South Whittier School District held their monthly board meeting on Tuesday, February 15, at the district office.
This meeting was held both in-person and via Zoom. Attendees were able to hear three presentations. There was a Graves Middle School EL update, a financial audit report, and a mid-year LCAP update.
Graves Middle School EL Update
Dr. Mora Flores gave an update regarding English Learners (EL) at Graves Middle School and the initiatives and steps they are taking to continue closing the achievement gap.
Dr. Flores shared that one third of the Graves student population are EL learners. According to data from the 2020-2021 school year roughly 20% of EL students were meeting proficiency levels that would reclassify them. With learning loss due to the pandemic in mind, they are putting strong initiatives together to make up that learning loss and continue to support EL students with interventions necessary to help them reclassify.
Graves has taken teacher surveys, made classroom observations, and have put necessary interventions to continue supporting these students. She shared with the board particular steps they are putting into place and should have data to show the results of their actions in June 2022.
2020-2021 Financial Audit Report
The board received a financial audit report from Andrew Parks, a representative from Eide Bailly. He shared the results from the District’s complete 2020-2021 audit.
The intent of the annual audit is to encourage sound fiscal management practices for the most efficient and effective use of public funds for the education of children in California by strengthening fiscal accountability at the district, county and state levels. The annual audit report is used by various agencies to review the fiscal status of the district.
Findings and recommendations are reviewed by district staff with corrective action responses provided in the audit report.
LCAP Mid-Year Update
The board was able to hear from Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, and Dr. Reanna Mendoza, Director, Assessment, Accountability & Parent Engagement, regarding a LCAP mid-year update.
This presentation was given due to California's 2021 Budget Act which provided local educational agencies (LEAs) with significant increase in funding to support students, teachers, staff, and their communities in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the impacts of distance learning on students.
During the presentation they shared a report on the funding received through the 2021 Budget Act and the implementation of the LCAP to date. They also shared their five LCAP goals. Goal one is to create a positive climate and culture where students and families feel safe. Second, move towards continuous improvement based on data to prepare and support students. Third, provide a strong educator support system for staff. Fourth, strengthen communications and facilitate partnerships with families and community members. Lastly, create a multitiered system of support within academics, behavior, and social-emotional services to facilitate student success, which includes increased and improved services for all student groups.
The District will hold their next board meeting on Tuesday, March 8, in the District board room and via Zoom.