Santa Ana Unified School District public meetings in 2025
26 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Annual Organizational & Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education held its annual organizational and regular meeting. The board elected Katelyn Brazer Aceves as President, Hector Bustos as Vice President, and Alfonso Alvarez as Clerk. They approved the 2026 regular and special meeting calendar and appointed board members to committees, including the County Committee on School District Organization and the CSBA Delegate Assembly. The board also recessed into closed session for labor negotiations, personnel actions, anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations.
- Elected Katelyn Brazer Aceves as President, Hector Bustos as Vice President, Alfonso Alvarez as Clerk (with dissenting/abstaining votes)
- Approved 2026 meeting schedule: second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m., 1601 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
- Appointed Valerie Magdaleno to County Committee on School District Organization and Hector Bustos to CSBA Delegate Assembly (effective Apr 1, 2026)
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA; personnel actions for Director of Budget and Accounting, Director of Special Education, Coordinator of Student Achievement, Manager of Budget; one anticipated litigation case; real property negotiations involving dozens of parcel numbers
- Recognized Toyama Karate Do-Academy
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board elected Ms. Brazer Aceves as President, Mr. Bustos as Vice President, and Dr. Alvarez as Clerk. The Board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and appointed five staff members and representatives to committees.
- Appointed Tatiana Garcia as Director of Budget and Accounting (5-0)
- Appointed Maricecy Hernandez as Director of Special Education (5-0)
- Appointed Mayra Sanchez as Coordinator of Student Achievement (5-0)
- Appointed Thanh Tran as Manager of Budget (5-0)
- Approved resignation agreement for employee ID 15602 (4-0)
- Elected Ms. Brazer Aceves as President (3-1-1)
- Elected Mr. Bustos as Vice President (4-1)
- Elected Dr. Alvarez as Clerk (4-0-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, two anticipated litigation cases, employee discipline/appointments, and real property negotiations across dozens of parcels. Open session includes recognitions for students and employees, plus consent items such as approving prior meeting minutes and ratifying increased NALEO membership dues of $875.
- Closed session: Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA, and unrepresented employees
- Closed session: Conference with legal counsel—anticipated litigation (two cases)
- Closed session: Conference with real property negotiator for district-wide disposition or acquisition (over 50 APNs)
- Recognition: Seniors who qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in 2024–2025
- Ratification of increased NALEO membership dues from $600 to $875 for 2025–26
🗳️ How they voted (16 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline, anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations. In open session, the board will recognize employees of the month, accept $41,150.81 in gifts, and ratify increased membership dues of $875 for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
- Closed session: Conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA units and unrepresented employees
- Closed session: Public employee discipline/dismissal/reassignment and appointments for several administrative positions
- Closed session: Conference with legal counsel regarding one anticipated litigation case
- Closed session: Real property negotiations involving over 50 assessor parcel numbers
- Open session: Ratification of increased NALEO membership dues from $600 to $875 for 2025-26
The Board approved multiple assistant principal and coordinator appointments during closed session. Several items from the consent calendar were discussed separately, resulting in one item being tabled for clarification and another passing with a 4-1 vote.
- Appointed Nolan Parreco as Assistant Principal at Cesar Chavez High School (5-0)
- Appointed Dominique Gobran as Assistant Principal at Sierra Preparatory Academy (5-0)
- Appointed Laura Gomez as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Elementary School (5-0)
- Appointed Adam Knutsen as Coordinator of Student Achievement (5-0)
- Tabled NALEO membership dues for further clarification (5-0)
- Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved most no-cost agreements/contracts, tabling two specific items for legal review (4-0-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only
This is a special board meeting with no public action items; the entire meeting is held in closed session. The board will discuss one case of anticipated litigation with legal counsel and confer with real property negotiators regarding district-wide property disposition or acquisition for over 50 parcels.
- Closed session conference with legal counsel on one anticipated litigation case
- Closed session conference with real property negotiators for district-wide property disposition or acquisition covering 58 assessor parcel numbers
The Santa Ana Unified School District board convened a special closed session on October 20, 2025. The session addressed anticipated litigation and real property negotiations. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded, and the board adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
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, public employee discipline/dismissal/appointments, anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations involving numerous district-wide parcels. In open session, the board will consider approving consent calendar items including acceptance of gifts totaling $13,731.98 and extended field trips costing $93,375, as well as a recognition of performing arts students and staff from Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy.
- Closed session conference with real property negotiators for district-wide disposition/acquisition of 55+ parcels (APNs listed)
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA and unrepresented employees
- Approval of extended field trips totaling $93,375 from various funding sources
- Acceptance of gifts, grants, and bequests totaling $13,731.98 for 2025-2026
- Recognition of Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy Musical Director Jocelyn Ramirez and Performing Arts students
The Board approved the charter petition renewal for NOVA Academy Early College High School with direction to notify the Orange County Department of Education regarding undisclosed grade level expansions. Other actions included approving a police services memorandum of understanding, an expanded learning program plan revision, and bond oversight committee appointments.
- Appointed Rian Carrol as Assistant Director of Expanded Learning (4-0)
- Approved acceptance of gifts (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-0)
- Approved 2025-26 agreements and contracts (5-0)
- Approved 2025-26 no-cost agreements/contracts (5-0)
- Approved 2025-26 grant award applications (5-0)
- Ratified September 10-23 purchase order summary (5-0)
- Approved police services memorandum of understanding (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting
The board will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, property disposition or acquisition across dozens of parcels, existing and anticipated litigation, and employee discipline. The open session includes recognitions, approval of minutes, and ratification of membership dues for the California Latino School Boards Association and Orange County School Boards Association.
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
- Closed session conference with real property negotiators for district-wide disposition/acquisition (55 APNs listed)
- Closed session regarding existing litigation (Claim Nos. SUSM-010756 and SUSD-009216) and anticipated litigation (two cases)
- Recognitions: Laura Dolan, Program Specialist, as Certificated Employee of the Month and Dong Yan, Business Analyst II, as Classified Employee of the Month (each with a $50 gift card donation)
- Ratification of increased membership dues for California Latino School Boards Association ($650 from General Fund) and approval of membership to Orange County School Boards Association
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board appointed Juan Flores and Gaylin Munford as Coordinators of Special Education to strengthen district leadership. Members also approved final settlement agreements for two student-related claims, resolving legal liabilities without further litigation. The board ratified association memberships, accepted community gifts, and approved extended field trips in compliance with district policies. These decisions update key staff positions, manage financial obligations, and support educational programming.
- Appointed Juan Flores as Coordinator of Special Education (5-0)
- Appointed Gaylin Munford as Coordinator of Special Education (5-0)
- Approved settlement for claim SUSM-010756, two hundred twenty-five thousand dollars (5-0)
- Approved settlement for claim SUSD-009216, seventy thousand, four hundred seventy dollars (5-0)
- Ratified increased dues for California Latino School Boards Association (5-0)
- Accepted gift from Open Books to district Teaching and Learning (4-1)
- Approved extended field trips per district policy (4-1)
- Approved September 9 meeting minutes with a correction acknowledging Ms. Rosie Alatorre (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting
The board will recess to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, pending litigation, and potential real property acquisitions or dispositions. After reconvening, the board will recognize restorative justice programs and accept gifts totaling $6,943.79. The open agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA units and unrepresented employees
- Closed session discussion of two existing litigation cases (Case No. 30-2021-01215836-CU-PO-WJC and Case No. 30-2024-01400354-CU-OE-NJC) and one anticipated case
- Closed session conference on real property disposition or acquisition involving dozens of assessor parcel numbers district-wide
- Recognition of VALOR Program at Valley High School, Ms. Rosie Alatorre, Tomas Godinez III, and Project Kinship for restorative justice leadership
- Acceptance of gifts totaling $6,943.79 under Board Policy 3290
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
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, public employee discipline, anticipated litigation, and real property dispositions or acquisitions. The open session includes recognition of district safety officers for a life-saving act, a superintendent's report, public comments, and approval of a consent calendar with routine items such as meeting minutes, appointment of a representative to the adult education consortium, and acceptance of gifts.
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units and unrepresented employees
- Closed session: conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (one case)
- Closed session: real property negotiations for district-wide disposition or acquisition (over 50 APNs listed)
- Recognition: Life Saving Award to safety officers Vince Gonzales, Alex Cruz, and Yvette Flores for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking student
- Consent calendar: approval of meeting minutes, appointment of representative to Rancho Santiago Adult Education Consortium, and acceptance of gifts
The Board approved several personnel actions in closed session, including two resignation agreements and the appointment of Jeannette Anderson as Executive Director of Special Education. The Board also accepted a bargaining proposal from the Santa Ana School Police Officers’ Association for the 2025-2028 school years.
- Approved resignation agreement for probationary certificated employee (5-0)
- Approved resignation agreement for permanent classified management employee (5-0)
- Appointed Jeannette Anderson as Executive Director, Special Education (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Ratified listing of grant award applications for 2025-26 school year (5-0)
- Ratified listing of agreements/contracts for 2025-26 school year (5-0)
- Accepted Santa Ana School Police Officers’ Association initial bargaining proposal (5-0)
- Approved MOU with Santaa Ana Educators’ Association regarding second officer release (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will hold a special meeting consisting only of a closed session. The body will discuss the annual evaluation process for the Superintendent.
- Closed session regarding the annual evaluation process for the Superintendent
The Board of Education met in a closed session to discuss personnel matters. No substantive decisions or public actions were recorded in the minutes.
Regular Board Meeting
The board will recess into closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, personnel actions including appointments/reassignments, existing and anticipated litigation, and real property acquisition or disposition across dozens of parcels. In open session, they will recognize the Simon Scholars Program and vote on consent items including gifts totaling $58,479 and an extended field trip costing $5,915.
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA and unrepresented employees
- Closed session discussion of personnel actions: Executive Director of Special Education, Intermediate Principal, Director of Career Education and Workforce Innovation
- Existing litigation case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC; one anticipated litigation case
- Real property negotiations for 55+ assessor parcel numbers district-wide for disposition or acquisition
- Consent calendar: acceptance of gifts ($58,479 total) and approval of extended field trip ($5,915) with budgeted funding
The Board appointed a new intermediate principal and a director of career education. It also announced the execution of a written settlement agreement to end litigation with the Orange County School of the Arts. Additionally, the Board approved a series of consent calendar items including personnel changes and facility contracts.
- Appointed Steve Bayouk as Intermediate Principal at Villa Fundamental Intermediate School (4-1)
- Appointed Steven Long as Director of Career Education and Workforce Innovation (5-0)
- Executed settlement agreement ending litigation with Orange County School of the Arts
- Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes (July 22, 2025) and Special Board Meeting Minutes (July 29, 2025) (5-0)
- Approved consent calendar items including field trips, nonpublic school contracts, and software licenses (5-0)
- Approved Deductive Change Order No. 1 for canopy shade structure projects at multiple elementary schools
🗳️ How they voted (10 roll-call votes)
Special Board Meeting
The Board of Education is meeting to approve a listing of agreements and contracts for the 2025-26 school year. The session also includes a presentation on facilities planning, solar infrastructure, and safety initiatives.
- Approval of 2025-26 school year agreements/contracts, including Capturing Kids' Hearts and Project Kinship
- Closed session discussion on Superintendent of Schools performance evaluation
- Closed session conference regarding existing litigation Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC
- Closed session conference on district-wide real property disposition or acquisition involving multiple parcel numbers
- Facilities Planning Session presentation on enrollment data, deferred maintenance, and solar updates
The Board approved agreements with Capturing Kids’ Hearts and Project Kinship for the 2025-26 school year. Members also held a facilities planning session to review the 2024 Facilities Master Plan and recent Measure I projects.
- Approved 2025-26 contracts with Capturing Kids’ Hearts and Project Kinship (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will meet in regular session. They will first hold closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee discipline, litigation, and real property negotiations. After reconvening, the board will recognize former Santa Ana High School wrestling coach Scott Glabb, take public comments, and consider a consent calendar that includes approving prior meeting minutes, accepting $17,731.97 in gifts, and approving extended field trips totaling $192,160.
- Recognition of former SAHS wrestling coach Scott Glabb for his 30-year career
- Consent calendar: approval of June 24, 2025 board meeting minutes
- Acceptance of gifts, grants, and bequests totaling $17,731.97
- Approval of extended field trips costing $192,160 from various funding sources
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA, and unrepresented employees; existing litigation case 30-2019-01068167; anticipated litigation; real property negotiations involving multiple APNs
The Board appointed new principals for Saddleback and Segerstrom High Schools and a Coordinator of Special Education Services. Several administrative items, including a Prop 28 arts funding report and various course approvals, were passed. The Board also approved a resignation agreement for a classified employee.
- Appointed Atikah Osman as High School Principal, Saddleback High School (5-0)
- Appointed John W. Bennett as High School Principal, Segerstrom High School (5-0)
- Appointed Jeanette Andrews as Coordinator of Special Education Services (5-0)
- Approved resignation agreement for classified employee ID 33859 (5-0)
- Approved Proposition 28 Arts and Music State Funding Report (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
- Approved remainder of Consent Calendar including various AP courses and contracts (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education met to review closed session reports and approve routine district operations. The board approved the June 17 meeting minutes and accepted $7,264.20 in donations, bringing the 2024-2025 total to $818,895.28. The board also considered approval for an extended field trip for Segerstrom students costing $11,220. Closed session discussions covered labor negotiations, personnel actions, superintendent employment, litigation, and real property acquisitions, which directly govern district finances, staff assignments, and school activities.
- Approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
- Acceptance of $7,264.20 in gifts and grants (2024-2025 total: $818,895.28)
- Approval of extended field trip for Segerstrom school ($11,220 for 28 students)
- Closed session reports on labor negotiations, personnel actions, and litigation
- Closed session reports on real property negotiations for district-wide parcels
The Board approved renaming John C. Fremont Elementary School to Virginia & William Guzman Elementary School. Other actions included appointing a new Assistant Superintendent and approving updated teacher salary schedules.
- Renamed John C. Fremont Elementary School to Virginia & William Guzman Elementary School (5-0)
- Appointed Edward Bustamante as Assistant Superintendent, Student Services (5-0)
- Approved updated Santa Ana Educators’ Association Salary Schedules (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved 2025-26 CIF representatives to league (5-0)
- Accepted gifts per Board Policy 3290, including $10,000 for high school boys wrestling (5-0)
- Approved consent calendar items including personnel changes and various 2024-26 contracts (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with a consent calendar that includes acceptance of $238,100 in gifts and approval of one extended field trip. Before the open session, the board will recess to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, real property negotiations, and existing litigation. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items.
- Acceptance of $238,100 in gifts (total donations-to-date $811,631.08)
- Approval of one extended field trip for a Century High School student, cost $500
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA, and unrepresented employees
- Closed session conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC)
- Closed session conference with real property negotiators for district-wide disposition or acquisition (55+ assessor parcel numbers)
The Board approved several high-level administrative appointments, including a new Superintendent and Executive Director of Finance and Operations. Members also voted on personnel reassignments and approved various district contracts and field trips.
- Appointed Dr. Lorraine Perez as Superintendent of Schools (5-0)
- Appointed Jennifer Cisneros as Executive Director, Finance and Operations (5-0)
- Appointed Guadalupe (Lupita) Cruz as Director of Expanded Learning (5-0)
- Appointed 13 individuals to Assistant Principal positions (5-0)
- Approved reassignment of two administrative employees from Principal roles (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Ratified 2024-25 agreements and contracts (5-0)
- Ratified no-cost community partnership agreements for 2024-25 (4-1)
🗳️ How they voted (18 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Education is meeting to conduct closed sessions on labor negotiations, legal litigation, and real property disposition or acquisition. In open session, the Board is recognizing employees of the month and approving consent calendar items.
- Closed session discussion on real property disposition or acquisition for 60 Assessor's Parcel Numbers
- Closed session conferences with labor negotiators for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA
- Approval of $7,000.00 in gifts, grants, and bequests
- Proposed approval of extended field trips totaling $430,500.00
- Recognition of Tyler Nilsson and Yancy Hernandez as May 2025 Employees of the Month
The Board approved a declaration of need for fully qualified educators for the 2025-2026 school year and adopted a resolution identifying core versus supplemental student services. Most consent calendar items were approved, though one member voted against extended field trip approvals. A memorandum regarding safety shoes for CSEA Chapter 41 was also approved.
- Approved Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for 2025-2026 (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution No. 24/25-3674 identifying core and supplemental student services (5-0)
- Approved MOU with CSEA Chapter 41 for provision of safety shoes (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
- Approved May 6 and May 13 meeting minutes with amendments (5-0)
- Ratified 2024-25 agreements, contracts, and software licenses (5-0)
- Approved personnel calendar and grant applications (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 3 divided votes
Special Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board held a special meeting including a presentation on the district budget and May Revision update. The board voted to adopt Resolution No. 24/25-3680, a final resolution to reduce or eliminate particular kinds of services performed by certificated employees for the 2025-2026 school year. The motion carried 4-1.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 24/25-3680 to reduce or eliminate certificated employee services for 2025-2026
- District Budget and May Revision Update presentation (no fiscal impact, information only)
- Closed session for public employee discipline/dismissal/release/reassignment/appointments
- Motion carried 4-1 (Brenda Lebsack voted no)
The Board of Education approved Resolution No. 24/25-3680 to reduce or eliminate specific services performed by certificated employees. This decision follows a budget update regarding state revisions and local fiscal constraints.
- Approved Resolution No. 24/25-3680 to reduce or eliminate certificated employee services (4-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Board Meeting - Closed Session Only
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education is holding a special meeting consisting only of a closed session. The body will discuss the public employment selection process for the Superintendent of Schools.
- Closed session regarding the Superintendent of Schools selection process
The Board convened a special meeting that recessed into 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 with multiple bargaining units (SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA), personnel discipline/reassignment at Fremont and Jefferson elementaries, existing litigation, and real property negotiations covering dozens of parcels district-wide. Open session includes recognitions for Carr Intermediate's mariachi group and employees of the year, plus consent calendar items including acceptance of $106,950 in gifts.
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
- Closed session: personnel discipline/dismissal/reassignment for Principal I at Fremont Elementary and Principal I at Jefferson Elementary
- Closed session: existing litigation case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC
- Closed session: real property negotiations with District Representative Ron Hacker covering 50+ assessor parcel numbers district-wide
- Open session: acceptance of $106,950.17 in gifts, grants, and bequests
The Board appointed new principals for Fremont and Jefferson Elementary Schools and approved a retirement agreement for a certificated employee. The Board also approved the majority of the consent calendar and corrected minutes from a previous meeting.
- Appointed Alisa Tincup as Principal at Fremont Elementary School (5-0)
- Appointed Betsy Martinez as Principal at Jefferson Elementary School (5-0)
- Approved retirement agreement for certificated employee ID 13956 (5-0)
- Approved remainder of consent calendar (5-0)
- Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes with one typo correction (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Regular Board Meeting
The board will first meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline, existing litigation, and real property acquisitions or dispositions involving dozens of parcels. After reconvening, they will recognize contributors to a community book project, the Solares family, and employees of the month, then approve consent items including meeting minutes and acceptance of $12,091 in gifts.
- Closed session: conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA, and unrepresented employees
- Closed session: conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC)
- Closed session: real property negotiations covering 58 assessor parcel numbers district-wide
- Recognition of students, parents, and staff for the 'Our Stories Unite Us!' book
- Acceptance of $12,091 in gifts under Board Policy 3290 (total donations-to-date: $459,580.91)
The Board approved a series of consent calendar items, including personnel changes and student disability service contracts. Separate votes were held to approve extended field trip policies and a partnership with the Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center. The Superintendent also reported on CIF violations at Segerstrom High School.
- Approved retirement agreement for employee ID 25600 (4-0)
- Approved remainder of consent calendar including personnel and disability service contracts (5-0)
- Approved extended field trip policies regarding gender identity sleeping arrangements (4-1)
- Approved 2024-25 grant award applications (5-0)
- Approved partnership agreement with Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (4-1)
- Approved remaining no-cost community partnership agreements (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (26 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board will hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee discipline, existing litigation, and real property negotiations covering 55 assessor parcel numbers for district-wide disposition or acquisition. In open session, the board will recognize employees of the month, accept public comments, and consider a consent calendar that includes approval of meeting minutes, acceptance of gifts totaling $1,260, and approval of three extended field trips with a combined cost of $61,325.
- Closed session real property negotiation covering 55 assessor parcel numbers (APNs) for district-wide disposition or acquisition
- Consent calendar: approval of extended field trips from McFadden, Santa Ana, and Valley schools totaling $61,325
- Consent calendar: acceptance of gifts totaling $1,260 (year-to-date: $448,749.91)
- Closed session litigation update on case No. 30-2019-01068167-CU-WM-CSC
- Closed session labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
The Board approved the majority of its consent calendar, including personnel changes and software licenses. Separate votes were held to approve gift acceptances, extended field trips, community partnership agreements, and purchase orders.
- Approved remainder of consent calendar (5-0)
- Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved no-cost community partnership agreements for 2024-25 (4-1)
- Ratified purchase orders from Feb 26 to March 11, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved motion to extend meeting to 12:00 a.m. (4-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 4 divided votes
Regular Board Meeting
The board will recess to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, employee discipline, pending litigation, and potential real property acquisitions or dispositions across dozens of parcels. Open session includes recognitions for the Santa Ana High School girls wrestling team and staff families, approval of meeting minutes, acceptance of $5,864.66 in gifts, and approval of extended field trips totaling $38,200. The agenda is largely procedural with consent calendar items.
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA and unrepresented employees
- Closed session: real property negotiations involving 55+ parcels (APNs listed)
- Consent calendar: acceptance of $5,864.66 in gifts (2024-2025 total donations: $447,489.91)
- Consent calendar: approval of extended field trips with $38,200 in various funding
- Recognition: Santa Ana High School Girls Wrestling Team (league champions, CIF qualifiers)
The Board approved two legal settlements totaling $80,000 and authorized the release or reassignment of several certificated employees. Superintendent Almendarez announced his retirement effective at the end of July. The Board also approved a partial consent calendar including various contracts and personnel updates.
- Approved $25,000 general liability claim settlement (5-0)
- Approved $55,000 for three workers compensation settlements (5-0)
- Approved reassignment of two certificated administrative employees (5-0)
- Approved release and non-reelection of two probationary administrative employees (5-0)
- Approved release and non-reelection of one temporary certificated employee (5-0)
- Accepted resignations in lieu of termination for two temporary certificated employees (5-0)
- Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved remainder of consent calendar including personnel and expenditure summaries (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Regular Board Meeting
The board will first hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations, employee discipline, two existing lawsuits, two anticipated lawsuits, and real property acquisitions or dispositions involving dozens of parcels. In open session, they will recognize a certificated and a classified employee of the month, accept gifts totaling $3,890, and vote on approving extended field trips with a total cost of $165,800.
- Closed session conference with labor negotiator for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA units and unrepresented employees
- Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (Case No. 30-2019-01068167 and 30-2023-01349344) and two anticipated litigation cases
- Closed session conference with real property negotiator for disposition or acquisition of 57 listed assessor parcel numbers
- Approval of extended field trips costing $165,800 from various funding sources
- Acceptance of gifts totaling $3,890 under Board Policy 3290
The Board unanimously approved a settlement regarding a lawsuit over the approval of four ethnic studies courses. The agreement allows current courses to continue while requiring a review of instructional materials for compliance with Education Code section 60044. The Board also approved several personnel resignations.
- Approved settlement of Case No. 30-2023-01349344 regarding ethnic studies courses (5-0)
- Approved resignation agreement for permanent classified employee ID 30769 (4-0)
- Accepted resignation in lieu of termination for six probationary certificated employees (4-0)
- Approved remainder of consent calendar, including meeting minutes and software licenses (5-0)
- Approved acceptance of monetary gifts per Board Policy 3290
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Board Meeting - Governance Workshop
This is a special Board meeting and governance workshop. The Board will recess into closed session for existing litigation. In open session, the Board will receive a presentation on the progress of Board Priority Metrics for the 2023-24 academic year and discuss strategy for the 2024-25 academic year. No voting items are scheduled.
- Closed session discussion of existing litigation: case 30-2023-01349344-CU-JR-CJC
- Progress update on Board Priority Metrics for 2023-24 academic year
- Presentation on approach and strategy for continued growth in 2024-25
The Board received a progress update on 2023-24 academic performance and 2024-25 plan adjustments. The Board approved the creation of a governance calendar to track progress and ensure accountability. The Superintendent was directed to provide regular updates on student achievement metrics.
- Approved plan to create a governance calendar for tracking progress and accountability
- Directed Superintendent to provide regular updates on student achievement metrics
- Approved motion to continue meeting until 12:00 a.m. (4-1)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education is meeting to approve extended field trips and accept various gifts and grants. The session also includes closed discussions regarding labor negotiations, employee personnel matters, litigation, and real property acquisitions.
- Approval of 5 extended field trips for 85 students from Santa Ana, Speech and Debate, and Valley schools totaling $207,800
- Acceptance of $52,500 in gifts, grants, and bequests
- Recognition of the Arredondo and Vallejo families
- Closed session regarding district-wide real property disposition or acquisition for 60 listed parcel numbers
- Closed session conference with labor negotiators for SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA bargaining units
The Board of Education approved a $1.55 million legal settlement in closed session. During the regular meeting, the Board approved the personnel calendar, various software and service contracts for the 2024-25 school year, and high school P.E. waivers for Spring 2025.
- Approved $1,550,000 settlement for case 30-2021-01235183-CU-PO-CJC (5-0)
- Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes for January 28 and 31, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved no-cost community partnership agreements for 2024-25 (5-0)
- Approved personnel calendar including hiring, promotions, and retirements (5-0)
- Approved acceptance of gifts per Board Policy 3290 (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips per Board Policy 6153 and 5145.31 (5-0)
- Approved High School Physical Education Permanent Waivers for Spring 2025 (5-0)
- Approved amendments to contracts for students with disabilities for 2024-25 (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting
This regular board meeting was adjourned and continued to Friday, January 31, 2025. The agenda includes closed session items on labor negotiations, employee discipline, existing litigation, and real property negotiations. Open session items are procedural: recognitions, minutes approval, and acceptance of gifts totaling $22,023.
- Meeting adjourned and continued to January 31, 2025
- Closed session: labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, CWA bargaining units
- Closed session: discussion of four existing litigation cases
- Closed session: real property negotiations involving over 50 assessor parcel numbers
- Acceptance of gifts totaling $22,023 for school sites and district
The Board approved a series of administrative items via the consent calendar and ratified several partnership agreements and grant applications. A retirement agreement for a certificated employee was approved in closed session. The Board also discussed expanding the Supplemental Early Retirement Incentive Program to mitigate potential layoffs.
- Approved retirement agreement for employee ID 9860 (4-0)
- Approved remainder of consent calendar (5-0)
- Approved extended field trips (4-1)
- Approved no-cost community partnership agreements (4-1)
- Approved grant award applications (5-0)
- Ratified purchase orders from Nov 13 to Dec 17, 2024 (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Board Meeting - Study Session
The Board of Education will hold a study session to review the structure, implementation steps, and timeline for a Student Board Member position. This initiative is intended to increase civic engagement and include student perspectives in decision-making.
- Discussion on implementation of Student Board Member position per Board Bylaw 9150
- Closed session regarding labor negotiations with SAEA, CSEA, SASPOA, and CWA
- Closed session with legal counsel regarding Case No. 30-2023-01349344-CU-JR-CJC
The Board discussed the creation of student board member positions to be implemented by the start of the next school year. Members reached consensus on eligibility, selection, and term requirements for these roles.
- Reached consensus to allow two student Board members (one from a large high school and one from a small high school)
- Established a 2.0 GPA requirement for student members
- Agreed to an application process for selection
- Determined terms of service as two years for underclassmen and one year for seniors
- Agreed to include an advisory council and oversight by a District Administrator
- Agreed to provide training similar to Board member training
- Discussed potential compensation and course credit for participants