June 9 Board Meeting Highlights

Early Childhood Education Program Director Mrs. Rochelle Nguyen provided the Board with an update on current programs, activities, and schoolwide initiatives. Graduating preschool students performed the song “On My Way” for a standing-room-only audience of families and community members and gifted the Board of Education a book of drawings, along with hand-painted pots and planted flowers, as a thank-you.

California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) requires each district to maintain an LCAP, updated annually with input from parents, students, teachers, staff, and community members. The Board conducted the required public hearing on the draft 2026–27 LCAP, ahead of formal adoption at the June 16 Board meeting concurrent with the 2026–27 budget. Highlights of the presentation:

During the hearing, community members and staff shared input on prioritizing the middle school assistant principal position that will become vacant at Sowers Middle School, emphasizing the important work and support the position provides to students and staff. The Board reviewed the feedback and directed staff to proceed with the hiring process for the position.

The proposed 2026–27 All Funds Budget was developed using the Governor’s May Revision, the Orange County Department of Education's guidance, and local revenue projections, and it complies with AB 1200 accountability requirements. The Board conducted the required public hearing on the 2026–27 Budget, with formal adoption scheduled for June 16. Key points from the presentation:

A Budget Overview for Parents accompanies the budget documents; of the $84 million in planned spending, $41.85 million is tied to LCAP actions and services, including $9.98 million for increased or improved services for high-needs students. Both documents are available for public inspection at the Administrative Services Office.

Staff presented a progress update on the 2025–26 strategic plan priority goals and proposed priority goal areas for 2026–27, the fifth and final year of the plan originally approved by the Board on June 21, 2022. Accomplishments this year include:

Proposed 2026–27 priorities include an AI Working Group, a focus on math critical concepts, a root-cause analysis of student behavior, adoption of the facilities master plan, the Standard Reunification Method at all sites, strengthening family involvement, launching the next five-year strategic planning process, achieving a structurally neutral or surplus budget, and leader professional learning communities. Staff recommends the Board review and provide input on the proposed 2026–27 priority goals; any revisions will be incorporated before the plan returns for formal approval on June 16.

The District’s updated English Learner (EL) Master Plan ensures compliance with California Department of Education requirements and supports English learners in achieving proficiency and academic progress. The plan aligns with the LCAP and Title III Improvement Plan, covers identification, instruction, reclassification, staffing, professional development, parental involvement, and program evaluation, and was approved by DELAC on May 27, 2026. The Board adopted the revised EL Master Plan; the full document is available in the Educational Services office. 

Proposition 28, approved by voters in November 2022, provides dedicated annual funding for arts and music education. School Site Councils at all District schools reviewed and approved their 2026–27 plans this spring, funding certificated arts staff, short-term employee support, middle school electives, and instructional materials for visual and performing arts. The Board approved the 2026–27 Proposition 28 Arts and Music Plans for all District school sites; expenditures are within School Site Council-approved budgets and established guidelines.