October 3, 2022
Laura Wiley, the Categorial Programs Coordinator, presented an update on how the district is preparing to meet the Universal Pre-K mandate set forth by Assembly Bill 130. The existing Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program has already expanded this year to include students turning five by February 2, 2023. By 2025-26, all 4-year-olds will be eligible to attend, and the district expects a substantial increase in TK enrollment. Decisions regarding facilities and staff hiring are in progress. More information will be shared with prospective LASD families in-person on November 3 (or over Zoom on December 6).
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Carrie Bosco shared the results from September’s professional development for teachers in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Social Studies teachers also explored different ways to integrate DEI into the curriculum.
The board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Davis Demographics to complete a demographer’s report based on time and materials not to exceed $17,000 per year. The board also approved a contract with Best Electrical to complete much needed lighting replacement at three school sites (Almond, Springer, and Blach) for $854,311. The lighting work will be conducted over weekends and breaks, hopefully to be completed before the end of the school year. Both projects are being funded by the Lease Revenue Fund, which contains lease payments from commercial tenants on the 10th site.
Superintendent Sandra McGonagle provided an update on the Palo Alto teacher housing project. LASD has paid $600,000 for 12 units within the project, and more information can found using this link: 231 Grant Educator Workforce Housing. Board member Bryan Johnson also mentioned Assembly Bill 2295, which recently passed and allows teacher housing to be built on any district owned property, as a topic to explore in the future.
Stella Kam, Observer