Students will be back at their desks soon, but before then, the Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees returned to the dais. The Board welcomed their new Student Board Member Ren Brown, from Santa Clara High School, and got down to business.
Physical Education Program
Board President Vickie Fairchild requested a report about the District’s Physical Education program. The report appeared on the Thursday, Aug. 8 meeting agenda but was not received well.
Board Member Albert Gonzalez tried to have the topic tabled because he was concerned about the part of the report that covers contract language. Other Board Members were also uncomfortable, but Fairchild claimed she just wanted to share the information she had been getting from staff. The motion to table it failed; however, what seemed to be a planned presentation was not made.
The District’s labor leaders were also troubled by the report. CSEA President Lynn Villarreal and UTSC President Margie Wysocki both claim they have not heard any concerns from their members.
“So, this is the first school board meeting of this school year,” said Wysocki. “We have positions that don’t have teachers. We have things that we need to do to get ready for kids for next Tuesday. Why is this here on the agenda at the first school board meeting of the school year when the labor partners were not involved? When clearly process was not followed? That’s the partnership that we need from you.”
Public Use of Facilities
A classic discussion was brought forth by a community member: the public’s use of school facilities. J. Martin, a parent of a student in track and field, wants more accessibility especially for her daughter to be able to train.
“So, my petition is to reconsider the lockdown of our middle and high school public school grounds particularly as it pertains to track and field,” said Martin.
The Board’s main concerns were safety not only for their students but also their assets. A history of vandalism and inappropriate usage of school facilities were big worries. Board Member Andy Ratermann has stated many times that the facilities were built with taxpayer money, and they should have access to them. However, many pointed out that it is a delicate balance because more usage does mean more maintenance costs. Additionally, if they want to protect facilities during public usage, they might need staff onsite which is another cost, said Board Clerk Jim Canova, but a cost he’s willing to pay.
The Board gave directions to staff to investigate solutions.
Other Business
In June, concerns about pay for Campus Supervisors were a big concern. At this meeting, the Board approved a revised job description that seemed to address the concerns.
The Board approved putting their support behind Proposition 2. The “Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024” will appear on the November 2024 statewide ballot. If passed, Prop 2 will provide $10 billion in facilities funding to support K-14 education, according to the meeting agenda.
The Santa Clara Unified Board meets next on Thursday, Aug. 22. Meetings are live-streamed on the District’s YouTube page, and agendas are posted on their website.
