Skip to main content
District

December Board Meeting Highlights

Posted Date: 12/20/24 (5:00 PM)

Collage of District photos
Board Meeting Highlights
December
Brian Burley
Ann Sullivan
Oath of Office for Newly Elected Trustees

Dr. Winston administered the Oath of Office to officially welcome Mr. Brian Burley as the Trustee for Area 1 and to recognize the appointment (in lieu of election) of Mrs. Ann Sullivan as the Trustee for Area 3. 
Sowers Students
Sowers Students

Sowers Middle School's Board presentation, led by Principal Jeff Smith and students and staff, showcased key initiatives fostering student success and school spirit. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) celebrated academic excellence and leadership, while Viking Study Hall highlighted its role in providing educational support and encouraging collaboration. The Associated Student Body (ASB) shared their leadership in organizing engaging events, such as themed dress-up days, Red Ribbon Week activities, and creative projects like door decorating contests—all enhanced by an active Instagram presence and entertaining ASB videos. The presentation concluded with a lively ‘Dance-Off’ video featuring the Board. Students also brought gifts from their culinary program and gardening club, reflecting the district’s "HBCSD Empowers" theme, emphasizing student growth, leadership, and community connection.
Sowers Phase 2 Reconstruction

Studio W Architects provided a facilities development update, covering progress on key projects. Updates for the Sowers Middle School Phase 2 construction included completed plaster work on the gym and locker rooms, ongoing grading on the north playground and parking areas, and interior outfitting for the gym. The timeline estimates completion by May 2025. Additionally, the report detailed progress on non-Measure Q projects, including the District M&O Facility, which awaits a planning commission meeting in early 2025, and the Bus Storage Facility, with efforts underway to address community concerns and identify an alternative solution.
Approval of Safework Construction Management Services for HVAC Projects

The Board approved a $399,147 contract with Safework Construction Management to oversee HVAC modernization projects at Eader Elementary, Peterson Elementary, Smith Elementary, and Dwyer Middle School. Following a competitive process that included reviewing seven proposals and interviewing three firms, Safework was selected for its expertise, competitive pricing, and successful track record with similar educational projects. Safework will work closely with the District to ensure the projects meet district standards, state regulations, and budget requirements. Funding will be provided through the Special Reserve Fund for Capital Projects.

The Board certified and approved the First Interim Financial Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year with a positive certification, affirming the district’s ability to meet its financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years. This report, required under Education Code Sections 35035 (g), 42130, and 42131, reflects updates to the July 1, 2024, budget adoption based on the State Enacted Budget and the latest guidance from state and local agencies. Covering all transactions through October 31, 2024, the report highlights the district’s commitment to maintaining fiscal stability and transparency with detailed budget documents on the District’s Administrative Services webpage.
Personnel and Compensation Recommendations

The Board approved several key updates to personnel and compensation for the 2024-25 school year. Highlights include a 3.0% salary increase for classified employees with CSEA Chapter 316, alongside one-time contract language. This will have a fiscal impact of $414,999 in ongoing costs and $321,699 in one-time costs. Management and Confidential employees, including the Superintendent and Cabinet, will also receive a 3.0% salary increase, retroactive to July 1, 2024, totaling $236,475 in ongoing costs.
Additional actions include the creation of an Educational Services Technician position to replace a vacant role, resulting in an annual cost savings of $78,736. The Director of Facilities, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation position was reclassified to Executive Director, Operations, reflecting expanded duties, with a salary range adjustment estimated at $20,698, funded by restricted accounts.

The Board approved the proposed 2025 meeting schedule, which includes one regular meeting per month and no meeting in July. Regular meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m., as determined during the annual organization meeting. Study sessions and special meetings may be scheduled as needed throughout the year.
Annual Board Organization

The Board completed its annual organizational process, electing Diana Marks as President, Ann Sullivan as Vice President, and Meghan Willis as Clerk for the 2025 calendar year. Additionally, Brian Burley and Ann Sullivan were appointed to the Superintendent's Board Policy Review Subcommittee, while Paul Morrow and Diana Marks were appointed to the Superintendent's Facilities Subcommittee. Representatives and alternates for external committees were also approved.
Save the Dates
  • December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025 | Winter Recess (Schools Closed)
  • January 14, 2025, 3 PM | Board Study Session - Board Governance and Legal Issues
  • January 14, 2025, 6 PM | Regular Board Meeting
Quick Links
 
Stay connected with HBCSD!