Santa Ana Unified School District public meetings in 2024

Annual Organizational & Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education scheduled an annual organizational and regular meeting for December 17, 2024, but the meeting was adjourned and continued to December 19. The agenda included certification of election results and administration of the oath of office for newly elected members, along with the annual organizational business of electing officers and setting the 2025 meeting schedule. Several items were to be discussed in closed session, including labor negotiations, employee discipline, litigation, and real property negotiations.

• Certification of votes from Orange County Registrar and Oath of Office for newly elected members Alfonso Alvarez, Brenda Lebsack, and Valerie Magdaleno (Item 7.1)
• Annual Organizational Meeting to elect Board President, Vice President, and Clerk, and establish 2025 meeting schedule and committee appointments (Item 9.1)
• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees (Item 2.1, 2.3)
• Closed session conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC and 30-2023-01349344-CU-JR-CJC) (Item 2.4)
• Closed session discussion of real property disposition or acquisition involving over 50 Assessor's Parcel Numbers (Item 2.5)

Regular Board Meeting

The board will convene in closed session to discuss negotiations with multiple labor unions (SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA) and unrepresented employees, pending litigation (two cases), and district-wide real property acquisitions or dispositions. Open session includes recognitions for the Santa Ana Youth and Government program, three families, and Employees of the Month, plus approval of consent calendar items such as prior meeting minutes and acceptance of gifts.

• Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC and 30-2023-01349344-CU-JR-CJC)
• Conference with real property negotiators on district-wide property disposition/acquisition (58 APNs listed)
• Recognition of Santa Ana Youth and Government program for civic engagement
• Recognition of Daniel Tena (Certificated Employee of the Month) and Ximena Luna Parra (Classified Employee of the Month), each with a $50 gift card

The Board of Education appointed a new Executive Director of TK-12 Teaching and Learning and an Assistant Principal. The Board also approved a proclamation honoring Dorothy Mulkey for her work against housing discrimination and passed a consent calendar of administrative items.

• Appointed Leticia Alvidrez as Executive Director of TK-12 Teaching and Learning (5-0)
• Appointed Edward Espino as Assistant Principal, Franklin/Harvey Elementary Schools (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 24/25-3624 honoring Dorothy Mulkey (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including October 22 meeting minutes and personnel calendar (5-0)
• Approved revised job description for Director, Career Education and Workforce Innovation (5-0)
• Approved revised job description for Student Support Paraprofessional – Special Education (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units (SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA), pending litigation (four cases), anticipated litigation, and real property transactions involving numerous parcels. After reconvening, the board will recognize certificated employee Lisa Morgan and classified employee Juan Delgado as Employees of the Month, and vote on a consent calendar including approval of meeting minutes, acceptance of gifts totaling $4,500, and the Williams Settlement Legislation Annual Report.

• Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
• Public employee discipline/dismissal/release regarding Executive Director of TK-12 Teaching and Learning and Communications Coordinator
• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (4 cases) and anticipated litigation (1 case)
• Real property negotiations for district-wide disposition or acquisition of 55 Assessor Parcel Numbers
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $4,500 in accordance with Board Policy 3290

The Board appointed Josie Amador as Communications Coordinator and approved an $80,000 settlement for case number 30-2023-01329993-CUPO-CJC. Several facility contracts for roofing and asphalt projects were completed and accepted. The Board also approved a variety of revised job descriptions and the consent calendar.

• Appointed Josie Amador as Communications Coordinator (5-0)
• Approved $80,000 settlement for case 30-2023-01329993-CUPO-CJC (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including various contracts and job descriptions (4-0)
• Approved new job description for Instructional Assistant - Arts (4-0)
• Approved out-of-state conferences for 2024-25 school year (4-0)
• Accepted completion of roofing project at Carr Intermediate School (4-0)
• Accepted completion of asphalt projects at Saddleback High School, Villa Fundamental Intermediate, and Santa Ana High School (4-0)
• Pulled revised job description for Early Childhood Education Enrollment Specialist; no action taken

Regular Board Meeting

The board will recess to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, personnel actions, existing and anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations. After reconvening, it will recognize Nicholas Academic Center leaders. The provided agenda does not include any items beyond this recognition.

• Labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA, and unrepresented employees
• Personnel appointments/releases for assistant principal, IT coordinator, and other roles
• Conference with legal counsel on three existing lawsuits and one anticipated case
• Real property negotiations for 55+ district-wide parcels (APNs listed)
• Recognition of eight Nicholas Academic Center staff and volunteers

The Board approved a $2.675 million settlement for case number 30-2022-01243763-CUPO-CJC. Members also appointed four individuals to leadership and technical roles and ratified a series of consent calendar items, including no-cost community partnership agreements.

• Approved $2.675 million settlement for case 30-2022-01243763-CUPO-CJC (5-0)
• Appointed Devin Believeau as Assistant Principal II at Santiago TK-8 Elementary School (5-0)
• Appointed Robert Benavides as Coordinator of Information Technology (5-0)
• Appointed Keith Nguyen as Manager of Technical and Operation Support (5-0)
• Appointed Dr. Gloria Olamendi as Principal, Special Education Services and Infant/Preschool Programs (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 11.1-11.5 and 11.7-11.15 (4-0)
• Approved no-cost community partnership agreements for 2024-25 (4-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, existing litigation, and real property negotiations involving 59 parcels. In open session, the board will vote on a consent calendar including approval of $71,890 for six extended field trips, acceptance of gifts totaling $981.20, and recognition of September employees of the month.

• Approval of six extended field trips costing $71,890 for Heroes, Lowell, Santa Ana, and Segerstrom schools
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $981.20 (year-to-date donations: $83,333.49)
• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
• Closed session discussion of existing litigation (Case Nos. 30-2019-01068167 and 30-2023-01349344)
• Closed session real property negotiations covering 59 assessor parcel numbers district-wide

The Board appointed a new Manager of Community Relations and adopted a resolution ensuring sufficient textbooks and instructional materials for the 2024-25 school year. Most items on the consent calendar, including several revised job descriptions, were approved. The Superintendent also provided updates on budget town halls and teacher contract negotiations.

• Approved appointment of Michelle Dominguez as Manager of Community Relations (5-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar items 10.1-10.24, excluding item 10.14 (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 24/25-3593 regarding sufficiency of pupil textbooks and instructional materials for 2024-25 (4-0)
• Pulled Item 10.14 (Revised Job Description: Instructional Assistant – Biliterate); no action taken

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education holds a regular meeting with a consent calendar that includes accepting $48,286.20 in gifts and approving prior meeting minutes. The board will also recognize Vecindario Lacy en Acción and the Gonzalez family. In closed session, the board will discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline, existing litigation (three cases), and real property negotiations involving dozens of parcels.

• Acceptance of $48,286.20 in gifts, grants, and bequests (consent calendar)
• Real property negotiations for acquisition/disposition of numerous parcels (closed session)
• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (three case numbers) (closed session)
• Labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units (closed session)
• Recognition of Vecindario Lacy en Acción (VeLA) and its leadership team

The Board approved the appointment of Audrey Satoutah as Coordinator of Energy and Sustainability. Most items on the consent calendar were approved, though one community partnership agreement was tabled. The Board also reviewed the 2023-24 unaudited actuals report showing a total revenue of $892 million.

• Approved Audrey Satoutah as Coordinator of Energy and Sustainability (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 11.1-11.6 and 11.8-11.13 (5-0)
• Approved no-cost community partnership agreements for 2024-25, excluding SAPAAL (5-0)
• Tabled agreement number ten (10) for Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (SAPAAL)

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will vote on a consent calendar that includes an amended $2,700 membership renewal with the Price Philanthropies Foundation, acceptance of $1,500 in gifts, and a memorandum of understanding with other Orange County school districts for deaf and hearing-impaired student enrollment. The board will also recess into closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee discipline, two lawsuits, and real property negotiations covering dozens of parcels.

• Authorize amended $2,700 membership renewal with Price Philanthropies Foundation for 2024-25 school year
• Accept $1,500 in gifts under Board Policy 3290 (total donations to date $34,066.09)
• Approve MOU with Orange County school districts for enrollment of deaf and hearing-impaired students at Taft DHH Elementary School
• Closed session: conference with legal counsel on two existing lawsuits (case numbers 30-2019-01068167 and 30-2023-01349344)
• Closed session: real property negotiations covering 50+ parcels district-wide

The Board approved the appointment of a Director of Payroll and a Coordinator of Special Education Services. It also authorized several facility maintenance agreements and accepted the completion of a sports complex contract at Saddleback High School.

• Approved Nayeli Parra as Director of Payroll (5-0)
• Approved Dominique Gobran as Coordinator of Special Education Services (5-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including adult meal price increases and various 2024-25 contracts (5-0)
• Authorized response to Orange County Grand Jury Report on AI in public schools (5-0)
• Approved Dr. Alvarez's attendance at NALEO Policy Institute and out-of-state conferences (5-0)
• Accepted Workers' Compensation Program Actuarial Study as of June 30, 2024 (5-0)
• Authorized security and detection systems contract with Montgomery Hardware Co. (5-0)
• Authorized sports field and playground contracts with Valley Precision Grading, Inc. and Dave Bang Associates, Inc. (5-0)

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This is a special board meeting that will be held entirely in closed session. The board will discuss the annual evaluation of the Superintendent and confer with labor negotiators regarding multiple bargaining units representing district employees. No public action is scheduled.

• Closed session discussion of public employee discipline/dismissal/release/reassignment/appointments: annual evaluation process for the Superintendent
• Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented management employees

The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel matters and a conference with a labor negotiator. No substantive decisions were recorded in the public minutes.

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee appointments, litigation, and real property negotiations. In open session, the board will consider a consent calendar including acceptance of $15,376.50 in gifts and approval of an extended field trip for 250 students costing $263,150.

• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
• Closed session public employee discipline/dismissal/release/reassignment/appointments for several administrator positions
• Closed session conference with legal counsel regarding three existing litigation cases
• Closed session conference with real property negotiator regarding disposition or acquisition of 55 parcels (APNs listed)
• Consent calendar approval of extended field trip for 250 students at a total cost of $263,150

The Board approved contract amendments for six high-level district administrators and appointed three new school principals and assistant principals. It also ratified various service agreements and a personnel calendar, though one contract with Designing Schools was tabled.

• Appointed Brent Nagele as Principal at REACH Academy (5-0)
• Appointed Maria E. Sandoval as Principal at Franklin Elementary School (5-0)
• Appointed Josie Castillo as Assistant Principal at Lathrop Intermediate School (5-0)
• Approved contract amendments for six Deputy, Associate, and Assistant Superintendents (5-0 each)
• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding release of a second officer (5-0)
• Approved MOU with California School Employees Association, Chapter 41, for Communications Training Officer Program (5-0)
• Approved seven Community Advisory Committee Representatives for 2024-2026 term (5-0)
• Tabled contract number 17 with Designing Schools

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This special board meeting is closed to the public. The sole agenda item is the annual evaluation process for the Superintendent, which will be discussed in closed session under public employee discipline/dismissal/release/reassignment/appointments. No public votes or decisions are expected during this session.

• Annual evaluation process for Superintendent Jerry Almendarez discussed in closed session

The Board met in a closed session to discuss personnel matters. No substantive decisions were recorded in the public minutes.

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee discipline, existing and anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations. In open session, the board will consider a consent calendar that includes approving Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools funding of $6,886,939, accepting gifts totaling $17,189.59, approving meeting minutes, and a report on Williams Settlement uniform complaints for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023-24.

• Approval of Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools funding report for $6,886,939
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $17,189.59 in accordance with Board Policy 3290
• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
• Closed session conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (five case numbers) and anticipated litigation (one case)
• Closed session conference with real property negotiators for disposition or acquisition of numerous parcels

The Board approved instructional materials for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and amended employment contracts for four senior administrators. Several operational contracts and funding reports were ratified via the consent calendar. A contract for school police vehicles was tabled until August.

• Approved instructional materials for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (5-0)
• Approved contract amendments for Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent/CBO, and two Assistant Superintendents (5-0)
• Approved Proposition 28 Arts and Music state funding report (5-0)
• Tabled contract for four school police vehicles from Fairway Ford (4-0)
• Approved renewal of legal services with Dannis Woliver Kelley and Orbach, Huff, & Henderson, LLP (5-0)
• Approved school meal support for Rancho Santiago Community College District (5-0)
• Ratified master contracts for students with disabilities for 2024-25 (5-0)
• Approved personnel calendar for hiring, promotions, and resignations (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, ongoing and anticipated litigation, and the potential disposition or acquisition of real property across numerous parcels. The open session will include approval of consent items such as meeting minutes, acceptance of $16,000 in gifts, and approval of two extended field trips costing $10,600.

• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
• Closed session conference on existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC) and anticipated litigation (one case)
• Closed session real property negotiation covering over 50 assessor parcel numbers for district-wide disposition or acquisition
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $16,000, with year-to-date donations at $655,173.36
• Approval of two extended field trips from Godinez and Valley schools costing $10,600 total

The Board approved a wide range of new elective courses spanning arts, public safety, health, and robotics. It also authorized school meal support for non-public schools and specific educational institutions for the 2024-25 school year.

• Approved 21 new courses including Wind Ensemble Honors, Robotics, and Personal Finance (5-0)
• Approved school meal support for non-public schools for 2024-25 (5-0)
• Approved school meal support for RSCCD and Edward B. Cole, Sr. Academy for 2024-25 (5-0)
• Approved disposal of obsolete computer equipment and furniture (5-0)
• Approved June 11, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
• Approved extended field trips per Board Policy 6153 (5-0)
• Ratified 2023-24 software license agreements (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will hold a closed session on labor negotiations, personnel appointments, litigation, and real property negotiations. In open session, the board will accept $147,410 in gifts, recognize Patricia Vasquez from La Familia LGBTQ Center, and receive a Williams Settlement third-quarter report.

• Labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units (closed session)
• Real property negotiations involving 50+ assessor parcel numbers (closed session)
• Acceptance of $147,410 in gifts and grants for school sites and district
• Recognition of Patricia Vasquez, La Familia LGBTQ Center Orange County
• Williams Settlement Legislation Third Quarter Report for 2023-24

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education will meet to discuss employee discipline, legal litigation, and real property acquisitions or dispositions. The session includes recognizing employees of the year and accepting district gifts.

• Discussion of real property disposition or acquisition for 59 Assessor's Parcel Numbers
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $26,744.41
• Personnel actions regarding Principals, Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer, and School Police Supervisors
• Recognition of 2025 Teachers of the Year and 2024 Support and Classified Employees of the Year
• Conference with labor negotiators for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA bargaining units

The Board appointed three elementary school principals and two district-level officers. It also issued notices of release and non-reelection to two employees and approved a series of academic courses via the consent calendar.

• Appointed Jessica Salcedo as Principal, Esqueda Elementary School (4-0)
• Appointed Silvia Martinez as Principal, Heninger Elementary School (4-0)
• Appointed Moises de la Mora as Principal, Pio Pico Elementary School (4-0)
• Appointed Fermin Leal as Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer (4-0)
• Appointed Guy Coffee as School Police Supervisor/Sergeant (3-1)
• Issued notice of release and non-reelection to probationary certificated employee ID 20171 (4-0)
• Issued notice of release and non-reelection to certificated intern employee ID 15966 (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar including various Ethnic Studies, Math, Science, and History courses (4-0)

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This is a special closed-session meeting of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education. The only agenda item is discussion of the annual evaluation process for the Superintendent. No public action will be taken in open session.

• Closed session discussion of Superintendent's annual evaluation (Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reassignment/Appointments)

The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel matters. No substantive decisions were recorded in the public minutes.

Regular Board Meeting

The board will recess to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline/appointments, existing and anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations involving numerous parcels district-wide. Following closed session, the board will reconvene for recognitions, including the Heartbeat of SAUSD families and Employee of the Month awards. Public comments and approval of prior meeting minutes are also on the agenda.

• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
• Closed session discussion on public employee discipline/dismissal/release/reassignment/appointments for Chief Communications Officer and School Police Supervisors/Sergeants
• Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (three cases) and anticipated litigation (one case)
• Closed session real property negotiations for district-wide disposition or acquisition (55+ assessor parcel numbers)
• Recognition of Serrano, Ortega, Hartwick, and Barrios families with Heartbeat of SAUSD award

The Board approved a stipulated workers' compensation award for a certificated employee. The Board also approved the consent calendar, which included various contracts, grant applications, and personnel actions.

• Approved Workers' Compensation Stipulated Award of $56,260 (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including March 25 and 26 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved extended field trips per Board Policy 6153 (5-0)
• Approved Advanced Placement Seminar Course (5-0)
• Approved payment and reimbursement for students with disabilities for 2023-24 (5-0)
• Ratified master contracts and individual service agreements for students with disabilities (5-0)
• Approved agreement for District Legal Services for 2023-24 Fiscal Year (5-0)
• Approved personnel calendar including staff transitions (5-0)

Special Board Meeting - Annual Planning Retreat

This is a special board meeting for the annual planning retreat. The board will receive a progress update on district goals and discuss plans for the 2024-25 school year, covering student achievement, wellness, family engagement, and organizational effectiveness. No votes or approvals are scheduled; the item is presented for information and discussion only.

• Progress update and discussion on district goals for 2024-25 school year
• No fiscal impact reported for this agenda item
• Future regular meeting set for April 23, 2024

The Board held a planning retreat to review progress and develop goals for the 2024-25 school year. The session focused on four Board Priorities and their corresponding success metrics. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

• Discussed four Board Priorities: Student Achievement, Family and Community Engagement, Social Emotional Wellness and Public Health & Safety, and Organizational Efficiency & Effectiveness

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education met to discuss closed session items including labor negotiations, employee discipline, and litigation. The open session included the approval of an updated triennial District Expulsion Plan for 2024-27.

• Updated Triennial District Expulsion Plan for 2024-27
• Closed session: Conference with labor negotiators (SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA)
• Closed session: Real property negotiations involving multiple Assessor's Parcel Numbers
• Recognition of Linda Denney as Certificated Employee of the Month ($50 gift card)
• Recognition of Cynthia Hernandez as Classified Employee of the Month ($50 gift card)

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding a Bridge Authorization Stipend. Members also authorized several facility projects, including roofing and shade structures, and approved various board member travel. A consent calendar including the 2024-25 Home to School Transportation Plan was passed.

• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Bridge Authorization Stipend (5-0)
• Approved 2024-25 Home to School Transportation Plan (5-0)
• Authorized contract with Zoom Recreation, Inc. for shade structures (5-0)
• Authorized roofing project contracts for Carr Intermediate and Edison Elementary schools (5-0)
• Approved change orders for reconstruction at Washington Elementary and projects at Sierra Preparatory Academy and Valley High School (5-0)
• Approved Board attendance at CSBA Delegate Assembly (3-0-2)
• Approved Board attendance at Local Progress 2024 National Convening (5-0)
• Approved Ms. Brazer Aceves' attendance at CSBA Washington D.C. Federal Advocacy Trip (4-0)

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This special board meeting is closed to the public. The board will discuss public employee discipline/dismissal/release and existing litigation in one case (CSMCS# ARB-21-0221). No public votes or decisions will be made in open session.

• Public employee discipline/dismissal/release under Government Code Section 54957(b)
• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: case CSMCS# ARB-21-0221

The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel matters and existing litigation. The Board unanimously voted to adopt the hearing office's decision regarding case number CSMCS ARB-21-0221.

• Adopted hearing office decision for case CSMCS ARB-21-0221 (4-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education is meeting to recognize community members and handle district administrative matters. The session includes a closed-session discussion on labor negotiations, litigation, and real property disposition.

• Recognition of Dorothy Mulkey for her role in ending redlining via Mulkey v. Reitmand
• Recognition of Vazquez and Castorena families as 'Heartbeat of SAUSD'
• Acceptance of $6,000 in gifts (bringing 2023-2024 total to $363,673.88)
• Closed session regarding real property disposition or acquisition for 60 parcel numbers
• Closed session regarding labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA

The Board approved a positive certification of the Second Interim Report and authorized several contracts for playground and shade equipment. Additionally, the Board approved travel for members to attend various legislative and advocacy conferences.

• Appointed Jacob Rojas as Culinary Research and Development Coordinator (3-0)
• Approved the consent calendar, including personnel changes and contract ratifications (4-0)
• Approved positive certification of the 2023-24 Second Interim Report (4-0)
• Approved Dr. Alvarez's attendance at CSBA Virtual Legislative Action Week (4-0)
• Approved Dr. Alvarez's attendance at CSBA Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip (4-0)
• Approved Board attendance at National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials Conference (4-0)
• Approved out-of-state conferences for the 2023-24 school year (4-0)
• Authorized contract with Pacific Play Systems, Inc. for playground equipment (4-0)

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This is a special closed-session-only meeting of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education. The board will discuss public employee discipline/dismissal/release, existing litigation (one case), and labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units. No public action or decisions are scheduled for open session.

• Closed session discussion of public employee discipline/dismissal/release (Gov. Code § 54957(b))
• Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: one case (CSMCS# ARB-21-0221)
• Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees

The meeting was conducted entirely in closed session to discuss personnel matters, existing litigation, and conferences with labor negotiators. No substantive decisions were recorded in the public minutes.

Regular Board Meeting

The board will recess to closed session to discuss student expulsions, labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline, existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and district-wide real property disposition or acquisition involving dozens of specific parcel numbers. Open session includes employee recognitions and approval of consent calendar items such as meeting minutes and a Williams Settlement second quarter report.

• Approval of student expulsion(s) for violation of California Education Code sections (Item 2.1)
• Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees (Item 2.2)
• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: Case No. 30-2019-01068167 and Case No. 30-2023-01349344 (Item 2.4)
• Conference with real property negotiators for disposition or acquisition of 55+ assessor parcel numbers (Item 2.6)
• Acceptance of gifts totaling $5,000 in accordance with Board Policy 3290 (Item 10.3)

The Board approved a resolution to recognize 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June and History Month in October. Other actions included personnel releases, the approval of a consent calendar, and the appointment of representatives to the California School Boards Association.

• Adopted Resolution No. 23/24-3544 to raise the Progress Pride Flag (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 23/24-3562 to release and not re-elect two probationary certificated employees (5-0)
• Approved the consent calendar including student expulsions and personnel changes (5-0)
• Appointed Dr. Alvarez as School Board Representative to the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly (5-0)
• Elected Annemarie Randle Trejo and Candice (Candi) Kern to the Delegate Assembly for CSBA Region 15 (5-0)
• Approved out-of-state conferences for the 2023-24 school year (5-0)

Special Board Meeting - Governance Workshop

The Board of Education will hold a Governance Workshop to review progress on Board Priority Metrics from the 2022-23 academic year. The meeting includes a discussion on strategies and developments for the 2023-24 academic year.

• Presentation on Santa Ana Unified School District Board Priority Metrics Update

The Board received presentations on special education achievement, reading and math data, secondary student achievement, chronic absenteeism, and family and community engagement. No formal votes were taken. The Board deferred discussion on organizational efficiency and effectiveness to a later time.

• Deferred discussion on Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education met to approve several consent calendar items and conduct closed sessions. The board decided on funding for student travel and the addition of a new athletic course for graduation requirements.

• Approval of 8 extended field trips for 143 students from ALA, Middle College, Santa Ana, and Segerstrom schools totaling $81,600
• Approval of the Competitive Cheer and Stunt Athletic Course to meet high school Physical Education graduation requirements
• Closed session discussions regarding labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA
• Closed session regarding real property disposition or acquisition for 59 listed Assessor's Parcel Numbers
• Closed session regarding existing litigation for Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC and Case No. 30-2023-01349344-CU-JR-CJC

The Board of Education approved several Memorandums of Understanding with the Santa Ana Educators’ Association and a tentative agreement with the Communications Workers of America. The Board also approved a consent calendar including new athletic and academic courses and personnel changes.

• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Instructional Coaches (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Counselor Coach, College and Career Readiness Positions (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Certificated Learning and Achievement Specialist Positions (5-0)
• Approved Tentative Agreement with Communications Workers of America Union, Local 9510 for 2023-2026 (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Audiologists (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Santa Ana Educators’ Association regarding Addendum to Evaluation Procedures (5-0)
• Approved new courses: Competitive Cheer and Stunt, Modern Musicianship III & IV, Girls Flag Football, and Spanish: Latinx Culture and Identity (5-0)
• Approved amendment to contract for Associate Superintendent, Human Resources (5-0)

Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only

This is a special board meeting held entirely in closed session, with no public action items. The board will discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, anticipated litigation (one case), and real property negotiations for district-wide parcels.

• Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
• Conference with legal counsel regarding one case of anticipated litigation
• Conference with real property negotiator for disposition or acquisition of numerous district-wide parcels

The Board met in a special closed session to discuss labor negotiators, anticipated litigation, and real property negotiators. No substantive decisions or public votes were recorded in the minutes.

Regular Board Meeting

The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education met to review quarterly complaint reports and approve employee recognitions. The Board is deciding on the acceptance of various gifts and grants for school sites and the district.

• Acceptance of gifts and grants totaling $162,430.74
• Review of Williams Settlement Second Quarter Report of Uniform Complaints (Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2023)
• Closed session discussion on real property disposition or acquisition for multiple parcel numbers
• Closed session conference regarding labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA
• Recognition of Tami Hetherington-Schwartz and Judith Mosqueda as Employees of the Month

The Board of Education approved the academic school calendars for the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years. It also accepted the annual financial and Measure I audit reports for fiscal year 2022-23. Additionally, the Board approved several personnel appointments and vendor contracts.

• Appointed Andrew Montoya as Coordinator of School Climate (5-0)
• Appointed Marissa Camacho-Aggarwal as Coordinator of Expanded Learning (5-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar items 9.1 through 9.18 (5-0)
• Accepted Annual Financial Audit Report for FY 2022-23 (5-0)
• Accepted Measure I Independent Financial Audit Report for FY 2022-23 (5-0)
• Approved Academic School Calendars for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 (5-0)
• Approved MOU with California School Employees Association, Chapter 41 for safety shoes (5-0)
• Authorized legal services agreement amendment with Barber & Bauermeister (5-0)