Nov 17, 2022
Optimist Club “Friends of Youth” Presentation (2.3) and COSA Performance (2.4) shout-out by Director of Special Programs (Mr. Smeichal). Result of Art Strategic Plan and LCAP.
2.5 Trustee Helen-Cruz Anderson asked for a moment of silence for Resident Tom Rice who passed away this week and provided a farewell/thank you to Maria Simon, Trustee Shepherd, Trustee Valdez-Clayton, and Trustee Pontes…Keszei moved to Texas…. notably did not recognize Trustee Antrim and hinted that she would be running in 2 years. Trustee Shepherd (8 months) — contentious service due to prevailing national event and events that have occurred in Coronado and Trustee Pontes (8 years) said farewell. Pontes gave Trustee Antrim the “Courageous Award” serving LGBQT students and listen to vitriol that has befallen you. Trustee Valdes-Clayton…”I have finished the race and fought the good fight.” We have an award-winning “everything.” Let’s forgive each other. Trustee Antrim (promoted Mock Trial at CHS Wed @ lunch).
2.6 Mueller stated that the Trustees have received, “criticism and unfair treatment.” He also said the current Board leaves us with a “solid foundation, healthy budget, and a plan to move forward, and a grateful heart.” Referred to Valdez-Clayton as his “boss”.
Public Comment: Maria Simon received 5 minutes to compliment the four departing board members. She did so as a community member not as the CUSD Public Information Officer.
2.7 Mueller played a promotional video “One town, one team” to help with “Staff and student recruitment.” Some good news: Rigorous curriculum.
Public Comment Part 2: Coronado Lawn Bowling, Kid’s Choir, etc.
4.1 Consent Calendar, Mr. Salamanca, 3 large warrants all approved purchase orders; non-voter approved debt, annual payment $450,000; $100,000 San Marcos Unified Jun 22; $17,000 Students Contract Support for Special Needs
5.1 Board language…CUSD will stick with existing Board Policy because of ed code 4897 and 4850
CMS Principal reviews spotty and subpar academic record of school.
Trustee Valdez-Clayton expresses concerns over DIE training for teachers and staff that the Superintendent failed to update Board on. No parents or community members have reviewed the material as promised.
Helen Cruz-Anderson thinks children should feel safe and secured and “honored” in the classroom environment. BP6162 Counseling.
6.1 ACT Report (13 instead of 5 minutes): “We have been put through wringer and things you should never get accused to; you have persevered, gotten back to celebrating students, honoring who we should honor”. Creative Writing Club @ CMS.
Synopsis: Past few years: We have been accused of things we didn’t do and never should have been accused of.
Air plant as a gift: If you don’t treat them well they will still persevere (just like you have)
ACT and Trustees: Post election can we get back to celebrating students?
Jennifer Claims: Lots of contact between Trustees and Teachers Union Head: late Night phone calls chats at local locations like Tartine
ACT President longs for Lee Pontes’ short meetings, doesn’t care for long meetings
We still don’t know about the election.
[Editor’s note: I would say Ms. Landry clearly communicated ACT feels a sense of “solidarity” with the Trustees, against “unfair” accusations from parents/community. There was very much an attitude of ‘I wish these troublemakers would go away and “let us get back to governing the schools.”]
Landry highlighted ACT Concerns – Staffing, Staffing, Staffing: many unfilled positions – classroom aides, substitute teachers, guest teachers. Interesting Note: Landry made it sound like most hiring and staffing somehow goes through ACT. Invited Helen Anderson Cruz to come back as a sub. This much is true at least: ACT is actively recruiting to applicants to fill open positions.
[Editor’s note: Jennifer Landry: Has been ACT President for Six Years. It is clear from the manner in which she was treated that she is a heavy hitter WRT school policy. I’d characterize her general tone as one of “let the professionals do the job of education.”]
6.3 Child Nutrition Services Department Director Update. Free breakfast and lunch for all students as a result of AB 130. The government is paying the school for providing meals, the school reports it as revenues.
[Editor’s comment: This is a tremendously expensive program that is all taxpayer funded to essentially replace parents as the delivery source for 2 meals per day while in school. The Director kept talking about “revenue” and Bruce Shepherd was the ONLY Trustee who asked how the funding works (it is a combination of State and Federal money) One wonders if Federal $$$ are COVID funds and what happens when it runs out. Coronado’s program is “running @ a profit” meaning the reimbursement they receive per meal is larger than their cost per meal.Some folks commented about how great it is not to have pack a lunch for their kids. This is simply another instance of the State usurping the role and responsibility of parents for feeding their children. There used to be a time when parents took pride in providing for their families…another distraction and another “service” that has nothing to do with education.]
Item 6.3 Child Nutrition Services Department Update: Director Child Nutrition Services, Charity Campbell and Amanda Tarantino (registered Dietitian)
6.4 CMS Report.
Ms President Falar mentioned that some CMS teachers were “uncomfortable” teaching SEL topics. They had to call in the counselors to teach some of the topics.
Math CAASPP 2021-22 6th grade 54, 7th grade 76, and 8th grade 51
ELA CAASPP 6th grade 77, 7th grade 74, 8th grade 69
Lexile data 70.1% proficient and advanced
7th grade 68.5%
8th grade 67.2%
MDTP Fall 22 Math readiness for Math 6 (61%), Math 7 (60%), and Math 8 (67%)
CPM (College Preparatory Mathematics) training
MTSS: PBIS accredited school
6.6 Superintendent’s Long Range Plan
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