Board Briefs: March 24, 2026

Here are a few highlights from the March 24 board meeting (the agenda packet is available):

Board discusses e-transportation devices and student safety

Staff shared an overview of current laws and local actions taken by other school districts regarding student use of e-transportation devices. The number of collisions and other accidents involving youth utilizing e-transportation devices has grown rapidly in recent years. A variety of devices are being used by youth, ranging from non-powered traditional devices, such as bicycles and skateboards, to powered bikes, scooters, and motorcycles—each of which has specific legal requirements for use. 

Elementary-age students are permitted to utilize non-powered devices and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, while only high school-age youth are able to use Class 3 devices, provided they are properly licensed to do so. 

The district currently engages in various safety outreach efforts related to student travel to and from school. These include student education, expanding access to traditional bicycles and safety helmets, and collaborating with law enforcement partners to improve vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety on campuses.

Staff presented three potential paths forward: maintaining current efforts, restricting specific classes of devices, or restricting all devices. 

The board expressed interest in exploring restrictions on specific device types and directed staff to return with a recommended policy. A community engagement process will begin this spring to gather input from students, families and staff.

In other news…

• The board adopted resolutions recognizing the month of April as School Library Month and proclaiming the week of April 11-17 as the Week of the Young Child. 
• The board also approved the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds, including:
  • Up to $105 million in refunding bonds to refinance existing debt
  • Up to $100.08 million in bonds from the 2016 election, Series 2026
• The board held a public hearing and discussed the Sunshine Charter School petition. Sunshine Charter School is seeking a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. Action is anticipated on May 26. 

The next regular board meeting will be held on April 14 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.