Officers-Clerk/Vice President
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the nomination for the new
Action Clerk/ Vice President.
PURPOSE:
The board shall nominate a candidate to be voted and approved by the Board as the new Clerk/Vice President. BACKGROUND:
Board Policy 9100: Organization
Annual Organizational Meeting The Board shall hold an annual organizational meeting within the time limits prescribed by law. (Education Code 35143) At this meeting the Board shall:
- Elect a president and a clerk from its members.
- Authorize signatures.
- Develop a schedule of regular meetings for the year.
- Develop a Board calendar for the year.
- Designate Board representatives. (cf. 9140 - Board Representatives) (cf. 9320 - Meetings) Election of Officers The Board shall each year elect its entire slate of officers. (cf. 9224 - Oath or Affirmation)
Officers of the Board (NUSD Governance Team Handbook)
At the annual organizational meeting, the Board shall elect from among its members a President and Vice President/Clerk of the Board. The term length of the officers shall be for one year. The Board shall designate the Superintendent as Secretary of the Board.
Duties of the Board Officers (NUSD Governance Team Handbook)
The President of the Board of Education (Board Policy 9121) At the annual organizational meeting, the Governing Board shall appoint a president from its membership. The president shall preside at all Governing Board Meetings. They shall: Call the meeting to order at the appointed time. Announce the business to come before the Board in its proper order. Enforce and maintain the Board's policies related to the order of business and conduct the meetings. Recognize persons who desire to speak, and protect the speaker who has the floor from disturbance or interference. Explain what the effect of a motion would be if it is not clear to every member. Restrict discussion to the question when a motion is before the Board. Rule on parliamentary procedure. Put motions to a vote, and state the results of the vote. The President shall have the same rights as any member of the Board, including the right to move, second, discuss, and vote on all questions before the Board, allowing other members priority to speak and make motions as a point of courtesy.
The Board President, or in their absence the Vice-President, shall also perform other duties as directed by law, State Department of Education regulations, and the Board, including the duty to: Meet with the Superintendent before meetings to review the agenda and meeting details. Represent the District at events when invited or appropriate. Sign instruments, acts, and orders necessary to carry out state requirements or the will of the Board. Consult with the Superintendent on appropriate Board issues or crucial matters which may occur between board meetings. Appoint and disband all committees, subject to Board approval. Call for meetings of the Board as they shall deem necessary, giving notices as prescribed by law. Be responsible for the orderly conduct of all board meetings. Share informational mail with other board members.
When the president resigns, is absent, or is disabled, the Vice President shall perform the President's duties. When both the President and Vice President are absent or disabled, the Board shall choose a President Pro Tempore to perform the President's duties.
5.3 Appointment of Superintendent as Secretary of the Governing Board
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the appointment Tracey B.
Action Vackar Superintendent of Schools as Secretary of the Governing Board.
Goals VISION: The Newark Unified School District, in partnership with the community, will be a
model of world-class education that develops the unique abilities of every student.
MISSION: The Newark Unified School District will inspire and educate all students to
achieve their full potential and be responsible, respectful, and productive citizens.
PURPOSE:
The Board shall appoint Tracey B. Vackar Superintendent of Schools as Secretary of the Governing Board.
BACKGROUND:
BOARD BYLAW 9100: ORGANIZATION
Annual Organizational Meeting The Board shall hold an annual organizational meeting within the time limits prescribed by law. (Education Code 35143) At this meeting the Board shall: 1. Elect a president and a clerk from its members. 2. Authorize signatures. 3. Develop a schedule of regular meetings for the year. 4. Develop a Board calendar for the year. 5. Designate Board representatives. (cf. 9140 - Board Representatives) (cf. 9320 - Meetings) Election of Officers The Board shall each year elect its entire slate of officers. (cf. 9224 - Oath or Affirmation)
BOARD BYLAW 9122: SECRETARY The Governing Board shall appoint the Superintendent to serve as secretary to the Board. The secretary to the Board shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate and complete record of all Board proceedings and shall: 1. Prepare, distribute and maintain the Board agenda. (cf. 9322 - Agenda/Meeting Materials) 2. Record, distribute and maintain the Board minutes. (cf. 9324 - Minutes and Recordings) 3. Maintain Board records and documents. 4. Conduct official correspondence for the Board. 5. As directed by the Board, sign and execute official papers
5.4 Set Regular Meeting Dates for 2025-26
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the dates of the regular
Action meetings and study sessions for the 2025-26 school year.
PURPOSE: The Board shall approve the dates of the regular board meetings for the 2025-2026 school year.
BACKGROUND:
It is recommended that the Board of Education consider going to one regular board meeting a month. The second Board meeting will be reserved for educational topic discussion, so that staff can provide data on the topic and allow the board and staff to study annual goal topic for improvement.
Board Policy 9100: ORGANIZATION
Annual Organizational Meeting The Board shall hold an annual organizational meeting within the time limits prescribed by law. (Education Code 35143) At this meeting the Board shall:
- Elect a president and a clerk from its members.
- Authorize signatures.
- Develop a schedule of regular meetings for the year.
- Develop a Board calendar for the year.
- Designate Board representatives. (cf. 9140 - Board Representatives) (cf. 9320 - Meetings) Election of Officers The Board shall each year elect its entire slate of officers. (cf. 9224 - Oath or Affirmation)
SEE THE RECOMMENDED BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATES for the 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR ATTACHED.
File Attachments NUSD 2025-26 Board of Education Meeting Dates (2).pdf (27 KB)
5.5 Set Regular Meeting Times (Hours)
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended It is recommended that the Board of Education Regular Meeting start at 6:00 pm for Closed
Action Session, and 7:00 pm for Open Session and commence by 10:00 pm. Study Sessions will
begin at 6:00 pm and if a Closed Session is necessary this may be scheduled prior or after
the study session.
PURPOSE:
Is to establish a consistent meeting time for the Board of Education Meetings and to allow the public to participate.
Regular Meetings will start at 6:00 pm for Closed Session, and 7:00 pm for Open Session and commence by 10:00 pm. Extended time beyond 10:00 pm will require a vote of the Board of Education. Study Sessions will commence at 6:00 pm, and may include a Closed Session prior or following the Study Session. Any reportable action taken in closed session would be announced following the closed session meeting.
BACKGROUND:
The time and hours recommended have been an established for consistency and notification to the community. The Board of Education with proper notifications and in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, may change the dates and times to meet the needs of the district and to act in their capacity as a legislative body. Motion & Voting It is recommended that the Board of Education Regular Meeting start at 6:00 pm for Closed Session, and 7:00 pm for Open Session and commence by 10:00 pm. Study Sessions will begin at 6:00 pm and if a Closed Session is necessary this may be scheduled prior or after the study session.
Motion by Aiden Hill, second by Nancy Thomas. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Joy Lee
5.6 Appointment of Board Member Representative to serve on the Audit Committee for a two year term.
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education appoint Board Member Representatives to
Action serve a two year term on the Audit Committee.
PURPOSE:
The Board of Education to appointment of a board representatives to serve a two year term on the Audit Committee.
BACKGROUND:
The Audit Committee has two Board Members who serve of a two year term. This allows for consistency and historic knowledge to be shared. Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
Pursuant to Board Policy 3460, the NUSD Board of Education has appointed the audit committee to serve in an advisory capacity and: a. Make recommendations regarding the selection of the external independent auditor in accordance with Education Code 41020 and 41020.5 b. Review the plan for the audit process with the independent auditor to determine the adequacy of the nature, scope, and timetable of the audit c. Review the results of the audit and participate with the independent auditor and management in preparing final recommendations and responses. d. Review Board policies and administrative regulations to recommend any revisions needed to ensure effective financial reporting e. Periodically report to the Board regarding the status of previous audit recommendations for improving the accounting and internal control systems
This committee meets, at a minimum, once per year in . It is recommended that the Board will appoint two representatives to the Audit Committee.
5.7 Appointment of two Board Representatives to Citizens Bond Oversite Committee (CBOC) Measure O
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education to appoint two Board of Education
Action representatives for the Citizens Bond Oversite Committee (CBOC) Measure O
PURPOSE:
To appoint two representatives to the Measure O Citizens Bond Oversite Committee (Measure O).
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
The purpose is to discuss ideas and implement recommendations to he board and to be transparent with Bond Spending from Measure O.
It is recommended that the Board appoint two representatives to the CBOC committee.
5.8 Appointment of two Board of Education Representatives to the City of Newark- NUSD Liaison Committee
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education appoint two Board of Education
Action Representatives to the City of Newark - NUSD Liaison Committee.
PURPOSE:
For the Board of Education to appoint two Representatives to the City of Newark - NUSD Liaison Committee
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
This committee meets four times per year with two representatives from the Newark City Council and two members from the NUSD Board of Education to update and inform both bodies of news from each agency.
The committee meets quarterly on the third Monday of the month. The next meeting will be on the fourth Monday in January due to a holiday on the third Monday.
The Board will appoint two representative, to the City Liaison Committee.
5.9 Appointment of two Board of Education Members for the LCAP Advisory Committee
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended It is Recommended that the Board of Education appoint two Members to the LCAP Advisory
Action Committee to serve as Liaisons.
PURPOSE:
Is for the Board of Education to appoint two Members to the LCAP Advisory Committee to serve as Liaisons.
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
This is a new committee for the board to consider. The LCAP Advisory Committee meets on average four times per year with two liaisons from the NUSD Board of Education to update and inform both bodies of news from each agency. This committee is subject to the Brown Act as the board appoints the members of the LCAP advisory council.
5.10 Appointment of a Board Representative and Alternate to serve on the Newark Teacher Induction Advisory Council
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education appoint a Representative and Alternate to
Action the Newark Teachers Induction Advisory Council.
PURPOSE:
To review and re-appoint a Representative and Alternate to the Newark Teachers Induction Advisory Council until the end of the current school year.
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
The California Teacher Induction Program (CTIP) formerly known as Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Induction (BTSA Induction) is a program co-sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) designed to support the professional development of newly-credentialed teachers and fulfill the requirements for the California professional clear Multiple/ Single-subject and/or Education Specialist credentials. Senate Bill 2042 identified it as the only pathway to a clear credential. While the name changed in 2014, the intent and purpose remain the same: Teacher Induction Program Goals:
Provide an effective transition into the teaching career.
Improve the educational performance of students through improved training, information, and assistance of new teachers.
Enable candidates to be effective in teaching students who are culturally, linguistically, and academically diverse.
Ensure the professional success and retention of new teachers.
Ensure that a mentor provides individualized & job-embedded support and professional learning guidance.
Ensure that an Individualized Learning Plan is developed by each candidate and is based on ongoing self-assessment on
the California Standards for the Teaching Profession / Continuum of Practice.
Ensure continuous program improvement through an ongoing process of inquiry.
Newark Teacher Induction is a commission-approved Induction program. It is approved to support general and special education teachers who need to clear preliminary and/or Level I credentials.
A Program Director provides day-to-day coordination within the local school districts and is responsible for implementing and coordinating local support, and ensuring program accountability and quality. An Advisory Council provides support and recommendations to the Program Director in matters of program implementation and evaluation. The Advisory Council consists of mentors, administrators, and board members from all the partner districts and/or schools. The Program Director serves as the program manager and executive officer of the Advisory Council.
Meetings are quarterly and the council will identify a time that works best for all.
The Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and/or Superintendent also attend the Newark Teacher Induction Council meetings.
5.11 Appointment of a Representative and Alternate to Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP) Governing Council
Type Action, Procedural
Fiscal Impact No
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education appoints a Board Representative and
Action Alternate to Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program Governing Council.
PURPOSE:
To nominate and appoint a representative and alternate to the Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP) Governing Council.
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
The Education Code requires a Regional Occupational Center/Program Exhibit to be governed by a board of trustees as established by the Joint Powers Agreement. The Mission Valley ROC/P board of trustees is composed of one member of the Board of Education from Fremont, Newark, and New Haven Unified School Districts. Each year at this time a representative from the Board is selected to be the District's representative to the ROC/P Executive Board.
Thursday, January 16, 2025*
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025*
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Tuesday, June 17, 2025* (placeholder meeting if additional business is needed after June 12)
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, December 11, 2025
5.12 Appointment of a Board Representative to Regional Policy Board of Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
Type Action, Procedural
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education appoint the Board Representative to the
Action Regional Policy Board of Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).
PURPOSE:
To appoint a Representative to the Mission Valley SELPA to continue until the end of the 2025 year.
BACKGROUND:
Board Bylaw 9140:The Governing Board recognizes that effective performance of its community leadership responsibilities may require its participation in district or community committees on matters of concern to the district and its students. As needed, the Board may appoint any of its members to serve as its representative on a district committee or on a committee of another public agency or organization of which the Board or district is a member or to which the Board is invited to participate.
In 1977, all school districts and county school offices were mandated to form consortiums in geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region's boundaries. Each region, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developed a local plan describing how it would provide special education services.
SELPAs are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and that special needs students must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of society. SELPAs facilitate high-quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.
The Mission Valley SELPA consists of three school districts: New Haven Unified, Newark, and Fremont Unified School Districts. The SELPA was formed for the purpose of ensuring that quality special education programs and services are available to students living throughout the area. All three school districts coordinate to provide services to identified students who require special education programs and services. The special education directors within each of the districts meet regularly to share resources and coordinate as related to shared program goals.
- CONSENT AGENDA: PERSONNEL ITEMS
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the Board. (cf. 2111 - Superintendent Governance Standards)
6.1 PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote
Type Action
Recommended It is recommended that the Board of Education approve, under one consented vote, the
Action agenda items under Consent-Personnel, except for agenda items:
PURPOSE:
This is specifically a placeholder, and will only be used if multiple agenda items are approved under a consented vote.
BACKGROUND:
Items within the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved, adopted, or ratified by a single motion and action. There will not be a separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately.
6.2 Personnel Report
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education ratify the personnel report as presented.
Action
PURPOSE:
The purpose is for the Board of Education to ratify the Personnel Report as presented.
BACKGROUND:
All personnel activities including new hires, changes in status, resignation, leaves, and retirements are routinely submitted to the Board for ratification.
File Attachments HR PAL 12.17.2024.pdf (126 KB)
7. CONSENT AGENDA: NON-PERSONNEL ITEMS
7.1 PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote
Type Action
Recommended It is recommended that the Board of Education approve, under one consented vote, the
Action agenda items under Consent Non-Personnel, except for agenda items:
PURPOSE:
This is specifically a placeholder, and will only be used if multiple agenda items are approved under a consented vote.
BACKGROUND: Items within the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved, adopted, or ratified by a single motion and action. There will not be a separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately.
7.2 Signature Card - Mid Year Revision
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approve the Signature Card Mid-Year
Action Revision for the Board of Education as presented.
PURPOSE:
To update the Signature Card of Board Members as required by the Alameda County Office of Education.
BACKGROUND:
The Board is swearing in new Board members at this meeting.
This is the "Signature Card" for Board Members kept on file at the Alameda County Office of Education. This is a mid-year revision to update Board Members' signatures.
File Attachments Mid-Year Signature Card_Board Member_A. Block.pdf (135 KB) Mid-Year Signature Card_Board Member_G. Anguiano.pdf (134 KB)
7.3 MINUTES of December 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
Type Action, Minutes
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education approved the minutes of the December 2,
Action 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.
PURPOSE:
For the Board to review and approve minutes of the December 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.
BACKGROUND:
The attached minutes are reflective of the December 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. The Meeting may be viewed on the NUSD YouTube Channel HERE
8. BOARD OF EDUCATION: COMMITTEE REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, REQUESTS, DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION
8.1 Board of Education Committee Reports, Announcements, Requests, Debrief and Discussion
AND DISCUSSION
Type Action, Discussion, Information
Fiscal Impact No
PURPOSE:
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Trustees will provide an update, if available, on the committees of which they are members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Trustees may acknowledge or recognize specific programs, activities, or personnel at this time.
REQUESTS: This is an opportunity for the Board of Education to suggest items for placement on future agendas and to review Board requests.
Approval from the majority of the Board will be required for direction to be provided to the Superintendent.
DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION: The Trustees may debrief and discuss items.
BACKGROUND:
Each year the Board of Education members liaise with schools and committees in order to build relationships, hear from staff, students, and families, and act as a conduit for information to and from the schools.
The following derives directly from the Board approved "Governance Team Handbook"
Authority is Collective, Not Individual: The only authority to direct action rests with the Board as a whole when seated at a regular or special board meeting. Outside of this meeting, there is no authority. A majority Board vote provides direction to the Superintendent. Board members will not undermine the ability of staff to carry out Board direction.
Bringing New Ideas Forward The Board will be open to having "brainstorming" discussions, or study sessions, around any idea that a Trustee may feel merits exploratory consideration. "New Ideas" are defined as any proposal brought forward by a Trustee, at their initiative or at the request of a constituent, which was previously discussed during a board meeting. Trustees will first notify the Board President and Superintendent of their interest in bringing forward a new idea at a board meeting. When initially agendized, the preliminary discussion of a new idea will not require staff research time. Initially, staff will be expected to respond to new ideas based on current knowledge. Only a majority of the Board may direct the Superintendent to conduct research regarding the exploration of a new idea. The Superintendent will decide on the delegation of assignments to District staff. The new idea may be agendized for discussion only. The Board majority will decide if the new idea should be further developed and studied by staff. The Board majority will decide if staff time should be invested in the "fleshing out" of new ideas. Individual Trustees, in the course of interactions with constituents, will be careful not to make or imply the commitment of the full Board to explore or proceed with implementing new ideas.
9. SUPERINTENDENT'S CONCLUDING COMMENTS, UPDATES FOR THE BOARD AND FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
9.1 Superintendent's Concluding Comments, Updates, and Future Agenda Items
AGENDA REQUESTS
Type Information
PURPOSE:
This is an opportunity for the Interim Superintendent to make any concluding comments, updates, agenda requests, or provide information of future meetings.
10. ADJOURNMENT
10.1 PLACEHOLDER - Extend Meeting
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education extends the meeting to ____ P.M.
Action
PURPOSE:
This is a placeholder, only to be used if the Board adds a motion and action to extend the meeting.
10.2 Adjournment
Type Action
Recommended The recommendation is that the Board of Education adjourns this meeting.
Action
PURPOSE:
No items will be considered after 10:00 p.m. unless it is determined by a majority of the Board to extend to a specific time.
This action will conclude the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Procedural: 1.1 Roll Call
Procedural: 1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Information, Procedural: 1.3 Meeting Practices and Information
2. New Board Member Swearing In Ceremony
Information: 2.1 Received Certification of the November 2024 General Election Board of Trustee Results Superintendent Vackar presented the certificate election results.
Information, Procedural: 2.2 Oath of Office for New Board Members
- Austin Block
- Gabriel Anguiano Jr.
- Aiden Hill
Information: 2.3 New School Member Reception (Recess)
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: 3.1 Approval of the Agenda
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approve the agenda for this meeting.
Motion by Nancy Thomas, second by Katherine Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Procedural: 4.1 Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
- Mayor Mike Hannon, 4.1, After Swearing in ceremony, Congratulations
- Cheri Villa, 4.1, NTA update
- Brian Foster, 4.1 APEX
- Leslie Hoiland, 4.1, Respect freedom of speech
- Cindy Parks, 7.3 Meeting Minutes
Procedural: 4.2 Public Comment on Agenda Items
5. ANNUAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Action: 5.1 Election of Officers- President
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the nomination for the new Board President, Katherine Jones
Motion by Aiden Hill, second by Nancy Thomas. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action: 5.2 Election of Officers-Clerk/Vice President
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the nomination for the new Board Vice- President/Clerk, Nancy Thomas
Motion by Katherine Jones, second by Austin Block Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.3 Appointment of Interim Superintendent as Secretary of the Governing Board
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the appointment Tracey B. Vackar Superintendent of Schools as Secretary of the Governing Board.
Motion by Nancy Thomas, Second by Aiden Hill Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.4 Set Regular Meeting Dates for 2025-26
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Set Regular Meeting Dates for 2025-26
Motion by Joy Lee, second by Austin Block Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.5 Set Regular Meeting Times (Hours) 6:00 p.m. Closed/ 7:00 p.m. Open/10:00 p.m. Adjourn
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Set Regular Meeting Times (Hours)
Motion by Aiden Hill, second Nancy Thomas Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.6 Appointment of Board Member Representative to serve on the Audit Committee for a two year term.
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of Board Member Representative to serve on the Audit Committee for a two year term.
Nancy Thomas- Representative Gabriel Anguiano Jr.- Representative Austin Block- Alternate
Motion by Aiden Hill, second Gabriel Anguiano Jr. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.7 Appointment of two Board Representatives to Citizens Bond Oversite Committee (CBOC) Measure O
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of two Board Representatives to Citizens Bond Oversite Committee (CBOC) Measure O
Austin Block- Liaison Nancy Thomas- Liaison Joy Lee- Attendee
Motion by Aiden Hill, second Austin Block Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.8 Appointment of two Board of Education Representatives to the City of Newark- NUSD Liaison Committee
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of two Board Representatives to the City of Newark- NUSD Liaison Committee
Katherine Jones- Representative Aiden Hill- Representative Austin Block- Alternate
Motion by Nancy Thomas, second Aiden Hill Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr. , Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.9 Appointment of two Board of Education Members for the LCAP Advisory Committee
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of two Board of Education Members for the LCAP Advisory Committee
Katherine Jones- Liaison Gabriel Anguiano Jr.- Liaison Aiden Hill-Alternate
Motion by Austin Block, second Gabriel Anguiano Jr. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr., Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.10 Appointment of a Board Representative and Alternate to serve on the Newark Teacher Induction Advisory Council
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of a Board Representative and Alternate to serve on the Newark Teacher Induction Advisory Council
Austin Block-Representative Aiden Hill- Alternate
Motion by Nancy Thomas, second Gabriel Anguiano Jr. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr, Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.11 Appointment of a Representative and Alternate to Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP) Governing Council
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of a Board Representative and Alternate to Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP) Governing Council
Nancy Thomas- Representative Katherine Jones- Alternate
Motion by Austin Block, second Katherine Jones Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr., Joy Lee
Action, Procedural: 5.12 Appointment of a Board Representative to Regional Policy Board of Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Appointment of a Board Representative to Regional Policy Board of Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
Nancy Thomas- Representative Katherine Jones- Alternate
Motion by Katherine Jones, second Nancy Thomas Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr., Joy Lee
6. CONSENT AGENDA: PERSONNEL ITEMS
Action: 6.1 PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote
Action: 6.2 Personnel Report.
The recommendation is that the Board of Education approves the Personnel Report
Motion by Aiden Hill, second Austin Block Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr.
7. CONSENT AGENDA: NON-PERSONNEL ITEMS
Action: 7.1 PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote
Action: 7.2 Signature Card - Mid Year Revision
Motion by Aiden Hill, second Austin Block Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Nancy Thomas, Aiden Hill, Katherine Jones, Austin Block, Gabriel Anguiano Jr, Joy Lee
Action, Minutes: 7.3 MINUTES of December 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Pulled by Superintendent Vackar- server was down over the weekend, not accessible to the public.
8. BOARD OF EDUCATION: COMMITTEE REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, REQUESTS, DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION
Action, Discussion, Information: 8.1 Board of Education Committee Reports, Announcements, Requests, Debrief and Discussion
Joy Lee- Welcome to new board members, would like to add bio on web page. Good luck to peers on finals and congrats to the new Vice- President and President. Aiden Hill- Welcome to new board members, and looking forward to working together. Would like to also add bio on web page. Wishing everyone a happy holiday, and thank you to staff for all hard work. Gabriel Anguiano Jr- Thank you for the opportunity and congrats to the existing board members. Thank you to student board member, Joy Lee. Thank you to the community and willing to make the best decisions together. Austin Block- Thank you to former board members and looking forward to working together. Nancy Thomas- Thank you to new board members. Thank you Superintendent and President Jones for setting up new board meeting dates. Katherine Jones- Welcome to new board members and welcome back member Hill. Looking forward to working collaboratively together.
9. SUPERINTENDENT'S CONCLUDING COMMENTS, UPDATES FOR THE BOARD AND FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
Information: 9.1 Superintendent's Concluding Comments, Updates, and Future Agenda Items Superintendent Vackar- Happy holidays and happy to serve! Happy New Year!
10. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 10.1 PLACEHOLDER - Extend Meeting
Action: 10.2 Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm