Hello everyone

It’s been a while since the last update. Summer has been busy! I hope everyone’s summer is going well. There are some important upcoming updates to share:

• Budget Advisory Committee: The application process is closed, and selections have been made, but the results remain unclear, highlighting a lack of transparency. The first meeting is scheduled for August 8th. More information on the BAC can be found here. There has been no update from the district on this matter.
  • Similarly, there is no news regarding the Measure G Oversight Committee vacancy. There was a vacancy notice sent out but no update since deadline of July 15.
• Area 3 Trustee Appointment: Applications are open until August 20th. This appointment is crucial as we also approach the election for the three other board seats (with a total of four trustees potentially changing, this could represent a majority shift on the board). The selection will take place during the August 27th meeting. I strongly encourage Area 3 parents to apply. We need more engaged parents making decisions that shape our children’s future. You can find your area here. I have already submitted my application.
  • Here’s why we should not appoint previous runner-ups, including Armando Benavides:
    • Repeated Election Losses: He has consistently lost in previous elections. You can view the results here.
    • Hypocrisy: In 2020 and 2022, he openly criticized former superintendent Steve Betando for the same issues that current superintendent Carmen Garcia faces. Despite this, he continues to express admiration and gratitude for Dr. Garcia.
• Board Retreat on August 1: The board will meet this Thursday, August 1, at 8 AM at Britton for a retreat. I will be there at the very beginning and will record the public portion to share on YouTube later. Doesn't appear to have Zoom option available. The agenda here. Speaker form here. If possible, please attend in person. Important topics are on the agenda:
  • Board Budget Guidelines: Discussion on the budget guidelines for the Budget Advisory Committee’s first meeting on August 8th. And the overall districts financial trajectory and plan for the next three years. This crucial guideline directly impacts our children, school site teachers, and staff as we continue to face an unbalanced budget.
  • Superintendent Evaluation Guidelines - Dr. Garcia received a marginally satisfactory performance review. The board has a duty to hold the superintendent accountable for success criteria such as financial stability and academic improvement of the district. Despite showing no progress in these areas, Dr. Garcia still received a satisfactory review. It’s crucial to understand the success criteria against which the superintendent is measured.
  • No Mention of Area 3 Selection Process: Clarification is needed on the selection process for the Area 3 trustee appointment during the August 27th meeting
• July 9th Special Meeting Recording: The recording of the July 9th special meeting has been uploaded to YouTube for record-keeping purposes, despite the district’s 30-day Zoom recording deletion policy. You can find the link here.

Thank you! Please stay tuned for more updates as the school year begins and as we approach the Nov election.

-Anahita