Board Briefs: Nov. 19, 2024

Here are a few highlights from the Nov. 19 board meeting (the agenda packet is available):

Board hears update on universal prekindergarten

Staff updated the board on universal prekindergarten (UPK) implementation and planning, which includes expanding services for 4-year-old students in transitional kindergarten (TK). The final year of UPK’s implementation in California will be in the 2025-26 school year, where the goal is to offer TK to all four-year-old children.

Currently, there are 37 TK classes in the district, including seven added at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. The district will continue to expand TK classes through a phased approach, adding additional classrooms through the 2025-26 school year. The schedules of newly added TK classrooms mirror the school kindergarten schedules to provide continuity and consistency in the early learning classrooms. For the 2025-26 school year, students who turn four by Sept. 1, 2025 are eligible to enroll. 

Board hears update on dress code rollout

During the 2023-24 school year, the district engaged in creating a robust process to develop a districtwide dress code. At the June 11, 2024 Board of Education meeting, staff presented the revised districtwide dress code to the board to be implemented for the 2024-25 school year. As part of the implementation, a robust communication plan was developed to inform and support schools, students, staff and the community with the dress code. Districtwide training occurred in August 2024 during staff professional development days before the start of school. 

In October 2024, a districtwide survey was developed and sent to students, staff and community members to gather feedback. Included in the presentation are the major themes and trends that surfaced from the survey, current data on dress code violations, and next steps to refine and support the implementation of the districtwide dress code. View the full presentation.

In other news…

• The board adopted resolutions recognizing Board Member Saul Hernandez for his 12 years of service to San Juan Unified and Board Member Paula Villescaz for her 8 years of service to the district.
• The board approved the proposed price increase of paid adult and student second meals for the 2024-25 school year.
• The board discussed and adopted the 2025-26 legislative principles and priorities. 
• The board called a public hearing and adopted a resolution declaring the conveyance of a permanent construction easement at Katherine Johnson Middle School to the Sacramento Area Sewer District. Additionally, the board adopted a resolution declaring the intent to convey a permanent trail easement at Katherine Johnson Middle School to the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District. A public hearing will be held on Dec. 17.
• The board approved the Teamsters Local No. 150 tentative agreement with San Juan Unified.
• The board approved the 2024-25 and 2025-26 adjustments to the Superintendent’s Cabinet Salary Schedule and ratified the amendments to reflect the salary schedule adjustments.
• The board set Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the annual organizational meeting.

The next regular board meeting will be held on Dec. 17 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.