Update on Thu 2/19 SMMUSD Board Meeting

Thank you for your support. Your voices made a difference today. The board is holding off on cutting LLIs.

Several members of the SMMUSD Board were clearly moved by the strong public response, including powerful in-person testimony, thoughtful emails, and the petition.

Based on the board’s discussion, amid considerable confusion, they decided to hold cuts to Reading Interventionist (LLI) positions, opting instead to allow more time to review the program, evaluate the criteria and data, to further consider the best ages for intervention, and to be more transparent with the community. 

The board members most supportive  were Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Laurie Lieberman, Jennifer Smith, and Alicia Mignano. In contrast, Stacy Rouse and Jon Kean did not appear moved by the community’s response and, at times, seemed inclined to dismiss it.

The district’s response to questions about the proposed cuts centered on a plan for regular classroom teachers to provide reading intervention using newly available resources, tools, and instructional coaches. However, this rationale was inconsistent, as they also acknowledged that it would be challenging for classroom teachers, that aspects of this approach are already in place, and that current LLI staff are providing strong, effective support.

The resolution to reduce staff was unclear and lacked transparency, such concerns that were also raised by the community via email and in-person speakers. This lack of clarity led to significant confusion during the meeting, with multiple instances of board members uncertain about what they were voting on.

Additionally, they postponed discussion of custodial staff reductions until the March 3 meeting to allow for opportunity to have union discussions.

It did appear that they approved reductions to SAMO high school foreign language and counseling positions.

Thank you again for your support.