Board Briefs: March 10, 2026

Here are a few highlights from the March 10 board meeting (the agenda packet is available):

Board recognizes 2026 Classified Employees of the Year

The board recognized nine classified employees nominated as San Juan Unified's 2026 Classified Employees of the Year for their exceptional service, dedication and commitment to San Juan Unified and the surrounding community. The nine honorees include:

• Clerical and Administrative Services: Joanne McLaughlin Strauch, Secretary, Earl LeGette Elementary School 
• Custodian and Maintenance Services: Mikalai Lutsyk, Head Custodian, Grand Oaks Elementary School 
• Nutrition Services: Debbie Armstrong, Nutrition Services Cook, Del Campo High School
• Health and Student Services: Jamileh Piran, Health Instructional Assistant, Health Services
• Paraprofessional Services: Cortney Lloret, Instructional Assistant, Alternative Learning Center - Meraki High School
• Security Services: Omar Marroquin, School Community Specialist, Encina High School
• Skilled Trade Services: Peter McGuinness, Lead Electrician, Maintenance and Operations
• Technical Services: William Dreifus, Technology Support Specialist II, Technology Services
• Transportation Services: Joseph Lausmann, Transportation Operations Technician, Transportation

Board discusses new high school courses for 2026-27

The board discussed proposed high school courses designed to ensure student choice and instructional alignment with the Strategic Plan, the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and California’s State Standards. The proposed courses of study provide a high level of rigor, deeper opportunities for study and promote college and career readiness. 

New high school courses discussed include:

Arts: 

• Commercial Music/Modern Band 
• Jazz Choir 
• Mariachi Ensemble 
• Musical Theater 
• Percussion Ensemble 

Electives: 

• Personal Finance
• Philosophy
• Project Management 

Of note, Personal Finance is a new California graduation requirement, effective for the class of 2030-31 and must be offered by 2027-28. 

Action is anticipated at the March 24 board meeting.

In other news…

• The board reviewed and approved the 2025-26 Second Interim Report and the Budget revision reflecting projected year budget totals.
• The board held public hearings and approved charter school renewal petitions for Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy and Aspire Alexander Twilight College Preparatory Academy.

The next regular board meeting will be held on March 24 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.