Meeting Recording
RUSD has not published a recording for this meeting. The district currently shares board-meeting recordings going back to August 2025. This recap is built from the official published agenda and approved minutes — see the Agenda tab below for the full item-by-item breakdown.
The Reed Union School District Board of Trustees approved December 12, 2023 as the date for its annual organizational meeting at the November 14 regular session. All five trustees attended the meeting, though Superintendent Dr. Kimberly McGrath was absent on medical leave.
The board began with a closed session at 5:00 PM to discuss potential litigation with legal counsel. Board President Jacqueline Jaffee reported nothing to announce from the closed session when trustees reconvened in open session at 6:02 PM at Bel Aire Elementary School.
Minutes and Consent Agenda
Trustees approved the minutes from the October 17, 2023 regular meeting, with Trustee Sherry Wangenheim abstaining. Vice President Afsaneh Zolfaghari made the motion, seconded by Trustee Shelby Pasarell Tsai.
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the personnel report, warrants, and the second reading and approval of board policies to align with California School Boards Association recommendations. Trustee Liz Webb moved approval, seconded by Pasarell Tsai.
Staff and Community Reports
Reed Elementary Principal Dr. Mary Niesyn presented on professional development activities for both certificated and classified staff during the summer and beginning of the school year. She shared videos from community time at Reed, including a student-produced video.
Mickey Hubbell, District PTA President, and Annie Defesche, Foundation for Reed Schools Director of Development, reported on their organizations' activities, membership status, and fundraising efforts.
Trustees reported attending various district events over the past month, including the Strategic Planning Event, The Ranch board meeting, a substance abuse presentation at Del Mar Middle School, Halloween activities, the Bel Aire Fall Festival, and the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee meeting. Board members expressed gratitude for the district and community.
District Updates
Chief Business Official Carlos Estrella, reporting for Superintendent McGrath, discussed e-bike and scooter safety efforts, strategic plan development, the YouthTruth survey now open for students, families and staff, the Spanish Task Force, and progress on the new district website.
Dr. Niesyn presented an overview of the district's curriculum history and outlined plans to evaluate new curriculum in one subject area each school year.
Director of Student Services Brian Lynch reviewed district programs and reported on progress closing the achievement gap between priority students and the general student population. Estrella also provided an update on food services.
Board Policy Review
Trustees received updated board policies for a first reading to align with California School Boards Association standards. The board provided comments for consideration before the policies return for second reading and adoption at a future meeting.
Organizational Meeting
The board unanimously approved scheduling the annual organizational meeting for December 12, 2023. Zolfaghari made the motion, seconded by Wangenheim.
No items were raised by trustees for future consideration. Board President Jaffee adjourned the meeting at 7:57 PM.
No audio recording is available for this meeting, so this summary is based on the published agenda and the approved minutes.
Agenda and summary drawn from official RUSD board-meeting records. Always cross-reference with the official RUSD recording for accuracy.