Students at Smith Elementary provided the Board with an update on their growing 4-H program, which focuses on leadership, teamwork, and hands-on learning. 4-H, representing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, gives students opportunities to take on elected leadership roles, participate in activities like gardening and crafts, and harvest produce grown in their school garden. Principal Maria Ashton recognized the leadership of Smith parent Jessica Budica and the many families, volunteers, staff, and community partners who helped bring the project to life, creating a space where students can learn, grow, and connect with nature.

The Board approved Schedule No. 2 to the District’s Master Lease Purchase Agreement with Apple Financial Services to support the continued rollout of Apple devices for students and teachers across school sites. This schedule establishes a new four-year, 0% interest lease for additional Apple devices as part of the District’s ongoing technology replacement and expansion efforts. The total cost will not exceed $711,368.59 over the four-year term and will be funded through Board-designated reserves for technology replacement in the General Fund.

The Board approved the Week of the Young Child Resolution, April 13–17, 2026, a national celebration led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children that highlights the importance of high-quality early learning experiences. The resolution honors young children, their families, and the dedicated educators who support them through the District’s Preschool Academy, California State Preschool Program, and Special Education Preschool programs, as well as partner organizations including First 5 Orange County, Start Well OC, and the Orange County Department of Education Quality Start program.

The Board approved a contract with Vector USA to upgrade the District’s network infrastructure by replacing 10-year-old network switches that support wireless internet across school campuses. The upgrade will improve the reliability, speed, and capacity of the District’s wireless network for students and staff. The estimated project cost is $1,153,756.89, with approximately 50% expected to be reimbursed through the federal E-Rate Program. Implementation costs are anticipated during the 2027–2028 fiscal year.

The Board approved the 2025–2026 Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all District schools, as required by California Education Code. These plans outline procedures and strategies to help ensure safe and orderly learning environments through prevention, preparedness, and response to potential incidents.

Each plan includes emergency procedures, safety training and drills, bullying prevention, discipline policies, safe campus access protocols, and updated procedures addressing areas such as opioid response and instructional continuity. Plans were developed collaboratively with school site teams and local first responders.

The Board approved the 2025–2026 collective bargaining agreement with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 316, which has also been ratified by union members. The agreement maintains most existing contract provisions while updating areas including salary, holidays and calendar, health and welfare benefits, and vacation allowances.

The agreement includes a 2.0% salary increase and adjustments related to bus driver hours and the School Office Manager salary range, with an estimated ongoing fiscal impact of $341,908 beginning July 1, 2025.

District staff presented the 2025–2026 Second Interim Financial Report, providing an update on the District’s financial status and budget projections through January 31, 2026. The report reflects the most current information available from state and county agencies and includes updated multiyear projections aligned with the Governor’s proposed 2026–2027 state budget. The presentation also highlighted that the District is in its second year as a community-funded district.

Staff reviewed key budget factors, including state and federal funding sources, projected expenditures such as salary and benefit costs, and reserve levels. The District’s estimated unrestricted reserve for 2025–2026 is approximately 14%, above the state’s required 3% minimum, helping maintain financial stability as the District continues planning for future budgets.