Board Briefs: Jan. 13, 2026

Here are a few highlights from the Jan. 13 board meeting (the agenda packet is available):

Board receives report on ELPAC 2024-25 Data Summary

Staff provided a report regarding the 2024-25 English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) data summary. ELPAC results show language proficiency level overall performance. 

Last year’s ELPAC results show some important changes in how students are performing. More students scored at Level 1, which means they are still early in learning English. At the same time, fewer students scored at Levels 2, 3 and 4, which means fewer students reached the higher levels of English skill than the previous year.

Another way to understand how students are doing is by looking at reclassification, which shows how many students became fluent in English. This year, 11.3% of English learners were reclassified, up from the previous year. That means more students are reaching English fluency.

In total, 1,039 students were reclassified in 2024–25, up from 716 the year before. This includes students who have been learning English for many years, called Long-Term English Learners. Among those students, 77 were reclassified, compared to 39 the previous year.

Because of this progress, the state’s rating for how well these students are doing improved from yellow to green, showing stronger results.

Update provided on mobile device board policy implementation

In May of 2025, the board adopted Board Policy 5131.8 in alignment with AB 3216 to restrict student use of mobile devices in school settings. The adopted policy restricts student use of mobile devices in classroom settings as a minimum, but also provides a route for schools to enact restrictions during non-instructional time as well. 

As of December, all but four of the district's schools had reviewed their existing practices or adopted and implemented new practices to restrict student use of mobile devices in alignment with the board policy. Of those, many elementary sites already had practices in place or chose to implement policies restricting the use of mobile devices outside instructional time. 

A survey of students (in grades 6-12), teachers, classified staff, administrators and parents/guardians, revealed that the majority of respondents believe the policy has improved school climate, increased safety and reduced classroom distractions. Concerns remain around the consistent enforcement of restrictions and the ability of students and families to connect when needed throughout the school day. Staff will continue to monitor implementation of the policy and consider recommendations for policy revisions this spring. 

In other news…

• Staff shared a report on programs, data and supports for multilingual learners. 
• The board discussed revisions to Board Policy 6020 Parent Involvement to align with state law. Action on the revised policy is anticipated on Jan. 27. 
• The board discussed proposed revisions to the Governance Handbook. Action is anticipated on Feb. 10.

The next regular board meeting will be held on Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.sanjuan.edu/boardmeeting for details. You can also view videos of prior board meetings at www.sanjuan.edu/boardvideo.