[{"_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",6308095,"mediaKeyId","2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc","parentId",2425085,"title","Votes at a glance: La Canada Unified board actions, Feb. 25, 2025","audioSeconds",4381,"startMs",59000,"endMs",4440000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc&start=59&end=4440","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc/thumbnail_59000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6308095/California/Votes-at-a-glance-La-Canada-Unified-board-actions-Feb-25-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308095-579cb845cdbe0d1f78a5d0213257290f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770977973&Signature=QFDov19vYpF1iJ67xO76P5xjBTswtnE4Pb1oX1bJJocg2s2wQD5OEtYteVV2De77M1sJt~8yRQboaW8Epdsj6-3VtLhs53RoHa2cTV2VEwPtP7PTvGhgV4xXJAFGJfS~tRIkixwj9OeofvVJ6d6KmxWkiPbcswQvDjsPLDLo-BRhZ6RHrwARW3obgjjqQLFG-hxaRPov702j40mZgSGbpV1eH7Lzl4UZCnpAw9nmOwKj8sOxjgWBPt~uL-yR9HYX7RlpE5IsYwFXu-ofpSJBv-T8FFifcIGCrg-armRgPTSdYgq2l7d6ElVN1SsxiORY4jmBJtdVsOqMECGsg1LWww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Canada Unified","date","2025-02-26T17:01:07Z","article","Here are the recorded motions and outcomes from the La Canada Unified School District Governing Board meeting on Feb. 25, 2025. Where the transcript did not record roll-call tallies, outcomes were approved by voice vote and are noted below.

- Closed session report: Board reported a unanimous closed-session action (5-0) to non-reelect named employees; effective last day of paid service listed as 06/06/2025. (Transcript listed employee numbers; names not provided in public report.)

- Resolution 13-24-25: Adopt resolution to decrease the number of certificated employees due to reduction or elimination of services; board approved (motion passed). Notices to affected certificated employees to be issued by March 15, 2025.

- Resolution 14-24-25: Adopt resolution establishing criteria for the order of layoff and reemployment; board approved (motion passed).

- Resolution 15-24-25: Adopt resolution to reduce or eliminate classified positions (6.25 FTE listed); board approved (motion passed). Estimated classified savings ~$362,000.

- Second Interim Financial Report (Item 10d): Board approved certification of the second interim financial report (motion passed). Staff said second interim shows a midyear decrease and multiyear actions to limit structural deficit spending.

- Superintendent contract addendum (Item 10e): Board approved a two-year extension of Superintendent Wendy Sinek's contract to 07/31/2027, with an early-termination option for 07/31/2026 (motion passed). Amendment includes sick leave and retirement benefit language.

- Board policy and administrative regulation updates (Items 11a, 11c): Board approved second readings/adoptions of staff and student technology policy revisions (AI-related language and PII clarifications) and BP 4119.21 (professional standards) and exhibit 4119.21E (motions passed).

- CSBA delegate assembly (Item 10f): Board instructed the superintendent to vote the official ballot for the two candidates (Kathleen Cross and Dr. Gary Scott) running in Subregion 23A.

- Consent agenda: Adopted (motion passed).

Where vote tallies were not recorded on the public transcript, the minutes record that motions \"passed\" after voice votes. For details or formal roll-call tallies, consult the district's posted minutes and official meeting materials.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LCUSD Governing Board Meeting: February 25th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions and formal outcomes from the La Canada Unified Governing Board meeting on Feb. 25, 2025, including personnel resolutions, financial certification, policy adoptions and approval of the superintendent's contract amendment.","taxTitle","La Canada Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",65693,"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},6308100,"Board extends superintendent's contract through 2027, adds paid sick leave and retirement benefit language",266,4465000,4731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc&start=4465&end=4731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc/thumbnail_4465000.jpg","/articles/6308100/California/Board-extends-superintendents-contract-through-2027-adds-paid-sick-leave-and-retirement-benefit-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308100-1ece6e50301e4c29f6e4ac133fbe8e16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770977973&Signature=hVXbSOqGcA0KJ~cgzBBe09j-6bE5AOsv7A8pD6hxhxLGKhZUsqHzq0~Hpc6g8PImwdCWHY7eEcDzOSHxICz3EEQPTCvJcAfSfrm~vCc21hNiKOtjhQhk1GF7QwdgD4nRo89bKQabo-qvt2m7q7jGgzN9UWsH0DtD8oRuOHVFRCGZtF13v3OfMERLIFSwVMOa-sgDIRVMlhpdgcTd7I8bgHWRNSqj3srG3qhwKVjfUmVzNfQv9CrnBxlWZWz5fDG0vleTFjVcj5W35yuWm1G03q3IflXFeMVljJ4UoY1lLxz4ktT3fUmXS~cmZRHUdoF0CLq7R~s3dSWy1jEVZB4ZqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Canada Unified Governing Board on Feb. 25 approved an amendment extending Superintendent Wendy Sinek's contract by two years, from July 31, 2025, to July 31, 2027, with an option for the superintendent to terminate the contract early on July 31, 2026, with 180 days'written notice.

The contract addendum ties the superintendent's annual salary increases in 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the same percentage increases provided to certificated employees but specifies a floor amount as described in the amendment. The amendment also grants the superintendent 36 days of paid sick leave each year and specifies retirement benefits equal to 2% of annual salary while employed by the district. Other terms of the contract remain unchanged, including 48 days of paid vacation, health and welfare benefits aligned with certificated management employees, travel reimbursements for district business and membership dues for professional organizations.

Board members thanked the superintendent for agreeing to remain with the district. \"It's an honor to serve you and the district... I'm blessed by amazing cabinet and leadership colleagues and certificated and classified colleagues throughout the district, wonderful families and amazing students, and a just incredible governing board,\" Sinek said after the vote.

The board approved the amendment by voice vote.

","The La Canada Unified board approved a two-year amendment to Superintendent Wendy Sinek's contract, extending the term, tying future pay increases to certificated salary adjustments and granting 36 days of paid sick leave annually plus a 2% retirement benefit contribution.",{"_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},6308104,"Board updates technology and conduct policies; calls for more guidance on AI in classrooms",2441,3151000,5592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc&start=3151&end=5592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc/thumbnail_3151000.jpg","/articles/6308104/California/Board-updates-technology-and-conduct-policies-calls-for-more-guidance-on-AI-in-classrooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308104-23b4202f361063c7489ec175881e2b76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770977973&Signature=nl0wrZOyi0mnd82ikjPB6cLDwd43mvD6TthD0LJxrYzpK9g6L~2rG3nFYsD9dfvV0h-4o7IgmzMRQr~ZmpXq5YSIdLokeWNh~IPf7EwkulAjIg9XTrKE2gVFec~m2aUMuWaQhATyxwaUA3HdjFuTCoV0uFFn1bl6-bgRSmYKdGoFauzQ897s2cMP8RmhHs2ALdVXspTyjgkIAR8KuWviT6Iovdby4xjeFI9JxVn4LVomj~DHU~bWFOwZ-BsHDq~NbmQnh09UYpGljWGv4wg82eDJFDJLiKNex03KhjhbbpzaP4a8zgDCru0kx1Pjc1VipAnCPaDmy3ehQoFEpPHfTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Canada Unified Governing Board on Feb. 25 approved updates to staff and student technology policies and a revision to the district's professional standards policy for employees, while trustees and staff discussed the district's approach to classroom use of artificial intelligence.

Staff presented minor revisions to Board Policy 4040 and associated administrative regulations to reflect updated language about personally identifiable information and to flag that AI and other new tools require cautious, ethical use. The presenter said the policy intentionally omits prescriptive grading rules to allow the district to develop more nuanced guidance: \"I pulled the grading language from the BP at the CSBA recommendation. So I don't think we're prepared to sanction it. I think we're prepared to have more conversations,\" the presenter said.

Board members and staff discussed possible distinctions between objective, rule-based grading (for example, auto-graded quizzes) and subjective assessments such as student essays; one board member observed that grammar checks are rule-driven while content evaluation is more complex. Staff also described limited district subscriptions to large language models on a pilot basis, and cited an external nonprofit platform (PlayLab.ai) under consideration to give teachers controlled access to paid tools for experimentation.

Separately, the board approved a revision to BP 4119.21 (professional standards) and its accompanying exhibit to clarify expectations for staff conduct, appropriate boundaries with students, use of district-approved communication platforms (ParentSquare, Aeries, Google Classroom, Remind) and mandated reporting procedures. The presenter said the policies were revised in consultation with the La Cañada Teachers Association.

Why it matters: As generative AI enters classrooms, districts are wrestling with academic integrity, student privacy and how to preserve instructionally valuable assessments. The board characterized its stance as \"cautious exploration,\" seeking to balance pedagogical opportunities and risks.

Actions taken: Trustees approved the second reading and adoption of the staff technology policy revisions, the student technology administrative regulation updates, and BP 4119.21 and its exhibit. The board asked staff to highlight policy changes to students, families and staff, continue professional development on responsible use, and convene further conversations about grading and AI guidance.

No member proposed immediate bans on AI tools; instead the board approved the policy language and directed staff to develop classroom-level guidance and monitor research and vendor costs.

","The La Canada Unified board approved revisions to staff and student technology policies and a staff professional standards policy, and trustees discussed the need for local guidance on use of artificial intelligence in instruction and grading.",{"_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},6308109,"Parents urge district to restrict soccer permits after damage to high school baseball and softball fields",250,1954000,2204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc&start=1954&end=2204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc/thumbnail_1954000.jpg","/articles/6308109/California/Parents-urge-district-to-restrict-soccer-permits-after-damage-to-high-school-baseball-and-softball-fields","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308109-89be9b34122cfe31c3cf8eb449ff36f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770977973&Signature=eZqc5ajXaU2hW0Uhc5jabRy~hASZR7sT5iHkVMInajPlPiAQpvzqNMSbqCt3J~pBBNVpRLwG7yhCGVxVGRKjsu6FB~jAhos8vtlNxvzNrlTapgugJ5iIhN4JkgUYNeA-EOCDed8BwcGtbfc~Jho5Rt3wnQGoeqS8wmcmrCeqGjZFdDuJjobCQAxONPM9Z7A-mv4kgFnfQPPzqCDu1hxRQznaEPAqiDwfkdqaaJgmyfGUexK~he95tn8iYnxH827QIyICFmZdDlPGD4zST04nRncUgLyWuoo3t50agGqMAgD1jyBUIxPcrIKG8hrazRA52zEI9DEhJSN6A6F1iKh6kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and supporters of the La Cañada High School baseball and softball programs told the La Canada Unified Governing Board on Feb. 25 that permit use of school fields by soccer organizations is harming the school's fields and risking student injuries.

Matthew Regan, who identified himself as treasurer for the LCHS baseball foundation, showed photos comparing La Cañada fields to peer high schools and said the district's fields show wear and tear from soccer. Regan said families were asked to contribute $1,200 per player this year and that \"several kids have been injured\" because of poor field conditions. \"We have about the most inferior baseball field that they're gonna play on this year,\" he said.

A parent, Deborah Belt, expanded on the concerns in a second public comment. Belt said the district is bearing \"an unfair burden\" of AYSO Region 13 field usage and that excluding soccer from baseball and softball fields would \"decrease injury risk, reduce ongoing burden of parents to raise money to repair fields\" and allow better scheduling for the high school teams. She said local youth programs include more than 800 players and noted for-profit clubs sometimes receive fee waivers for field use.

Board President Caroline Anderson briefly clarified a point raised by the commenters: the district does not require families to pay $1,200 to play; donations cited by parents are voluntary. \"If parents are making donations, those are purely voluntary donations and the district cannot require anyone to make payments or donations to play any of the sports,\" she said.

Why it matters: Field condition affects student safety and athletic program operations. Parents said injuries and loss of home-field competitiveness are immediate concerns; they said they will press the city and parks-and-rec leaders about permit practices.

There was no formal board action on permits at the meeting. Speakers said they will attend upcoming city council and parks-and-rec meetings to press for changes and asked the district to \"prioritize our 7 through 12 kids when we do the fields.\" The board did not schedule an agenda item responding to the request at this meeting.

","Residents and baseball program representatives told the La Canada Unified board that soccer play and non-school permits are damaging LCHS baseball and softball fields, causing injuries and forcing families to raise funds for repairs and equipment.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":46,"_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},6308114,"La Canada Unified approves staff reductions, adopts second interim as district trims budget",2056,2384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc&start=2384&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425085-b8b3ca9c135aabfd9435b5eba34543cc/thumbnail_2384000.jpg","/articles/6308114/California/La-Canada-Unified-approves-staff-reductions-adopts-second-interim-as-district-trims-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308114-be45974131141333270b8dff094c5aa0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770977973&Signature=DlKFg5jnAG6gn02wUu1NIws4m6ZySFCUwhFwD3FIVNBydLst0f1Qs3c3fUz8sp7kJrvyhBnWfpYrS7Kg4-LdAeHQ-89AQdYFCBMXLF4tVj7kNSUxKqOFT8tuzjwi33XtoPyUs44Iryih77CqT96jp1PX4LTUDn957b8Py~aCPVw~1lLZtDGPmoGmxP~tSfmM68RBY1STVnkqquBkOsST~YRRmXKUiw2J2udfWr-Mz0HOrxZ9vdohWEmGWzljxpZbqpa2twUcH~pLg7iWs5VhmH9V2B5kObsw~5HwdEy2zRP3OanxuVJ9gbalU98vMBv3DPSkcMtajE3Kc9sZu4JEzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Canada Unified School District's Governing Board on Feb. 25 approved a set of personnel reductions and certified its second interim financial report after administrators said the district must cut spending to meet county fiscal requirements.

The board adopted resolutions to notify affected certificated staff totaling 1.8 full-time equivalents (FTE) and classified staff reductions totaling 6.25 FTE. Administrators said the certificated reductions are projected to save about $282,000 and the classified reductions about $362,000; additional savings of roughly $720,000 are expected from attrition and other efficiencies, the district said. Trustees also approved a resolution establishing the order of reemployment if positions are restored.

The actions follow a district Sunday brunch-and-learn and budget presentations in which staff outlined a multiyear gap driven by slower revenue growth, rising special-education and utility costs and projected pension increases. Superintendent Wendy Sinek presented the second interim showing a larger deficit at midyear and a multiyear plan intended to stop structural deficit spending. \"We are looking at staffing reductions and eliminations that have become necessary,\" said the staff presenter explaining the resolution details. Dr. Craddock (Staff member) summarized required notification deadlines under state law and the parts of the Education Code that authorize reductions.

Why it matters: The district must certify finances to the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Administrators said the steps are intended to stabilize reserves and bring the budget to a \"positive\" certification level for the next two fiscal years. Those measures will also affect class size and program delivery at the elementary level, staff said.

Board and public discussion included questions about how the numbers were calculated. District resident David Haxton asked for clarity on how listed reductions map to the larger savings figures, saying, \"I don't understand the math where by saving $282,000 you're going to save $982,000.\" Administrators responded that the listed reductions are the formal notices required by law and that larger savings come from attrition and other planned changes.

The board voted to adopt: (1) Resolution 13-24-25 to decrease certificated employees due to reduction or elimination of services; (2) Resolution 14-24-25 establishing criteria for the order of reemployment; (3) Resolution 15-24-25 to reduce or eliminate classified positions; and (4) certification of the second interim financial report. Members approved each motion by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were read into the record.

District staff said several assumptions will determine whether the cuts are sufficient, including pupil attendance (average daily attendance), the final state cost-of-living adjustment in the May Revise, and potential state or federal funds related to wildfire recovery. The superintendent said the district plans to file a J-13A waiver related to wildfire impacts to attendance, which could affect LCFF funding.

Next steps: Notices required by state law were to be provided by March 15 for those positions listed on the resolutions. The district will return to the board with estimated actuals in June and monitor the May Revise for changes in COLA or other funding.

","The La Canada Unified School District governing board approved resolutions to notify some certificated and classified employees of potential reductions, adopted criteria for reemployment order and certified the district's second interim financial report as administrators said cuts were needed to address a projected deficit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: La Canada Unified board actions, Feb. 25, 2025

Board extends superintendent's contract through 2027, adds paid sick leave and retirement benefit language

Board updates technology and conduct policies; calls for more guidance on AI in classrooms

Parents urge district to restrict soccer permits after damage to high school baseball and softball fields

La Canada Unified approves staff reductions, adopts second interim as district trims budget