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 unanimously approved the district's annual financial audit for the 2023-24 fiscal year at its January 14, 2025 meeting. The board also received a $1 million donation from the Foundation for Reed Schools, the organization's initial contribution for the current school year.
Closed Session
The board met in closed session starting at 4:48 PM to discuss the McLain v. Reed Union School District government code claim and to confer with the district's labor negotiator. Board President Sherry Wangenheim reported no action to announce from closed session when trustees reconvened in open session at 6:07 PM.
Foundation Donation
Foundation for Reed Schools President Michelle Wilson and Director of Development Annie Defesche presented a $1 million check to Superintendent Dr. Kimberly McGrath and Chief Business Official Dr. Chris J. Kim. Foundation representatives also reported on current activities and future plans. PTA President Mickey Bruce Hubbell updated the board on PTA activities and the formation of a nominating committee to select officers for the 2025-26 school year.
Financial and Audit Items
Chief Business Official Dr. Chris J. Kim presented the independent auditor's report for fiscal year 2023-24, which trustees unanimously approved. Dr. Kim also presented an actuarial study on the district's retiree health liabilities under accounting standards GASB 74/75, responding to trustee questions about the district's obligations under its current retiree health program.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved routine business items including personnel changes, warrants, a renewed contract with Steven Roatch Accountancy Corporation for professional accounting services, and the quarterly Williams Act report. Vice President Shelby Pasarell Tsai moved approval and Clerk Liz Webb seconded.
School Accountability Reports
Trustees unanimously adopted the School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for all three district schools for the 2023-24 school year. Coordinator of Educational Services Nicole Trickett and Director of Student Services Brian Lynch also reviewed the district's California School Dashboard data, including information on student absenteeism.
Strategic Plan and Program Updates
Superintendent McGrath provided a mid-year update on progress toward goals in the district's 2024-2030 Strategic Plan. Trickett presented updates on implementing the Spanish Task Force Action Plan across district schools.
Superintendent's Report
McGrath reported several significant items: staff received medical training during a January 6 professional development day; the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) partnership with The Ranch is being restructured to better meet grant requirements; Reed Elementary Principal Dr. Mary Niesyn will retire at the end of the school year; the district has classroom space available if families displaced by Southern California fires need to relocate; and the district is developing plans for using Proposition 28 arts and music funding.
Board Activities
Trustees reported attending various events since the December meeting, including a board governance workshop on January 11, musical performances at all three schools, a California School Boards Association webinar on the Governor's proposed budget, and a Joint Legislative Advisory Committee meeting. They also expressed condolences to Los Angeles fire victims.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM. All five trustees were present: Wangenheim, Pasarell Tsai, Webb, Afsaneh Zolfaghari, and Sandeep Sahai.
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.