[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-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",[32,74,85,97],{"_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":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6606699,"mediaKeyId","2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a","parentId",2959176,"title","Votes at a glance: board approves charter renewal and Elkhorn modernization budget increase, several contracts and purchases","audioSeconds",936,"startMs",11880000,"endMs",12816000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a&start=11880&end=12816","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a/thumbnail_11880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6606699/West-Sacramento/Yolo-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-board-approves-charter-renewal-and-Elkhorn-modernization-budget-increase-several-contracts-and-purchases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606699-a7364a0cc5cdc86fafd6b68e804bd6d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139875&Signature=GyMyWcf3IAfcJ7VnAmsgKwQCoJwiyFR6tzo27tt-2LDb64oxmh654dr7KaZ95TPAyHkLpHphpiL~Gy3Hg0DBYBo24kG0bXrNaaR-LKeOyVaB8zfTwyVSNycImCaRlanrtrNH8FAYk8bHtWMv3gudRHtD2IV7x88cns-snNIBb8AYvA2mzWBxtxjmU4VuWm0ACX4ZS9QX~SFA8oRu6TP3YPRYGCceEbBjj99GvTlaTLKnaX~r1k~5rvZLpco59yKDtyqnrRyQoXeULxKPANsINeR05oLrrW2ChK9Du4~UBkLmL2f5W~UWfYm1oslYpOcPN8mImrTqaYLA2i47DIJLwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-11T08:13:24.97Z","article","The Washington Unified School District Board of Education took several formal actions during its April 10 meeting. Key approved items included the five‑year renewal of a charter school, an increase in the Elkhorn Village modernization budget drawn from bond interest, and procurement contracts for campus infrastructure and devices.

Votes and key details

- Washington Middle College High School charter renewal — approved (motion carried by roll call). The board approved a five‑year renewal after staff and legal counsel reviewed the petition and determined the charter met the district’s requirements for renewal as a middle‑performing charter school. Roll call: Trustee Castro Aye; Vice President Coffey Aye; Trustee Hunt Aye; Trustee Wong Aye; motion recorded as approved.

- Elkhorn Village modernization budget increase — approved. The board approved a $4,000,000 increase to the project budget (from $59,319,000 to $63,319,000) to cover design revisions after high inflation and cost escalation. Funding source: transfer from bond interest earnings (district cited approximately $4.9 million in interest available). Motion made by Trustee Wong, seconded by Vice President Coffey; roll call vote recorded in favor.

- Approval of contract: Network Management Corporation — approved. Contract to replace River City High School clock and speaker system (digital clocks, bells and associated cabling). Low bid: Network Management Corporation $528,000; total not‑to‑exceed with allowances $628,000. Funding source: deferred maintenance fund (Fund 14).

- Technology procurement: student Chromebooks and staff notebooks — approved. The board authorized purchase of approximately 1,400 student Chromebooks (vendor CDW; $623,409.50) and 125 HP Elite staff notebooks as part of the district’s five‑year refresh cycle; funds were included in the district technology budget and refresh plan.

- Approval of instructional calendar 2026–27 — approved. The board approved the instructional calendar that meets state instructional‑minute requirements and shifts a longer spring break window based on prior community input.

Other action items approved included Middle College national consortium conference attendance for two staff, standards‑institute professional learning funding for district teachers, and amendments to expanded learning program vendor contracts to provide summer enrichment. Several routine consent agenda items and contracts were also approved by roll call.

Items not acted or left open

- Resolution to close Washington Unified Virtual Academy (WUVA): No final board vote to close the program was recorded. Trustees discussed options staff presented (including a reduced grade‑span model and independent‑study variants). No motion to adopt the closure resolution was made; the board directed staff to pursue an option that would keep the program open under a revised model (staff presented a preferred “Option 1” that would maintain face‑to‑face minutes for grades 4–8 and avoid a general‑fund contribution). Outcome: no action to close; staff were asked to follow up.

Ending: The board approved the major capital and procurement items listed above and asked staff to return with additional implementation details where needed (Elkhorn schedule, WUVA operational option and SRO next steps).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Board of Education Meeting on April 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 10 meeting the Washington Unified School District board approved the five‑year renewal of Washington Middle College High School, a $4 million increase to the Elkhorn Village modernization budget and several procurement contracts including campus clock upgrades and student device refreshes.","taxTitle","West Sacramento, Yolo County, California","taxId",4568,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6606704,"Survey, town halls show mixed views on SROs; district outlines $377,000 plan and next steps",0,10077000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a&start=10077&end=10077","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a/thumbnail_10077000.jpg","/articles/6606704/West-Sacramento/Yolo-County/California/Survey-town-halls-show-mixed-views-on-SROs-district-outlines-377000-plan-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606704-474ea4d9db7df9b953a02a79ea089442/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139875&Signature=OyBc63~vbMBPU3~tc4uhaoWlOrzixmUSFwqwL~wXSqcuW0~qrsUa3sqvskgCEnG9ncKlfSk-gpgMYiGcW~H3t8kL3ooZBSIB14wO0hPi-uB0ETa1mBgDFA6EbVpH1ITBUpCC58vrQ~2rYbD-vp--LDw6dOnJyUWECtOC5sBzXG0XFrWjzLAOe75jm2LBgwXYYXw9zLIpRP324Z~fpjm-sAIF-FW4b6-HRFHswYuJ30m2e1lOhBWUUosyD33e7NAZF401uNtyxC1m7GVAyRbAylPXw0420K5oJHPFh2OksJ5WjWTRbeKU81uLqA9fEP0XXOEPWx4YVTEgLaKJ9qb4xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington Unified School District presented results of a recent community and staff survey and town‑hall meetings on April 10 regarding a proposed school resource officer (SRO) program and next steps for enhancing campus safety.

District leaders and police partners said $377,000 is budgeted to implement one SRO position in partnership with the West Sacramento Police Department, but town‑hall participants and public commenters raised concerns about training, equity, disproportionate impacts and alternatives such as campus monitors, restroom monitoring and detector technology.

Dr. Jay Burns, director of special programs and student services, summarized survey results from 483 respondents (389 parents/caregivers, 107 staff, 22 others) and described follow‑up town halls that separated classified staff, certificated staff and parents before offering cross‑site virtual sessions. The top roles respondents selected for an SRO were physical security and emergency procedures; other frequently chosen functions included threat assessment, active‑shooter response and relationship building.

Town‑hall feedback showed a split: some participants supported an SRO presence — especially at high school — as a deterrent and resource; others said an armed officer could harm students of color and those with disabilities and argued the district should instead invest in mental‑health services, restorative practices, campus safety monitors and training for staff. The district said a letter of intent has been submitted to the city and that the city council’s budget planning could factor into any cost‑sharing decisions.

Public commenter Dr. Amber Bradley, who attended recent community outreach, said she has asked multiple times for disaggregated survey results by school site and has not received them; she also told trustees that “in the survey, 81% said they wanted improved physical security — that doesn’t require an SRO.” Bradley and others urged improved emergency procedures and training rather than immediate hiring of an officer.

Student comments collected by the district showed mixed sentiment: some students described SROs as trust‑building and deterrents; others said presence could be intimidating and preferred on‑demand rather than constant SRO coverage.

Ending: District leaders said next steps include sharing disaggregated survey results, convening follow‑up meetings with the city to clarify budget timelines, continuing vulnerability assessments and piloting other safety measures (vape sensors, restroom monitoring, campus monitors and parent education). Trustees requested a timeline for decisions and asked staff to return with additional analysis and any student data collection window so feedback can be broadened.","Washington Unified presented survey and town‑hall feedback on a proposed school resource officer program and described an initial $377,000 allocation while receiving community concern about equity, training and alternatives.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6606709,"Teachers press board for higher pay and staffing after multiple resignations; union urges strategic salary plan",767,2941000,3708000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a&start=2941&end=3708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a/thumbnail_2941000.jpg","/articles/6606709/West-Sacramento/Yolo-County/California/Teachers-press-board-for-higher-pay-and-staffing-after-multiple-resignations-union-urges-strategic-salary-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606709-1a212a9f10306cf817c604e3ebfb7533/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139875&Signature=Uf6SywPHTPKdod5hRpUjwcsL3ov4LrRF3mTd5RIj9B54FRSnOQLGjb63GnpB70NGWK~1~zGHRDtaeVa9RKQEvrOa7E6DHDKrDbMrQJ0jgD796h-E03iWGtcnn8JCpvb6GRPcpSiybrLDP9kvDyfwyhRvzfqkk57QzhgTCUuAiVSJiZXj4j0-AhcLIbiuo4dl~bFohvDkVXceatnFRUIpXG1YaNE-gF0ltJ-2VxgSkyjxcwqx5As8JgJ8-48Eq3hjMu5YC~Ng5SasqX~OboENM6pfgrQQdCldY9xAJVSD2Z6zIIXiKscmQGRO~E~4vl0QbNgQx14UcOJ3Yu2onb-YXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teachers, union representatives and multiple district staff urged the Washington Unified School District board on April 10 to prioritize compensation and staffing after several speakers said low pay and rising healthcare costs have pushed educators to accept positions in neighboring districts.

The Washington Schools Teachers Association (WSTA) representatives told the board their members face a competitive market across the river in Sacramento and elsewhere, and they endorsed a bargaining push for a strategic plan to close pay gaps.

\"West Sacramento students can no longer wait for the education they deserve,\" said Douglas Knapp, identified in remarks as WSTA president, in a presentation that framed compensation, caseload caps and stable staffing as the union’s core priorities. Steven Weese, the bargaining chair, presented comparative salary data and argued the district’s salary progression and benefits lag local peers.

Teachers who spoke during public comment described a steady stream of departures and personal financial strain. Haley Tushar, a fourth‑grade teacher at Stonegate Elementary, told the board she could earn $10,000–$17,000 more at neighboring districts and that large class sizes and elevated special‑education needs had increased daily workloads. \"I need to know that the district values me and the work I do,\" she said.

Several speakers said benefit cost increases — especially health insurance — are a major factor. Patrick Tomic, a sixth‑grade teacher who said he submitted his resignation to accept a Sacramento City Unified position, told trustees his family would see hundreds of thousands of dollars in relative lifetime costs if he stayed in WUSD.

Union leaders and staff recommended short‑ and medium‑term measures, including a financial commitment to improve compensation, targeted recruitment incentives for hard‑to‑fill positions (paraprofessionals, SDC and RSP teachers, school psychologists, SLPs) and improved budget transparency on travel and consulting expenditures cited by union speakers.

Ending: Trustees acknowledged the urgency and directed staff and the district budget office to continue dialogue with unions and return with options; no board action was adopted that evening beyond the regular consent and action items on the agenda.","Local union leaders and many teachers told the board that low wages and rising benefits costs are driving resignations and that the district must prioritize compensation to recruit and retain staff.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6606713,"Washington Unified task force urges staffing, caseload caps and recruitment steps for special education services",1491,6476000,7967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a&start=6476&end=7967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959176-7db837cefad11831d32ea1f1bb21515a/thumbnail_6476000.jpg","/articles/6606713/West-Sacramento/Yolo-County/California/Washington-Unified-task-force-urges-staffing-caseload-caps-and-recruitment-steps-for-special-education-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606713-41aef81c628603822fa27f17bdb46184/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139875&Signature=NWFAJYqrdNoLfI9aPX26yPAqKNEpG02wTzWI1XSV9MW8nEK~fDD8qHh06P77ocWUVPzQ1rzdQ-JsFehWL8k57~JHSk4XRban~vJ1dRyyBze-4nKYho7rH4smgSwv1PpL4vunYPEJoWePJOXSyVndDefIh3JPgpTkJeZHOdPfWb~DMkuFAbMk2mpGCuW0SuQG2nL4oItrGN7Si35lAFRuycqycSNlPwitUErCAp2km0QGkukCV3C974SVu4Q0XtHhjYjjSKhA--luLtT7pSxjM2i8mR-XU5sSCTiMuQUsKZOV0NTBDs4iC6SIJtf3aCWQDJy9fegL0gyXEG838EQnKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington Unified School District Board of Education heard on April 10 an update from the Special Education Task Force that described rising special-education enrollments and widespread staffing pressures that district and task-force members said are affecting service delivery.

Task-force leaders and school-based providers urged the board to adopt clearer caseload limits, expand recruitment and retention strategies and boost site-level supports so staff can deliver timely evaluations, IEP minutes and therapy.

The task force, co‑ordinated by Assistant Superintendent Audrey Streak and Special Services Director Carla Salvo, reviewed data showing multi‑year increases in students receiving services and recommended immediate actions to reduce workload and ensure compliance with timelines. Task-force members said caseloads have risen across resource specialist programs, special day classes and speech-language caseloads, and that some classes have reached or exceeded recommended limits.

“We can't attract staff without caseload limits,” said Dinah Malkin, a speech and language pathologist who addressed the board during the task‑force presentation. Malkin told trustees that the Education Code language governing average SLP caseloads (55 cases) is outdated, that many preschool and SLP caseloads exceed the recommendation, and that use of contracted assistance has become an expensive band‑aid rather than a staffing solution. “Build it, and they will come, and they will stay,” she said of district hiring capacity if caseloads were capped and staffing improved.

Task-force members emphasized three concrete pressure points: workload and caseload increases driven by growing special-education enrollments; inadequate quiet or private space at sites to complete assessments and therapy; and a shortage of specialized staff (SLPs, school psychologists, BCBAs, RSP and SDC teachers). Deanna Christman, an RSP teacher at Bridgeway Island, said her site’s RSP staff face large pendings and frequent initial assessments, and warned that caseloads of 28 or more “are tough” and a driver of teacher burnout.

The task force documented recent gains — a district increase in graduation rates and declines in chronic absenteeism and suspensions for students with disabilities — but presenters said those improvements occurred while staff were working under growing strain. The task force proposed a set of near‑term and longer‑term steps, including:
- Setting caseload caps for RSP, SDC and SLP positions (task force presenters cited a CTA recommendation of 20 for RSP and an SLP guidance limit of 55 cases), with an implementation timeline and waiver process where appropriate.
- Expanding recruitment channels (LinkedIn, association sites such as ASHA/CASHA, national job boards), developing “grow‑your‑own” pathways (SLPA‑to‑SLP incentives, clinical supervision stipends) and offering retention/mentor stipends.
- Increasing substitute capacity and creating a district rotation for IEP makeup days so meetings occur within contract time rather than after hours.
- Strengthening MTSS, co‑teaching supports and inclusion pathways so gen‑ed teachers receive training and classrooms are more accessible to students with IEPs.

“We monitor caseloads weekly,” Special Services Director Carla Salvo told the board, but she added that caseloads can grow rapidly through the year and that the district had added staff in recent years while still seeing demand outpace hires. Salvo asked the board for guidance about positions that should be prioritized for hiring and whether it wanted district leaders to return with a staffing plan to right‑size services.

Public testimony backed the task‑force recommendations. Several speech and language pathologists said contracting agencies have higher hourly costs and produce unstable coverage; one SLP described a past caseload of 76 and said burnout nearly drove her from the profession. A Westmore Oaks third‑grade teacher and other RSP staff gave examples of routine overtime and deferred IEP work when caseloads increase.

Ending: Trustees asked staff to return with more specific right‑sizing recommendations and a proposed timeline for recruitment, caseload caps and site‑level inclusion supports. The district said it will continue monitoring caseloads weekly and work with human resources on targeted hiring and internship/partnership strategies.

","District staff and a task force of special education professionals described rising caseloads, space shortages and recruiting challenges and urged the board to pursue caseload caps, more hires and site-level inclusion supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: board approves charter renewal and Elkhorn modernization budget increase, several contracts and purchases

Survey, town halls show mixed views on SROs; district outlines $377,000 plan and next steps

Teachers press board for higher pay and staffing after multiple resignations; union urges strategic salary plan

Washington Unified task force urges staffing, caseload caps and recruitment steps for special education services