April 22, 2025 AESD Regular Board of Education Meeting
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Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting begins with a call to order, roll call to establish a quorum, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by a student [11:20].
Agenda Adoption: The board approves the meeting agenda, with one item (12.20) being pulled for discussion at a later meeting [13:44].
Special Recognitions: The board recognizes students who won awards at the San Bernardino County spelling bee, history and science fair [15:12].
Staff Reports and Presentations:
Trustee Sto and the superintendent present the "Framework for the Future," outlining the district's vision, mission, values, and strategic plan [27:54].
Melva Davis Academy of Excellence students showcase their award-winning engineering projects [47:07].
Adelanto Elementary School's AYA dance squad performs [57:25].
Public Testimony:
Jennifer Rader, ADTA Representative [01:07:49]: She speaks about the school year drawing to a close and the fact that Article 12 (salary) and Article 13 (benefits) have not yet been addressed. She hopes the board will bring a good offer to the table and provides comparable percentages from other districts in the area. She emphasizes the importance of trust and settling a fair contract.
Diane Lynn, CSEA Representative [01:09:58]: She thanks everyone for allowing Georgia's schools to watch. She also mentions that classified staff are also negotiating and hopes for good results for both sides.
Angelique Jolly, Audience Member [01:11:28]: She expresses appreciation for the negotiating team and acknowledges the critical roles of all employees. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing represented staff (CSEA and ADTA) in cost-of-living adjustments and health benefits.
Crystal Wiley, Audience Member [01:14:21]: She thanks management staff for their assistance with testing at Colombia, specifically mentioning help with internet issues and obtaining headphones.
Lisa Martinelli, Audience Member [04:18:12]: She calls for a full financial audit, expressing concern about the district's struggles and the need for transparency. She urges the board to put the audit on the agenda and rebuild trust with the community.
Rhonda Dennis, Audience Member [04:21:20]: She recognizes the achievements of the schools in the district and then submits a second request for a meeting with the executive cabinet to discuss the requirements for establishing her Dennis Preparatory Academy and Preschool within the city of Adelanto.
Veronica Recendes, Audience Member [04:24:07]: She speaks as a previous employee and current intern teacher, expressing concern about the removal of Miss Nishio, the vacio move secretary, from Mesa Linda Middle School, emphasizing her importance and support.
Natalie Nio, Audience Member [04:26:45]: She also speaks about Mrs. Nio, the secretary of Mesa Linda, asking the board to reconsider any decision to move her from her current role, highlighting her stability, professionalism, and care. [01:05:24].
Closed Session: The board recesses to a closed session to discuss specific items [01:15:24].
Open Session Reconvenes: The board reconvenes in open session and reports on action taken in closed session regarding the superintendent's goals [04:14:21].
Additional Public Testimony:
Lisa Martinelli, Audience Member [04:18:12]: Ms. Martinelli returns to the podium and reiterates her earlier request for a full financial audit of the Adelanto School District. She expresses her ongoing concerns about the district's financial health and emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability to the community. She urges the board to take this matter seriously and place a discussion and potential approval of a financial audit on a future meeting agenda. Ms. Martinelli believes this step is crucial for rebuilding trust between the district and the community it serves.
Rhonda Dennis, Audience Member [04:21:20]: Ms. Dennis begins by acknowledging and congratulating the various schools within the district for their recent achievements and recognitions. Following this, she revisits a previous request, formally submitting a second request for a meeting with the executive cabinet of the AESD. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss in detail the specific requirements and procedures for establishing her proposed Dennis Preparatory Academy and Preschool within the city of Adelanto. She appears to be seeking guidance and information from the district administration regarding the necessary steps and approvals for opening a new educational institution within their jurisdiction.
Veronica Recendes, Audience Member [04:24:07]: Ms. Recendes identifies herself as a previous employee of the district and a current intern teacher. Her testimony focuses on a specific personnel matter at Mesolinda Middle School. She expresses her concern and disappointment regarding the apparent removal or reassignment of "Miss Nishio," whom she identifies as the "vacio move secretary." Ms. Recendes emphasizes the significant role Miss Nishio plays at the school and highlights her importance in supporting students and staff. She appeals to the board to reconsider this decision, suggesting that Miss Nishio is a valuable and integral part of the Mesolinda Middle School community.
Natalie Nio, Audience Member [04:26:45]: Ms. Nio also addresses the board regarding the situation involving the secretary at Mesa Linda Middle School, who she refers to as "Mrs. Nio." She echoes the sentiments expressed by the previous speaker, urging the board to carefully reconsider any decision that would result in Mrs. Nio being moved from her current position. Ms. Nio emphasizes Mrs. Nio's stability, her consistent professionalism in her role, and the genuine care she demonstrates towards the students and staff at Mesa Linda. She implies that her presence provides a sense of continuity and support within the school environment and requests the board to take these factors into account in their deliberations.
Action Items:
Approval of board meeting minutes with a correction [04:29:22].
Approval of consent agenda items, with some items pulled for separate discussion [04:31:04].
Discussion and approval of a conference request, with clarification on travel policy [04:33:25].
Discussion and approval of a memorandum of understanding, addressing past concerns [04:38:52].
Discussion and approval of the board meeting schedule for the 2025-2026 school year, including an added meeting in July [04:42:05].
Approval of agreements related to a wellness center and contract amendments for assistant superintendents [04:49:54].
Reports and Announcements: Governing board member and superintendent reports are skipped due to time constraints [04:53:41].
Adjournment: The meeting is adjourned [04:54:27].
