[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6357560,"mediaKeyId","2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f","parentId",2214156,"title","Votes at a glance: Carpinteria Unified approves minutes, SARC, warrants and Measure U completion; multiple donations accepted","audioSeconds",7143,"startMs",1811000,"endMs",8954000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f&start=1811&end=8954","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f/thumbnail_1811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6357560/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Carpinteria-Unified-approves-minutes-SARC-warrants-and-Measure-U-completion-multiple-donations-accepted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357560-cc8bad10eadff7346d1e107b604f9c1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212125&Signature=jERSdyYyLtDbKue5eDakHqwB~CER4ESHP0Nyd6h7y4bNddvbpwFQYoHjEqRbd1Qb-cezXpQA~0XvX~C3obvkMW9LOaMntPcf6hlN2B3DITd~W4ZHjryswQGIgmGwXglIrHhT235NxbrKyFNZO-eYJGrrrsZDZ3CVYioSdiSVvp~vJQe~gLpxo14JOhmEAvOy8Hcra0Z1FaqwFwM5y-16TVxU0OUmP1YhD-d90PNsyUHoHqsOKf4cqQq5eEkRPg28I4D-YWh3ezF~5tVdjCYHe-Skm3~dXI9lFA7iqReA4M0CMJhcLiGjVzoMTzsE-Kfqq16sLp~kK4nSy8w48zanoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Carpinteria, CA","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees took a series of routine approvals at its Jan. 28 regular meeting. Below is a concise summary of motions, votes and key details recorded in the public meeting.

- Approval of minutes, Jan. 14, 2025: Motion moved and seconded; the board voted to approve the minutes.

- Approval of the agenda and consent agenda: The board approved the agenda and consent agenda with item E3 (presentation from the Warrior Pool Foundation) pulled from tonight's agenda prior to the vote.

- Warrants: The board approved warrants for the period Jan. 10'Jan. 23 in the amount of $870,946.25.

- Gifts, grants and donations (accepted with gratitude):
- Roberto Robledo and Maria Clara Garcia: $500 to Carpinteria High School ASB student-aid account.
- Linda Lang: $50.50 to CHS Future Farmers of America.
- Anonymous donor: $1,000 to CHS baseball club (in memory of Daryl Brown).
- Eric Keuler: a donated drum set valued at $2,000 to Carpinteria Middle School music program.
- Rotary Club of Carpinteria: donated musical instruments and equipment valued at approximately $31,000 to Carpinteria Middle School music programs (violins, violas, microphones, saxophone and replacement instruments).
- Anonymous (through Carpinteria Education Foundation): $8,715.82 to CHS AVID for field trips.
- Anonymous: assorted musical instruments (electric guitar and amplifier, violin, keyboard, acoustic guitar) estimated at $500 to CMS music.

- F1: School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for the 2023'24 school year: The board voted to approve the SARCs as required by state law.

- H1: Measure U, notice of completion for Catalino Elementary School Learning Center: The board approved final notice of completion for McGillivray (McGillivray/MacGillivray Construction Inc.) with a completed construction amount of $1,660,965.10; retention and release timelines were stated consistent with public-contract and civil-code provisions.

Meeting votes on these routine items were called and recorded as \"Aye\" in roll-call or voice votes; no recorded \"no\" votes or abstentions were announced during the motions described in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: These routine approvals advance the district's regular business, move Measure U construction to final completion steps and add donated resources to campus programs. Several donations directly supported music and extracurricular programs at middle and high schools.

Ending: The board moved from routine approvals to continued review of the FY2025-26 budget; no additional formal actions were taken on grants or contracts beyond those listed above at the Jan. 28 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Carpinteria Unified School District Meeting - January 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Jan. 28 meeting the Carpinteria Unified School District Board approved routine minutes and agenda items, accepted several donations and gifts, approved warrants, accepted the 2023-24 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) and approved a notice of completion for a Measure U project.","taxTitle","Carpinteria Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",50867,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357565,"Developer says solar-plus-battery microgrid at Carpinteria High not viable now after funding shifts",139,3127000,3266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f&start=3127&end=3266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f/thumbnail_3127000.jpg","/articles/6357565/California/Developer-says-solar-plus-battery-microgrid-at-Carpinteria-High-not-viable-now-after-funding-shifts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357565-bc45957c7304b563316b782a1ad6878e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212125&Signature=RxqtHNCtr-~cLB6rU6rvl460Ni0COfqmJ6a9MNJQn6zc33x~8fQlrCbfvkUYQMtLn5~lKGlYyC5Ygrb~WLHhAEN~RLfZgaeDtfTUdpJAS0p5Wbce1CgHggfDTCF63wJGAUPI2wE1UJpmtHayjPRqWo7Xzs2pfn~cUF8QYJXsW9r-T7w3o~93f9uVM94e1BWnYMRKQL3ZOtuOK~wCqlP1Htwsg~riHwdTK3M0XNzIjZFNiN7H8NbcKa~rOnEFcAspiG0a~mvrO-0F4JBpqRZ9bmdCi8UgRNRB4tWic7iInwJ2J22DF8eQi9Gv4Q~SxUgj1br56LPqro-eukye96p23A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative for Scale Microgrids told the Carpinteria Unified School District Board on Jan. 28 that a previously studied solar-and-battery microgrid for Carpinteria High School is not economically feasible at present.

The presenter said the company had analyzed the site and other potential county locations, but that the pool of federal and state grant funds and incentives has shrunk since their earlier work. The presenter clarified that Scale Microgrids is a for-profit developer that has worked alongside nonprofit Clean Coalition on such projects.

During the board's question-and-answer period trustees and staff asked about contract pricing and how a proposed power-purchase agreement (PPA) would interact with SoCal Edison distribution and demand charges. The presenter said the PPA payment structure would be driven by solar production and that district customers would continue to receive a utility bill for distribution and demand charges; the microgrid would reduce demand and therefore lower some of those charges. The presenter also said current California rules do not allow aggregation of sites for the economics presented.

Why it matters: Microgrids and school-site solar could provide resilience and educational opportunities, but the district was advised that current financial conditions and shrinking incentive pools mean the project does not yet \"pencil out.\" The district said it will maintain relationships with developers and continue to pursue grant opportunities.

What the board did: Trustees received the presentation and asked technical questions; no procurement or contract action was taken.

Ending: The company said it remains optimistic and will look for future opportunities should incentives or grant pools expand.","A representative from Scale Microgrids told the board Jan. 28 that a previously studied solar-plus-battery microgrid at Carpinteria High School is not currently economically feasible because the grant and incentive landscape has narrowed, though the company said it will keep seeking opportunities.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357569,"Carpinteria Unified projects $1.6 million shortfall; trustees review nonclassroom cuts and staffing-by-attrition plan",360,6604000,6964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f&start=6604&end=6964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f/thumbnail_6604000.jpg","/articles/6357569/California/Carpinteria-Unified-projects-16-million-shortfall-trustees-review-nonclassroom-cuts-and-staffing-by-attrition-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357569-fe2da59def62783636c93a5f2267cc0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212125&Signature=c7V6Mh4zM67uuNtut~hGUr-BO8GnW2FqMBgjclaJsKtPNC1K3Eoqj8YwJTX6usD8crrMoOn9Ps0bDxb4QxI1kE8HAezeMrvkNjkc1hk3fQHhq3CBN1u67OSPns8J9GaAg18XU-3QWDBYyq6JAaaAE8hWJwbbg2t7ARrBQ4dsBlGH~iq0699V0~Kn8RY6wU6BHuJfT8qTkXv2CgKoDuCtEVqnKQzu5wU0ZvacCDB~~hXDAsOy7ohzymVpk8A2xuZB4plC1FzzdJxsNG~QSaJDve0MUi-f7UZNJAgPrwLs1E3HzgpsJif4cOQqWvjb0xjgBJrvnS9qgb512BbmpeQFfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carpinteria Unified School District leaders presented a proposed plan to close a projected $1.6 million shortfall in the 2025'26 budget and asked trustees to continue reviewing reductions focused outside the classroom.

Superintendent Diana Rigby and district leaders told the board on Jan. 28 that the district's revenue outlook changed after actual property-tax collections came in lower than an earlier projection (the county and district staff are using a 5% property-tax growth assumption after a recent two-year period of higher growth). At the same time, the district faces higher fixed costs: health-benefit increases, pension contributions (STRS/PERS), and rising special-education costs tied to greater demand and contracted provider rates.

District staff described a multi-pronged approach intended to restore reserves to the board's target and preserve small class sizes. Proposed measures presented at the meeting included:

- Further reductions in outside professional services and contracted programs where possible; shifting some field trips to grant funding and seeking Carpentaria Education Foundation support.
- A proposed $20,000 reduction in conference travel.
- A recommended $200,000 reduction in legal-fee spending compared with recent years.
- Reductions achieved by attrition: not replacing 10 instructional-assistant positions (estimated $460,000 savings) and 4 certificated FTEs through retirements or resignations rather than layoffs.
- Eliminating the elementary GATE program as a separate funded FTE (the teacher would remain employed in district but not in a GATE assignment) and reworking some professional-development days (reducing paid added days in favor of using existing early-release and pre-service time).

District leaders emphasized they were aiming to avoid layoffs and to preserve core classroom staffing levels (elementary target 20:1; middle school 22:1; high school 24:1). The board discussed the proposal and asked clarifying questions about the county's property-tax guidance and the potential effect on programs.

Why it matters: The budget plan will influence whether the district can provide pay increases, sustain student services and maintain the board's target fund balance. Special-education costs and lower revenue growth were the two largest drivers discussed.

What the board did: The Jan. 28 session was a review; trustees requested continued development of the proposal and scheduled further presentations. No final budget adoption or personnel action occurred at the meeting.

Ending: District staff said they will post openings to recruit direct hires (speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, mild/moderate teachers) in an effort to reduce reliance on more-expensive agency contractors and to bring long-term costs down.","District leaders told the board Jan. 28 the Carpinteria Unified budget for 2025'26 faces about a $1.6 million gap. The administration proposed reductions concentrated outside the classroom, a legal-fee cut, and staffing reductions through attrition to preserve class sizes and restore reserves.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357574,"Carpinteria Unified: 350 students with IEPs as special-education needs and costs rise",1145,3724000,4869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f&start=3724&end=4869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f/thumbnail_3724000.jpg","/articles/6357574/California/Carpinteria-Unified-350-students-with-IEPs-as-special-education-needs-and-costs-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357574-ee33d33ee99367e7bf560b8bf42c4a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212125&Signature=dxQy6VCC5zaChf50lEpELaais8RAflqjwkxoMlkMaM-AMYSX7llJ~3F0gHQX8rlzA2u0tqJm8rcivk8Hmb594Y7RyFSTndEeB23FtjyvpcHnE5Idhdpf4FkBOht52Y1KXObm5fO5hEuTc-MJbt5bPozLlRnUf0mpEYgfkUpmhAyUgmKWMcFmVwRsO0hUFbduFo5qyoiomC6epKUXt7MV5QqsxbycEMGUaNmZCvpmMncHWEITi9mzV8ebgFeN7WfnivJbH2S69ASG9mS5wWCZyOjS1ULMPa~Fzd2FvwD4pmEYd4iBOzb-RCledu2Wd~p1MABmSTYIwiTh9VExxY1Xyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Carpinteria Unified School District's special-education director told trustees on Jan. 28 that the district serves 350 students with individualized education programs and is seeing rising demand for services, rising costs and staffing shortages.

Carolyn Haines, the district's special-education leader, told the board that the 350 students with IEPs represent about 18% of the district's roughly 1,900 students, up from about 14% five years ago. She said the district serves preschool through postsecondary SEALs placements and contracts for some out-of-district services when required.

Haines described trends that district staff are tracking: an increase in autism diagnoses among young children; a large share of speech- or language-impairment eligibilities concentrated among third grade and younger; and a rise in social-emotional and behavioral needs that have increased use of behavioral supports. She said autism accounts for about 14% of the district's special-education population and that roughly 5% of students with IEPs have an intellectual disability.

Staffing and cost details Haines provided included approximately 18.5 special-education teachers, five school psychologists, five speech therapists, an adaptive physical-education teacher, one occupational therapist, about 55 instructional assistants, 11 behavior technicians and one board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She said related-service providers (speech, occupational, physical therapists) are increasingly employed through agencies rather than directly by the district, which raises costs.

Haines said the district's contribution from the general fund to special education had risen in recent years (a figure presented compared to prior years), and that revenue for special education distributed through the county has not kept pace with rising need. She emphasized early intervention, inclusive practices and ongoing professional development for teachers and instructional assistants.

Why it matters: The combination of rising special-education enrollment, higher contracting costs and declining overall enrollment (which reduces some state and federal allocations that are tied to total enrollment) creates budgetary pressure that the school's upcoming budget decisions must address.

What the board did: Trustees received the report and asked follow-up questions about eligibility categories, how multiple disabilities are counted and whether certain health or dietary supports can be incorporated into IEP planning. No budget or policy action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Haines said special education's emphasis is inclusion and early intervention and that continued recruitment of direct hires for therapists and aides is a priority as the district balances services and costs.","The district's special-education lead told the school board the student population on IEPs has risen to about 18% of enrollment and described growing autism prevalence, rising behavioral costs and shortages of therapists and other specialists.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357579,"Carpinteria teachers, union leaders say contract talks stalled; allege $3.5 million underpayment",0,486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f&start=486&end=486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214156-beb0f9845fa75d5f5ed3ff0b53ff429f/thumbnail_486000.jpg","/articles/6357579/California/Carpinteria-teachers-union-leaders-say-contract-talks-stalled-allege-35-million-underpayment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357579-f949323412fc40c9e0ec1e29a9652841/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212125&Signature=QNU4jVKDu36nIIbV1074nCH1b72S2cfyhQfGj1JqylGnqwvNVXkf7OSh0jmM6QJRwCa9a1XCUOFEUy0lMl~U1Vwgd2jz2ZRfOOj6VFCrYL5~UZp7eMccFCkvkpntDF2ygqZaDzFQLYVEqXO7xkNgHwKh7NvV5jhAgEl6sqno2mX6RcRRN3dAfUamnWt950Jeerziv0wCtuP6wq1NcJeXMlnrl0VtRAsWEZOfCdu-dATx7J6XAmBOumgveE11N19GiOcCqnW7eu8cD9BIl3-w5SShD0PIdBHKTWmEdG4N7Maudp7vFIrr4i~tJ0J9TZJ3nkXNmC-9Q6ZY6z3qy1XLEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teachers and union leaders told the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 28 that contract negotiations remain at an impasse and urged the board to return to bargaining and increase pay for staff.

John Fowler, a teacher at Carpinteria Middle School, opened public comment by praising Dr. Jamie Pursuen's recent work as the new principal, saying, \"Her keen observational skills and willingness to listen and to recognize the needs of students has been a refreshing and promising reset.\" Fowler urged the board to engage with staff leadership to address unresolved issues.

An employee representative (name not specified in the public record) told the board that bargaining negotiations have stalled, saying the district \"refused to participate in the scheduled mediation session\" on Jan. 14 and that the district's most recent offer was far below employees' expectations. The representative said the district's current best offer is 2% for certificated staff and 2.5% for classified staff, and that district administrators have received raises totaling about 10% to 12% over the same period.

The same commenter cited an audit and said the district underpaid employees by about $3,522,000, which the speaker characterized as \"a deficiency equivalent to a 17% pay increase for all district employees.\" The speaker also told the board that rising local costs'\"the cost of living has risen 20 to 23% in the last two years\"'are putting pressure on retention and recruitment, and said union leadership was continuing efforts to avoid a general strike.

Superintendent Diana Rigby was present for remarks and later fielded unrelated procedural and budget questions from the board and public. Board President Diamond oversaw the public-comment period; the board did not take any formal action on contract terms during the meeting.

Why it matters: Public and employee statements put pressure on trustees to balance budget constraints with the district's ability to retain teachers and other staff. The dispute also framed later budget discussions about where reductions might fall and whether to preserve salary increases for employees.

What the board did: Board members heard public comment and proceeded with the agenda; no bargaining decisions or votes on compensation were made at the Jan. 28 meeting.

Ending: Employee leaders asked the board to resume bargaining and to prioritize employee compensation in upcoming budget decisions; the board continued its scheduled budget review without resolving the contract impasse that evening.","Teachers and employee representatives told the Carpinteria Unified School District Board on Jan. 28 that contract negotiations remain at impasse, criticized the district's best offer as inadequate and said an audit found roughly $3.52 million in underpaid employee compensation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Carpinteria Unified approves minutes, SARC, warrants and Measure U completion; multiple donations accepted

Developer says solar-plus-battery microgrid at Carpinteria High not viable now after funding shifts

Carpinteria Unified projects $1.6 million shortfall; trustees review nonclassroom cuts and staffing-by-attrition plan

Carpinteria Unified: 350 students with IEPs as special-education needs and costs rise

Carpinteria teachers, union leaders say contract talks stalled; allege $3.5 million underpayment