[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6083093,"mediaKeyId","2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63","parentId",2935377,"title","Board appoints Cathedral City High principal, approves resolutions and consent items","audioSeconds",586,"startMs",4835000,"endMs",5421000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63&start=4835&end=5421","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63/thumbnail_4835000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083093/California/Board-appoints-Cathedral-City-High-principal-approves-resolutions-and-consent-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083093-f50ba812835d0d4958a78e8fdb6a123f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397785&Signature=F-iiPnMZhGqn7dNQAAw5-t69bi~a~nTFiqFkL-lNHR5KSuuIKaKMxElD9UTxnCXTV5CywyfwTl7tbY3Z7wptpMXoAG-5nW83ff2gngFulivVhmaBxFN4gFp4FxuJ7D6jHxMmFdRJrUoGDXBNYZr1zRuljOVImVDS95zZn6zQXLBulKIuZ5E45n-oQLYK0gkVlbgF3qEE-7Hbqrs8cjXObPtilciIL3IhbFoYa9dNQlQtGMo2x~qXNvdXClBJBD7sD7K90HxcB4RfMRkNiN5bCL7r2wt1MB4XD5JPYQ5V1WyjDyk-9E0JjdZuCmVXpIHZxFD-jptO8KgCn7qwG5Vaxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Palm Springs Unified School District","date","2025-04-09T20:40:19.66Z","article","At its April 8 meeting the Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education approved an employment agreement naming Julia Barsh principal at Cathedral City High School, adopted several ceremonial resolutions and approved routine consent items, course descriptions and personnel transactions.

The key action: The board approved an employment agreement naming Julia Barsh as principal at Cathedral City High School, effective April 9, 2025. The personnel report presented Barsh’s record in the district (roughly 27–28 years at Cathedral City High School in multiple roles) and noted credentials; the board moved, seconded and voted to approve the employment agreement.

Votes at a glance (actions recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Employment agreement — Julia Barsh, principal, Cathedral City High School (salary schedule 2–3, column 8, Step 7; effective 04/09/2025). Outcome: approved (motion moved, seconded and approved during the meeting).

- Resolution No. 2024/2025‑27 — Declaring May 14, 2025, Day of the Teacher and May 11–17, 2025, Week of the Teacher. Outcome: adopted (voice vote recorded as \"Aye\").

- Resolution designating Classified School Employee Week (May 18–24, 2025). Outcome: adopted (voice vote recorded as \"Aye\").

- Resolution declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month. Outcome: adopted (voice vote recorded as \"Aye\").

- Approval of purchase order report (Consent item 14B). Outcome: approved with a split tally recorded in the transcript; meeting record indicates 4 in favor, 1 abstention and at least 1 dissenting vote.

- Compromise and release agreement (A parent–district settlement, Agreement No. 24/25‑06, dated 03/19/2025). Outcome: approved (motion moved, seconded and approved).

- New course approvals for 2024–25 (middle/high school course descriptions including a drone/computer technology class housed initially at DLA for Cathedral City and Palm Springs High School students, hospitality and a medical-detective unit for middle grades). Outcome: approved (motion moved, seconded and approved).

Several other consent and personnel items, certificated and classified transactions, and the annual audit/financial compliance information were presented and approved during the meeting.

What board heard about finances and procurement: A district fiscal report reviewed compliance with the superintendent’s executive limitations for purchasing and financial controls. The presenter said the district’s independent audit (Eide Beiley) showed no findings for the audited year, that fund balances meet state minimums, and that purchasing and bidding practices were in compliance. The board was told that statewide informal/formal bidding thresholds will change (e.g., informal limits shifting to roughly $75,000 under updated state rules), and that no unauthorized long‑term obligations were approved for 2023–24.

Board procedure and next steps: Several items were approved as a block under superintendent consent (items 14A–I except 14B, which was pulled for separate vote). The board set its next regular meeting for April 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","PSUSD Board Meeting 4.8.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Palm Springs Unified Board of Education approved the employment agreement for Julia Barsh as principal at Cathedral City High School and adopted several resolutions (Day of the Teacher, Classified School Employee Week, Child Abuse Prevention Month), plus routine consent and personnel items; one purchase-order vote recorded a split tally.","taxTitle","Palm Springs Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",14368,"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},6083097,"Community leader urges Palm Springs Unified to rename 'gang intervention counselor' position",146,550000,696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63&start=550&end=696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63/thumbnail_550000.jpg","/articles/6083097/California/Community-leader-urges-Palm-Springs-Unified-to-rename-gang-intervention-counselor-position","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083097-c75cef29f2ee2e3d39e044e68f2780c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770398141&Signature=I4dID~1Eh5x60bY5CffMlMDU31~3kQt8yUx5oOIZyD8qjO0DgnzEAsiZzfZO5grCuWkS4ZxfZTLUiH3D1SDSzMXhKVBwtK3KWYTCyt8m3NedD9Cso5hyvd-slvuKQatE2MYjG1Szt111zCVHf72ycefh9Aa~gL9PWpIi62hcRUfNDGgSp~LooJwhMo5g7atDxvhdPv6Xv2SPBWt27RdWzTTew93XKNqp4YGlwXMln6-kveepCOo5BmZ9aLGqlU9hWAha59bw9Xb2bhPzogTSA-O5aHzZzxyZb-aI5-9t6uvGLW16JDkcqam9xxjff18HrGnwmbXgkbj0kvhYYV-vKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rick Saldivar, founder and director of Chance Initiative and a program specialist at College of the Desert, urged the Palm Springs Unified School District board on April 8 to reconsider the title of a recently approved position labeled \"gang intervention counselor.\"

Saldivar said the phrase can carry stigma and deter students from engaging with services the district hopes will reduce gang involvement. \"The title gang intervention counselor counselor feels somewhat dated, perhaps reminiscent of the 1990s,\" he said. \"Some of the youth might be hesitant or reluctant to openly engage with someone labeled gang intervention counselor.\"

He told the board he had spoken with probation officers and students who said the label could be a barrier. To reduce stigma and make the role more approachable, Saldivar suggested alternative titles including \"Promise Youth Advocate,\" \"Empowerment Counselor,\" and \"Success Counselor,\" arguing the alternatives emphasize potential and opportunity rather than affiliation with gangs.

Why it matters: Title and labeling can affect whether the target population seeks help. Saldivar framed his recommendation as a practical change intended to increase participation in a prevention and reentry-focused role.

Board response: Board members thanked Saldivar for the suggestion and said they would consider his feedback during cabinet discussions.

","Rick Saldivar of Chance Initiative told the board that the title 'gang intervention counselor' carries stigma and recommended alternative, more empowering titles to increase student engagement.",{"_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},6083102,"Palm Springs Unified presents data, new tests and targeted supports for English learners",1198,1846000,3044000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63&start=1846&end=3044","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935377-e39181a321c19078fcdbb7ea10094e63/thumbnail_1846000.jpg","/articles/6083102/California/Palm-Springs-Unified-presents-data-new-tests-and-targeted-supports-for-English-learners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083102-df056931296e02412547b58527b0c5fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397146&Signature=cNvJHZXKvWVr~J~s9tjxTvCp-0qtl2yhjfmZFoRxHApFiGrIdRioNKQ4gxuCKYfAXIs1W~laqXNSUnrzeKHAvOiuDuX0HzL1RjMvQiFg26rbHWU4oyF9YY5pSItbReGLalK80aMTRWQqLIh-9nkjixZIDelRfJ6XSQ83slCiE4-ge~4yR3MIZCrXyP9OYMZiQQZ41qq6Pt7~zjYbrFMWXaSPyOspDf8JN8Bwtm~314Liwk8q2DSJBO1~eW0jTVe39AuqXBsZKTBF7utvFgNTsGSStiuhbAQytqg5d4TVWfmT1KEwpqmLuK5eaZBAl3WjjA0C3NJOOXQWbZNUgCOGUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robin Hinchliffe, coordinator of English learner programs for Palm Springs Unified School District, told the board on April 8 that the district serves 5,757 English learners — about 28.2% of the student population — and outlined new assessment and intervention steps aimed at increasing reclassification and proficiency.

Hinchliffe said the district reclassified 439 students this school year and that its English learner population spans roughly 24 languages, led by Spanish. She told the board that 562 students are classified as newcomers (in U.S. schools fewer than three years), about 750 students are at risk of becoming long-term English learners (LTELs), and “a little over 1,500 students” are long-term English learners. Hinchliffe also said 946 students are dually identified as English learners and students receiving special-education services.

The district has begun using interim ELPAC assessments this year to give teachers leading data and to expose students to summative assessment types, Hinchliffe said. “We have reclassified 439 students this year,” she added. Hinchliffe said the interim assessments allow schools to identify whether specific skill areas — for example, reading or writing — are holding students at a Level 2 or 3 so instruction can be adjusted before the summative test.

Why it matters: English learner performance factors into student graduation and academic outcomes across core subjects, and state reclassification rules will determine which students are eligible to exit EL services.

What the district is doing: Hinchliffe described a multi-pronged approach that the district has put in place this year:

- Implementing interim ELPAC (new statewide interim assessments) to get formative data during the year rather than wait for summative scores.

- Refocusing designated English Language Development (ELD) in upper primary grades and piloting the Summit K12 curriculum to give students more exposure to task types used on assessments.

- Offering targeted professional development for teachers, including newcomer-focused training and a virtual-reality ELD course piloted at two sites.

- Running Saturday \"level-up\" camps, winter and spring camps, and family information nights designed to practice test tasks, conduct data chats, and explain rights and services to new families.

- Using bilingual community liaisons (eight) and four counselors on special assignment to push-in supports and work with high school students on a-g requirements and on-time graduation.

District goals and limits: Hinchliffe said the district-wide goal is a 2 percentage-point improvement on the district dashboard metric that moves students nearer to reclassification. She also told the board that a February memo from the state requires that students taking the summative ELPAC earn a Level 4 to reclassify (students taking the alternate ELPAC must earn a Level 3). \"As of February, a memo did come out to the state of California that all students, taking the summative ELPAC must earn a level 4, to in order to reclassify. If they're taking the alternate ELPAC, they must earn a level 3,\" Hinchliffe said; she noted the district has no authority to change that requirement and must ensure appropriate accommodations and services for dually identified students.

Board questions and site distribution: Board members asked about where newcomer services are housed; Hinchliffe said newcomers are dispersed across all district schools, with higher concentrations at the larger high schools (she estimated about 40–50 newcomers at sites such as Cathedral City High School and Desert Hot Springs High School and smaller counts — roughly 6–10 — at some elementary sites). She described plans to expand targeted interventions and to set school-level SMART goals for English learners.

Next steps and events: Hinchliffe invited the board to a reclassification ceremony on April 26 at Palm Springs High School's Richards Center for the Arts to celebrate students who have reclassified this year. She said district staff will continue to monitor interim ELPAC participation and outcomes and will report back to the board on progress and any additional summer costs tied to extended learning opportunities.

","District coordinator Robin Hinchliffe told the board the district serves roughly 5,757 English learners and outlined new interim ELPAC assessments, targeted LTEL interventions, family engagement and state reclassification rules that will affect dually identified students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board appoints Cathedral City High principal, approves resolutions and consent items

Community leader urges Palm Springs Unified to rename 'gang intervention counselor' position

Palm Springs Unified presents data, new tests and targeted supports for English learners