Board Briefs - August Meeting 2024

Regular Open Meeting Brief – August 15, 2024

The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: August 15, 2024 BOE Meeting 

Preparations for the Start of School

Dr. Rodrequez updated the Board on preparations for the August 20th start of school including New Staff Academy, Convocation, Transitions Day (for 6th & 9th grade students) and professional development activities. 

Sale of Bonds 

The Board of Education passed a resolution authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds that were approved by voters on the April 2, 2024 ballot.  Bonds are used for facilities improvements.  Preliminary projects include safety and security upgrades, elementary and middle school classroom and restroom renovations, high school fine arts and athletic facilities upgrades, HVAC and parking lot improvements. 

Budget Document for 2024-25 

A comprehensive budget document is produced and publicized annually to provide a projected financial status of the district.  The Budget Document outlines the budget message, fund balances, anticipated revenues and expenses including detailed reports, debt service, and capital projects which is reflected in the preliminary budget adopted by the Board of Education at the June 20, 2024 meeting.  The document will be posted on the district website under the Finance Department. 

School Security Specialists 

The Board approved an agreement with Strategos to address a school resource officer shortage.  Three School Protection Specialists (SPS) will provide security at secondary school locations and support elementary schools as needed.  The three SPS are highly trained to respond to minor daily security incidents as well as more serious occurrences up to and including an active shooter.  They will also be utilized to conduct annual safety and security training for staff. 

Rose Brooks Center Violence Prevention Partnership

The District has partnered with Rose Brooks Center for more than 30 years to provide students with skills needed to lead lives free of violence.  Through the Project SAFE Program, they provide facilitation of weekly student support groups, age-appropriate emotional management and resiliency skills development and monitoring, and ongoing consultation with teachers and staff.  Last year Rose Brooks counselors assisted 140 students with 372 direct service hours and 373 group meetings.