Trustee Highlights

Student leaders from Los Padres, accompanied by Principal Linda Barrera and Vice Principal Christina Perez, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to open the Feb. 18 Board of Trustees meeting. The students also told the Board about what makes Los Padres special—committed staff, great leadership and awesome extracurricular activities. Thank you to students Jaylah Arreola, Mateo Chaidez, Addison Enriquez, Laura Martinez and Max Padilla for sharing their time, talents and stories of Los Padres!

At the Feb. 18 meeting, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed its support that SCESD is a safe haven for all children and families. By a vote of 5-0, the Board passed Resolution 2024-25/14, Reaffirming SCESD as a Safe Haven and Support for Equal Access to Education for All Children and Families Regardless of Immigration Status

This reaffirms the Board's commitment to protect equal access to education for all students, regardless of immigration status, and to promote inclusiveness, kindness, and respect for all students, families, and staff.

"All Salinas City Elementary School District schools and programs are considered a safe haven for students and their families, to the fullest extent allowed by law…" the Resolution reads, and adds, "the SCESD will facilitate work with labor partners, community-based organizations and immigration advocates to provide training and support for students, staff and their families on immigrant rights, understanding various legal statuses and the overall health and well-being of those affected by changes in immigration policies."

The complete Resolution is below.

At the Feb. 18 Board Meeting, the Board made offers of employment to Renee Garcia, to the position of preschool program coordinator, and to Lisett Mendoza, to the position of school nurse.

Ms. Garcia will begin her role on March 10, and Ms. Mendoza will start on Feb. 24.

The Board of Trustees acknowledged Amna Javed, (below left, with Board President Jessica Powell), Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation (MOTS) and bond projects, for successfully completing the Construction Management Program at UC Davis. Ms. Javed’s completion recognizes her expertise in project planning, contract administration, cost estimation and regulatory compliance, and enhances her ability to oversee construction projects effectively, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

The Board of Trustees acknowledged the District's counseling staff as part of National School Counseling Week, which took place from Feb. 3-7. This year's theme, “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” is exemplified by the work of SCESD’s counselors, and the contributions they make to support the mental health and wellness needs of District students and families. It also carries the theme of the District, “Thriving Now and In the Future.”

The Trustees received an update on the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, which is a citizen-led committee that advises and monitors how the District is spending the funds raised by voter-approved bond measures, including Measures G&H. Kevin Dayton, a member of the independent committee since 2018, says in the committee's view, the District is acting responsibly to steward its bond funds. "The money is being spent appropriately for construction," Mr. Dayton, below right with MOTS Director Amna Javed, said. "Nothing is being diverted to other things."

The Trustees received a report from Krysta Bradley, District Innovation Coordinator, on learner-centered, future-ready students in a presentation titled "Profile of a Learner." Learner-centered and future-ready, she explained, includes developing curiosity and critical thinking; learning in a strength-based culture; and features an atmosphere that is innovative, creative and inclusive. The District is striving for all students to be future ready, and to prepare for that future in a learner-centered environment.

On Feb. 17, Board President and Area 5 Trustee Jessica Powell. Vice President and Area 3 Trustee Belia Garcia, Board Clerk and Area 4 Trustee Amy Ish, Area 2 Trustee Jennifer Zanzot and Area 1 Trustee Art Galimba participated in a study session that went over the goals set by the board in the previous year, and included a review of the current Trustees self-assessments.

In addition, Trustee Zanzot (upper left) visited Laurel Wood School, and Mission Park, where she joined in the Feb. 14 After School Program sing-a-long, while Trustee Galimba (lower right, with Innovation Coordinator Krysta Bradley) attended the STEAM Symposium on Feb. 7-8 in San Diego. He also joined in the After School sing-a-long, at El Gabilan School.

A special Board meeting will take place on March 5, and the next regular Board meeting takes place on March 11. All meeting agendas are posted to the District website the Friday before the meeting.