May 20, 2025 AESD Regular Board of Education Meeting
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Presentations & Recognitions:
Schools to Watch Recognition: George Visual and Performing Arts Middle and Magnet School was recognized for its commitment to the arts, academics, and supportive school culture [03:44].
Mesa Linda Middle School Programs: The school's esports program was highlighted [13:15], and a student spoke about the AVID program [14:22].
Reading Difficulty Risk Screener: A presentation detailed a new state requirement for reading screeners in grades K-2 [17:57].
Public Testimony Before Closed Session
The public comment period allowed for comments on closed session agenda items, with individual speakers limited to three minutes and a total time of 20 minutes per item [29:17], [30:32].
Angelique Jolly (representing ADTA) [31:41]: Ms. Jolly praised the district's financial stewardship but raised concerns about neighboring districts offering 100% paid health premiums and higher salaries, which could hinder Adelanto's ability to retain and attract staff. She highlighted the significant increase in health insurance premiums for employees, causing financial strain. She urged the board to re-examine the budget, fund the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), and increase the district's contribution to health benefits.
Diane Lynn (representing CSEA) [37:51]: Ms. Lynn expressed confusion as to why classified staff's hard work wasn't recognized with rising healthcare costs, noting their increase was significantly lower than certificated staff. She stated that the proposed 1% off-schedule increase would result in many classified members making less money monthly and urged the board to reconsider.
Phyllis Morris Green (community member) [40:24]: Ms. Green commended the board for hiring Superintendent Terry Walker and praised her leadership, highlighting the Thrive 2030 initiative for future readiness and innovation. She noted the Superintendent's inclusive approach and the positive results of implemented strategies.
Andrea Rogers (health clerk at Westside Park Elementary School) [43:34]: Ms. Rogers described her daily responsibilities in caring for students and questioned how classified employees can be valued without paid healthcare. She shared the struggles faced by many due to the lack of employer-provided health care, urging the board to provide it as a necessity.
Lisa Martinelli (community member) [46:04]: Ms. Martinelli addressed an urgent crisis in education, stating that talented educators are leaving for neighboring districts with better conditions. She emphasized the need for salaries that keep pace with inflation and fully funded health insurance. She warned of a continued exodus if the board did not invest in teachers.
Clifton Harris (publisher of San Bernardino American News and resident) [49:55]: Mr. Harris shared positive anecdotes about Superintendent Walker's reputation and expressed strong support for her and the positive changes in the Adelanto district.
Linda Titus (resident) [53:38]: Ms. Titus expressed pride in the board's selection of Superintendent Walker and praised the Thrive 2030 framework, expressing confidence in the district's direction.
Ver Williams (long-term resident and concerned citizen) [57:21]: Mr. Williams emphasized that a good education leads to a stronger Adelanto. He commended the strategic plan developed by Superintendent Walker with community input, highlighting initiatives like the student advisory council and improved communication.
Jen Rader (speaking as a community member) [01:01:18]: Ms. Rader thanked the board for reinstating Zoom participation and requested that the board policy manual and governance documents be updated on the website.
Julie Allar Red (community member) [01:03:02]: Ms. Red reiterated the vital role of classified staff and emphasized that they are the lowest paid but have the highest medical deductions. She argued that the proposed increase in the medical cap was insufficient and urged the board to raise it substantially.
Dr. Ellen Keeler (staff member at George School) [01:05:33]: Dr. Keeler shared her personal experience with extra medical needs due to her disability. She highlighted that savings programs may not cover all her needs and mentioned her additional insurance costs. She asked the board to consider the impact beyond financial lines, especially the loss of income for classified staff.
Closed Session Report:
The board voted to uphold expulsions in two student cases [03:27:39, 03:29:09].
The Superintendent's evaluation resulted in a "needs improvement" rating [03:32:24].
Public Testimony (after Closed Session):
Griselda Nicholas (parent) [03:33:38]: Ms. Nicholas, speaking through a translator, stated she had been seeking help for her son, Alexander Nicholas, for two years and had previously addressed the board in May 2024 without receiving assistance. She described various alleged grievances, including being denied entrance to a building, moral injuries caused by Gus Franklin School, and the district's alleged inaction regarding her son's treatment. She claimed her son experienced trauma and did not receive necessary aid, an IEP, or a 504 plan. She also alleged denial of evaluations and delays in independent evaluations.
Juan Nicholas (parent) [03:46:18]: Mr. Nicholas identified himself as Griselda's husband and Alexander's father. He stated his wife was harassed by an individual from the district.
Action Items:
The board approved meeting minutes [03:49:03] and consent agenda items [03:49:55].
They also approved items regarding temporary borrowing [03:51:40], the board policy manual [03:53:20], a contract for reading screeners [03:55:00], and revisions to board policies on mathematics [03:59:09] and science instruction [04:00:02].
Board Member and Superintendent Reports:
