Regular Board Meeting – 3/14/24

The meeting was called to order by Board President, Ricardo Favela, at 5:00 p.m.

There were no requests for public comment.

The Governing Board adjourned into closed session at 5:01 p.m.

The Governing Board returned from closed session and reconvened into open session at 6:04 p.m.

In closed session, the Board received a letter from Leonard Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services. The letter informed the Board and Superintendent of Mr. Rodriguez’s decision to terminate his current Contract of Employment, effective June 30, 2024. The letter was signed by Mr. Rodriguez, and was received by the Superintendent on March 11, 2024. The Board and Superintendent honored Mr. Rodriguez’s request.

Upon the motion of Trustee Lundin, seconded by Trustee Fish, and a unanimous vote of 3 to 0, the Board accepted Mr. Rodriguez resignation as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and appointed him as Senior Director, Educational Services, effective July 1, 2024.

The flag salute and student presentation were led by student leaders from Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the minutes of the February 6, 2024 Special Meeting and the February 15, 2024 Regular Board Meeting.

For the February 6, 2024 Special Board Meeting
Motion made by: Dr. Constance Fish
Motion seconded by: Mr. Ricardo Favela
Voting:
Mr. Ricardo Favela – Yes
Ms. Suzanne Lundin – Abstain
Dr. Constance Fish – Yes

For the February 15, 2024 Regular Board Meeting
Motion made by: Dr. Constance Fish
Motion seconded by: Mr. Ricardo Favela
Voting:
Mr. Ricardo Favela – Yes
Ms. Suzanne Lundin – Yes
Dr. Constance Fish – Yes

There were no requests for public comment.

Dr. Jeff Paull did not provide a report during the meeting.

Ms. Suzanne Lundin and Dr. Connie Fish did not provide any reports during the meeting.

Mr. Ricardo Favela reported that he had the opportunity to attend the reclassification ceremony at La Paloma Elementary and congratulated students who were successfully reclassified. Mr. Favela then addressed the challenging subject of budget cuts, which he acknowledged has been a matter of considerable concern. He expressed his deep sympathies for all those impacted, admitting the difficulty of facing such circumstances. He stressed his understanding of the critical importance of all affected positions, describing the situation as unfortunate.

Ms. Monika Hazel reported that all eight FUESD schools have achieved the California Purple Star School designation, acknowledging their exceptional support for military-connected students and families.

Ms. Hazel shared that 20th Anniversary of Fallbrook A Leer would be taking place on March 23rd at Maie Ellis Elementary, celebrating two decades of fostering a love for reading among young students. Ms. Hazel emphasized the importance of this event in building a strong, educated community.

Reflecting on the success of Read Across America Week, Ms. Hazel noted the engaging activities aimed at promoting literacy, including her participation as a guest reader. The week-long celebration showcased the district’s dedication to encouraging reading from an early age through various initiatives.

Lastly, Ms. Hazel highlighted the upcoming State Virtual Migrant Education Program Parent Conference, emphasizing the significance of Region 9’s representation and the range of topics to be covered in breakout sessions and highlighting FUESD’s Oscar Caralampio.

It is recommended the Governing Board adopt Resolution #14-23/24 designating March 23, 2024 as Fallbrook A Leer Appreciation Day.

It is recommended the Governing Board adopt Resolution #23-23/24 designating March 31, 2024 as César Chávez Day.

Ms. Monika Hazel, Superintendent, provided a presentation to discuss the legal requirements and next steps related to filling the vacancy.

It is recommended the Governing Board commence a process ending with a timely provisional appointment as required by law.

Suzanne Lundin made a motion to move forward with a provisional appointment. Connie Fish seconded.

The Governing Board discussed the formation of a Board Subcommittee to assist with the Board vacancy process. It was recommended that the Subcommittee be composed of two members from the Governing Board alongside the Superintendent. The floor was then opened for nominations for the first Subcommittee member.

Connie Fish nominated Suzanne Lundin for the position, with the nomination seconded by Mr. Favela. A vote was called, resulting in unanimous approval from Trustees Fish, Lundin, and Favela, thereby appointing Suzanne Lundin as the first member of the Subcommittee.

Connie Fish was nominated for the second member position of the Subcommittee. The nomination received unanimous support, as evidenced by affirmative votes from Trustees Fish, Lundin, and Favela, confirming Connie Fish as the second Subcommittee member.

The Governing Board recommended casting votes in favor of all the candidates presented for the vacancies on the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Region 17 Delegate Assembly.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve Resolution #15-23/24 to designate an authorized representative to San Diego County Schools Risk Management Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

It is recommended the Governing Board approve Resolution #16-23/24 to designate an authorized representative to San Diego County Schools Fringe Benefits Consortium for Fringe Benefits Programs.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the following fiscal resolutions: #17-23/24 payment order resolution; #18-23/24 designating authorized agents to sign commercial warrants; #19-23/24 authorizing the replacement of warrants; #20-23/24 establishing temporary interfund transfers; #21-23/24 requesting temporary transfer of funds and #22-23/24 designating authorized agents to receive mail and pick up warrants at the County Office of Education.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the Second Interim Report.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the recommendations for the following new and revised job descriptions:

Senior Director of Educational Services
Warehouse Lead
Director of Information Technology Services and Support

The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.