[{"_1":2,"_105":-5,"_106":-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",[32,75,85,95],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":73},"mediaId",6283913,"mediaKeyId","2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3","parentId",2585330,"title","Parents and community members tell board of harassment, defamation and procedural problems; district response deferred to closed session","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",9119000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3&start=9119&end=9119","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3/thumbnail_9119000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6283913/California/Parents-and-community-members-tell-board-of-harassment-defamation-and-procedural-problems-district-response-deferred-to-closed-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283913-82a6108dd8891535dd3552ff09f7a7db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095732&Signature=ZFJjbSrWG3n49QUFMX-qS6BbG4qKefyf84nyE3MbHLiZ2a1MbamTa-KtK9TC4lOJTaV2BsXdxq7Kqrdvt~NqUukEsUnKkVtzR6u~jxFp375Iz7D8sHF6UTo~n5jecVSbIwTOnq7I0idan1IDRwWr3v9jFyUeZk7hnDX3IrQyXElkygZsmbYyNjkybwV-nf0ySzGy5tyyD5V6irwIkqVKsn9HQqhx~hNCh~o~tbLDoyChGcQVtmZM6fhM4RhmAoJnHr-Uc-p8mqu2Gvnk-h8Qt8kGHasdtOznXRCkBaAqbEXFFZVTtlxCuKUkkqGKanc8GnVcvFb3X3k2lS5qZlczDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Central Union High","date","2025-03-12T05:20:30Z","article","Multiple public commenters used the March 11 board meeting public-comment period to raise allegations about interpersonal conduct, defamation and procedural problems involving district staff and parents.

Nellie Sullivan, a Southwest High School girls basketball coach, addressed the board to say that false allegations against her were posted online following a February 11 public appearance by two parents. Sullivan said the claims have damaged her reputation, described having documentation to refute the allegations and asked the people advancing the statements to stop. Her husband, Michael Sullivan, also spoke and said he and his wife had submitted memoranda and supporting documentation to district staff but believed some items were not forwarded to higher administrators for action. He said the family had documented incidents and had at times escorted Nellie Sullivan to practice because of confrontations.

Lucero Flores and Irma Paz raised separate concerns about district staff conduct and paperwork handling. Flores said she believes a district staff member (identified in her remarks as Mr. Derma) showed animosity toward her and retaliatory behavior, and she said that she felt unwelcome and had considered moving her child to another school. Flores said she had raised the issue with Superintendent Dr. Farkas and human resources but felt the matter had not been resolved.

Irma Paz, with a translator present, described a missed signature on school paperwork that she said prevented her son from receiving medical support; she said she was told the case was closed because a required signature had not been provided and that she now must repeat the process.

District response and process notes: Board and staff did not take on-the-record disciplinary action during the meeting. Trustees noted the comments and the meeting later returned to closed session for personnel matters; the public portion of the transcript does not record a formal board action in response to the specific allegations raised during public comment. Superintendent and other staff were reported to have met with some callers previously; a commenter said he believed not all memoranda had been forwarded through the administrative chain.

Why it matters: The remarks signal ongoing disputes between community members, parents and staff. The board’s standard practice — listening to public comment and referring personnel matters to staff action or closed session — means those claims may be handled outside the public record; the meeting moved into closed session for personnel/administrative direction.

What the board said: Trustees thanked public commenters for raising concerns, stated they would return to closed session to consider personnel items, and adjourned the meeting after closed-session discussion. The transcript closes noting direction to the superintendent consistent with administrative personnel procedures and reference to Education Code authority for reassignment of administrators.

Ending: No public- record disciplinary findings or remedies were announced in open session; commenters asked the board for investigation and follow-up. The board scheduled further internal review in closed session and adjourned the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Central Union High School District Board Meeting: 3/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","Several public commenters accused other parents and district staff of defamation, retaliation and procedural failures. The board received multiple statements but no formal on-the-record action was taken; the meeting moved to closed session for personnel matters.","taxTitle","Central Union High, School Districts, California","taxId",57227,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6283918,"Students spotlight SAVAPA arts academy and new Girl Up chapter; Mamma Mia performances set for March",2654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3&start=2654&end=2654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3/thumbnail_2654000.jpg","/articles/6283918/California/Students-spotlight-SAVAPA-arts-academy-and-new-Girl-Up-chapter-Mamma-Mia-performances-set-for-March","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283918-20757285f1d1d6a2851a3f21a9a59b21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095732&Signature=iPr5l~jAkQo61WcUPuzPFIQoZiIYA2dqQ7xSQ29msoSp7Zk7WGHMVCxZqkLEgfmYrCrZ4h-fiQSm3gkykPf7jIvSuT-9hQZFH7JfYaYGI4lNbktxGUMqgOYYfXt6ju7FcqleMKAW-H~cs~jSvo50DlFV9bvlQ4UommFnWYzYhf4Sb~izAXm~xXoWvLoO0loOF5MikMhcLw5i7oZaVxonvAKkUbhKnXZJ~1tl5h2JBk2wh8qcDoX3tAIHlSAtAxFw1YGsmpNiNJYTnuz~Fy-72gyxVjYXn-~r7pq7~BQZp4ptkm43QygG7grL2z4bZQoeVGbATWRmQlSXkUDAT2rhvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees heard a showcase of student work from Southwest High School’s SAVAPA (Visual and Performing Arts Academy) and reports from student clubs on March 11.

SAVAPA presenters — ASB leaders, component presidents and instructors — described how dance, theater, music, animation and visual arts programs collaborate across disciplines. Student leaders said SAVAPA offers performance opportunities, industry workshops and community partnerships that the students view as both creative and academic supports. Student speakers invited trustees and community members to attend the academy’s musical production Mamma Mia, with performances referenced for March 28–30 (multiple announcements during the presentation gave March 28–30 and March 30 as performance dates; the presenters encouraged board members to contact school staff for VIP tickets).

Student quotes and highlights
- “This academy is full of creativity and talent,” said Alyssa Bullock, SAVAPA vice president, describing components including dance, theater, animation, art and music and how cross-component collaboration motivates students academically and socially.
- Student artists described contests, partnerships with local businesses and portfolio-building activities; dance and music students noted scheduled trips and workshops.

Student club report — Girl Up
Isabella Aguirre, a Southwest student, reported on a newly formed Girl Up chapter at Southwest High School that launched in September 2024. Aguirre said the club meets about once or twice a month and focuses on leadership development and gender equity. Recent activities included guest speaker events, a voter registration drive, virtual panels with Harvard College Girl Up members, participation in the Soroptimist conference and a “period palooza” event that packaged 10–12 reusable/sustainable menstrual pads per pouch for distribution to a downtown women’s center supporting people affected by Southern California fires.

Why it matters: Trustees praised student achievement across athletics, arts and clubs, and several trustees highlighted how district schools came together for “High School Madness” competitions. Board members invited students and staff to district events, and some trustees said they planned to attend SAVAPA performances.

Logistics and community outreach: SAVAPA presenters asked the board to accept VIP invitations to performances, and student leaders noted the academy’s collaboration with the district’s culinary arts program for gala events. Club leaders said they have collaborated with community groups, registered voters at a mall outreach event and been covered by local press.

Ending: Trustees thanked students and staff for the presentations and encouraged continued community engagement. The board and the district superintendent acknowledged the students’ invitations to the production and other upcoming events.","Students and staff from Southwest High School presented their SAVAPA Visual and Performing Arts Academy work and invited the board to upcoming performances; a student leader also briefed the board on a new Girl Up club and recent community service events.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":42,"_43":88,"_45":88,"_46":89,"_48":90,"_50":91,"_52":92,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":93,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":94,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6283924,"District highlights Career Technical Education programs and IVROP partnership",6011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3&start=6011&end=6011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3/thumbnail_6011000.jpg","/articles/6283924/California/District-highlights-Career-Technical-Education-programs-and-IVROP-partnership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283924-ba11afb46d7ebb429343ad40ca1778e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095732&Signature=ObA5y5vWuG21XjzaPQ3OxF5sRpRtFquffkhzADxL-JnZC1IeFmROeZhcxCghhNSA9gNiu6TFtJR-cPR4PFhfrDrPiBoDpxjcyPPTUIFunHKrPQ8P-WlL03TpKtwI5~cRgLdYG9ofh9V3J4BjadDoHY1pIGrzkPnlZJ5oRTQ7vtsxtxhbFlZJ~7qEZj0txyvEuhgIygyikS5pIxoQjJPfhBRSHsL6guCWRTZM55-2-uPzUepwTayy4EXAROjoqKQzE3nuvA8dhIvWk3fHRROqhrOyR1cXHdooB2RqiH1nLrQDKMIsYs2Neghzt~nZsHD47Bkf5Vuu9E3Ivw-Xre2wUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff used the March 11 board meeting to summarize Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and regional partnerships that provide workplace experiences, early college credit and industry certifications for Central Union High School District students.

CTE coordinator Liz Cardenas presented the district’s program inventory and outcomes. She told trustees the district offers 11 of the state’s 15 industry sectors, 24 of 58 possible pathways, and 33 CTE courses that can help students meet University of California and California State University a–g requirements. The district also runs seven articulation courses for early college credit and one dual enrollment pathway in automotive technology through Imperial Valley College.

Chantal Gerardo, educational service program manager at the Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program (IVROP), described IVROP’s services under a memorandum of agreement with the district. She said IVROP has delivered about 7,000 duplicated services across district programs (4,871 of those under the MOA) and has reached 2,517 individual students with supports ranging from career exploration and leadership training to resume building and interview preparation.

Key numbers presented by staff
- District offers 11 industry sectors, 24 pathways and 33 CTE courses ( district presentation ).
- Seven courses provide early college credit via articulation agreements; one dual enrollment pathway offered (automotive).
- First-semester work-based learning activity count: 1,658 awareness activities (staff indicated training and internship categories are a work-in-progress).
- Industry-recognized certifications awarded to 62 students in first semester.
- IVROP reported 7,000 total services delivered (duplicated count) and 2,517 individual students served across the district through December (duplicated services noted in presentation).

Staff also described advisory committees, industry partner engagement and regional events (agriculture field day, barber/welding competitions and a CTE showcase). Cardenas said the district is tracking work-based learning activity types and aims to expand internships and apprenticeships in future years. IVROP staff noted upcoming events (for example, a Barber Battle and culinary competitions) and said partners toured CTE pathways on campus during a recent industry visit.

Why it matters: District leaders framed CTE as a pathway to both college and career, citing performance metrics used in the state’s school accountability “dashboard.” About 60% of students classified as “prepared” on the college–career measure were identified through CTE pathways, staff said.

Next steps and funding: Staff said they will continue to align curriculum with industry needs through advisory committees, seek additional industry partners and pursue available grants. Presenters identified multiple funding sources for CTE programs, including local, state and federal grants and consortia funding through ICOE (Imperial County Office of Education).

Ending: Trustees thanked presenters and asked follow-up questions about internship expansion, industry partners and how CTE contributes to the district’s college–career readiness measures.","District CTE coordinator and IVROP representatives told trustees about program growth, industry partnerships and early college credit offerings; staff reported counts of pathways, certifications and work-based learning activities.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":42,"_43":98,"_45":98,"_46":99,"_48":100,"_50":101,"_52":102,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":103,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":104,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6283929,"Board approves personnel and budget measures, adopts Autism awareness proclamation",6125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3&start=6125&end=6125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2585330-48afb2652105045604abf137192bdfc3/thumbnail_6125000.jpg","/articles/6283929/California/Board-approves-personnel-and-budget-measures-adopts-Autism-awareness-proclamation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283929-ab386a2d70d15e3e8aa410a3f2e46261/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095733&Signature=NCKnpvU~pgwHyquqn-sMCM3pVqVHMW~27ao85FmA2hNdUsBBxLDRo~iPnIU2atJofiaIoDErDVVr7thsMK3cJaoaJoziv-td7lz3UgLj91sicTvHucTP5cr2kARFYW1TGH7EFPSH3AwuzIuWZOpUkiDGIa2zNg6iaSEODQueiqJOW~XT1R9fEkdBPO5tege7AmEobP8nkfowLuwvx9oHsx3CbxsrIOgtPGvWjFd293hz1EiO5oYAlsiKsaJc7O6lpyndv3d6HESO8hQ7YN2jXtfERD3ACWGJIZhZ22dbP1NECmzGBoqKQNnyMSnHjiCG9tfIaL5yOJmpugWOBL3BOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Central Union High School District Board of Trustees on March 11 approved a package of routine and fiscal items, including a resolution authorizing the reduction of classified positions and the district’s 2024–25 second interim budget with a positive certification.

The board moved through several consent and action items with little extended debate. Superintendent Dr. Farkas and district staff presented the fiscal outlook (see separate story on the second interim report). Trustees voted to adopt a resolution authorizing reductions in classified positions and approved the personnel report for March 2025. The board also nominated a delegate to the California School Boards Association (Sub Region 18B) and adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day and April 2025 as World Autism Month.

Why it matters: The votes come as the district reported lower average daily attendance (ADA) projections that reduce state LCFF revenue and put pressure on reserves. The board’s adoption of the second interim with a positive certification signals that, after current adjustments, the district expects to meet its short-term fiscal obligations while continuing to monitor enrollment and expenditures.

Votes at a glance
- Adoption of Resolution 031125-20 authorizing reduction of positions in classified service — Outcome: approved (roll call). Motion and second recorded; roll-call vote referenced in the meeting. Notes: the resolution and related personnel adjustments were presented by the superintendent and district staff; the transcript records that the board adopted the resolution and that the motion “carries.”

- Approval of March 2025 personnel report — Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Approval of consent agenda (routine business matters including donations and standard contracts) — Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Approval of the district’s 2024–25 second interim report (positive certification) — Outcome: approved by voice vote. District staff presented enrollment/ADA impacts, reserve projections and next steps (see budget story).

- Nomination to California School Boards Association delegate assembly, Sub Region 18B (Tony Sandoval nominated) — Outcome: nomination approved.

- Adoption of Resolution 031125-19 proclaiming April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day and April 2025 as World Autism Month — Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded by board clerk).

What trustees said: Trustees and the superintendent emphasized the mix of challenges and ongoing investments — noting the district’s work on facilities (including the aquatic center project awaiting DSA approvals), grants and community partnerships — while also acknowledging declining ADA and the resulting revenue implications.

What happens next: District staff will continue required follow-up steps tied to the second interim report, pursue DSA approval and bidding for the pool/aquatic project, and implement any personnel changes authorized by the adopted resolution. The board also indicated intent to continue monitoring enrollment and revenue projections at future meetings.

Ending note: Several of the votes were approved with limited discussion on the board floor; where the transcript records roll-call procedures for specific resolutions the meeting record states the items passed but does not include a full itemized public roll-call tally within the transcript excerpt.","At its March 11 meeting the Central Union High School District board approved multiple routine and fiscal items including a resolution authorizing reductions in classified positions, approved the district’s second interim budget with a positive certification, approved personnel changes and declared April as World Autism Month.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and community members tell board of harassment, defamation and procedural problems; district response deferred to closed session

Students spotlight SAVAPA arts academy and new Girl Up chapter; Mamma Mia performances set for March

District highlights Career Technical Education programs and IVROP partnership

Board approves personnel and budget measures, adopts Autism awareness proclamation