Tuesday, November 12, 2024

The Reed Union School District board unanimously approved holding its annual organizational meeting on December 16, 2024, and heard the initial bargaining interests from the teachers' association during its November 12 meeting. The board also honored outgoing Trustee Jacqueline Jaffee, who completed four years of service.

Recognition of Outgoing Trustee

Each trustee individually thanked Jacqueline Jaffee for her four years of service on the board. Jaffee expressed appreciation for the support she received during her term and said she was proud of the district and community.

Teacher Contract Negotiations Begin

Shea O'Brien, president of the Reed District Teachers' Association and a Del Mar teacher, presented the union's initial bargaining interests to the board. The presentation was followed by a formal public hearing on the matter, which opened at 9:39 PM and closed at 9:40 PM with no public comment. One member of the public, Del Mar teacher Allison O'Brien, provided comment during the earlier presentation portion.

Student Assessment Results

The board received detailed reports on student performance data. Coordinator of Educational Services Nicole Trickett presented fall-to-fall MAP Growth test results comparing student performance from fall 2023 to fall 2024. She also reported on the district's results from the 2023-2024 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) state tests, including comparisons with state and Marin County results, trends over multiple years, and identified actions for improvement. Trustee Sherry Wangenheim requested additional cohort and grade-level analysis of the MAP data at a future meeting, which the full board approved by consensus.

Curriculum Planning

Trickett presented the annual curriculum update, outlining planned timelines for future curriculum evaluation and adoption across the district.

Financial Planning

Jeffrey Small from Capitol Public Finance Group presented additional information on developing a reserve policy for the district. He will prepare a draft board policy on reserves for presentation at the December regular meeting.

Board Policy Updates

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included board policy revisions to align with California School Boards Association recommendations on second reading. Trustees also conducted a first reading of additional revised board policies to align with CSBA standards. Trustee comments will be incorporated before the second reading at the December 16 meeting.

School and Community Reports

Dr. Mary Niesyn, principal of Reed Elementary School, reported on school activities with emphasis on Spanish integration efforts for all students. PTA District President Mickey Bruce Hubbell and Annie Defesche, director of development for The Foundation for Reed Schools, reported on current and upcoming activities.

Superintendent Dr. Kimberly McGrath reported that the new district-wide communication system provided faster information delivery during the recent earthquake drill, thanked Director of Technology Evan McKay for launching new district and school websites, and encouraged families to complete the YouthTruth Survey. She also noted that the Wellness and Food Services Committee held two productive meetings with broad stakeholder participation.

The meeting began with closed session discussions on labor negotiations and real property matters. Board President Afsaneh Zolfaghari reported no action to announce from closed session. All five trustees were present throughout the meeting, which adjourned at 9:40 PM.