[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",6064048,"mediaKeyId","3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd","parentId",3256923,"title","Board adopts resolutions reducing staff positions as district cites budget constraints and declining enrollment","audioSeconds",321,"startMs",8261000,"endMs",8582000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd&start=8261&end=8582","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd/thumbnail_8261000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6064048/California/Board-adopts-resolutions-reducing-staff-positions-as-district-cites-budget-constraints-and-declining-enrollment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6064048-47b635fa638f6a0cc2b647f88e7400d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991410&Signature=UkZXQiXncsEXX5p~U8pIgPaAoOhhsDW3cOGnX7uJBH~t~O8Lpb3fypd-g4jA24Rh8nqkrBcau9p9UbSclQsPC9DamvU3pPtbGZ0o~MoOBXgG0ld~ABgNM8GvgzcoXwp8iPpdmh6amUGp217pYdy1MHsqDkKaoZepT6-ZgmhcMcRjRAtzXP0uTL2abbAJBTv0ykK59P8OrkuD-1Zh4sy~5b2Ebbwd9AkYFbtJUfpGR5ggpfPj9LZOjzo~7zXOuMU3NKNEXrz6I7PKRB7WKEda3PVRAppb-8DvWWJspTCk5b~sx3~KN3rW1xlNNkGfDOwSPgov0qitoLzV07JZb2ImEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Marcos Unified School District","date","2025-05-09T16:18:05Z","article","San Marcos Unified School District’s board voted Thursday to adopt several personnel resolutions due to projected budget constraints and declining enrollment, including reductions in certificated and classified positions and a final administrative reassignment.

Human-resources staff, represented by Joel, told the board the reductions are aligned with Education Code provisions for ‘‘lack of work or lack of funds’’ and in one instance reflect a credentialing issue for an individual employee. The board previously adopted a resolution in February to reduce 18 full-time equivalent certificated positions; additional attrition through resignations and retirements reduced the number of necessary layoffs, staff said. The district also reviewed opportunities for reassignments where employees hold multiple credentials.

Following staff presentations, the board adopted Resolution No. 52-24-25 (final action to dismiss certificated employees in particular kinds of service), Resolution No. 53-24-25 (final action to dismiss classified employees in particular kinds of service), and Resolution No. 54-24-25 (final action to release an employee from an administrative or supervisory position and reassign). Motions were moved and seconded; board members voted by voice and the motions carried. The district noted most classified staff will not be laid off due to attrition and reassignments and that one management employee retains bumping rights to a previously held classification.

Separately on personnel, the board approved routine certified and classified personnel changes including hires, resignations, leaves, promotions and one notable promotion: Edward Hackbarth was recommended for promotion from program coordinator of school culture and climate to assistant principal at Mission Hills High School. The board congratulated Hackbarth and the motion to approve the personnel agenda carried.

Board members and staff emphasized the difficulty of these decisions and noted the district will continue to work with employee organizations during implementation. The resolutions set required statutory notices and timelines; staff will follow the Education Code procedures for seniority and reemployment rights where applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/8/25 Regular Meeting of the Governing Board","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved multiple resolutions to reduce certificated and classified positions, adopt reassignments for a management employee, and approved personnel changes including promotions; staff cited projected budget shortfalls, attrition, and credential-related issues.","taxTitle","San Marcos Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",14495,"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},6064053,"Special-education staff and parents warn against eliminating small-group SAI classes",194,3456000,3650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd&start=3456&end=3650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd/thumbnail_3456000.jpg","/articles/6064053/California/Special-education-staff-and-parents-warn-against-eliminating-small-group-SAI-classes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6064053-dace90b6b2f87060def9b1e778e4ec19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991410&Signature=SzBBeRU5RAOMI~TxJrDLNNxLpUgsDuinJBh6tqyLMbCbdpVsNZwfZ53HKJQyTpf7ka2HOHWKkKN1mqrPlU9~vvWhC1kbvB3f33Um90C2EaixSor2DdzjTtJ3K~c3XqfS3YfTlLvKlIvoHMLnWY3EW7njZdDpnLTRZbLndoHdrqFINhtt~fbipLo~~J3b6QEol2CKX666802R6YUj-53fnmqY~ZPbJ~t9~07V5BMQdUOmSDO9uTMnjiSaANDPT~gibarzIphNfaXoQJfYFzx96pmHBXSJhqjGIGnKQCVno6X50-82-xVdyOXY3hxXHonhTQUisc9pXh5T0OQn~0ECXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several speakers during public comment Thursday urged the San Marcos Unified board to preserve small-group Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) classes and to involve stakeholders before changing service delivery models for students with IEPs.

January Freeman, an education specialist employed by the district, said the proposed shift toward co-teaching at all sites “directly contradicts the foundational principles of IDEA,” the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and risks denying individualized services required under FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). Freeman said decisions appear to be “predetermined,” described co-teaching ratios that often exceed recommended limits and warned that removing small-group instruction will “exacerbate” instructional gaps rather than close them.

Freeman also said staff were asked to change services without parent meetings in some cases and described operational concerns including inflated co-teaching class sizes, lack of instructional aides, and cases where middle-school co-taught classes masked high-school course needs.

Parent and community speakers reinforced the point that one-on-one and small-group supports are essential. Bria Cassidy, a parent, described how 1-on-1 special-education support has been critical for her child and urged the district to consider the real-world effects before cutting personalized services.

Board members and the superintendent listened and said staff would follow up. Dr. Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and said staff will engage in follow up with parents and school leaders. No formal board action was taken at the meeting; the remarks were part of public comment, and Freeman’s testimony asked the board to halt or re-evaluate proposed service changes prior to implementation.

Freeman explicitly cited federal legal obligations and warned that predetermination of services could raise legal concerns under IDEA and FAPE if families are not consulted. Parents asked for greater transparency, data, and stakeholder engagement before any elimination of existing SAI classes.","An education specialist and parents urged the board to retain small-group Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) settings and raised concerns that removing them in favor of co-teaching-only models would harm students with IEPs and risk legal issues under IDEA.",{"_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},6064057,"Board approves initial steps for Paloma Townhomes CFD and advances Measure JJ bond issuance and refunding plans",943,6998000,7941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd&start=6998&end=7941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd/thumbnail_6998000.jpg","/articles/6064057/California/Board-approves-initial-steps-for-Paloma-Townhomes-CFD-and-advances-Measure-JJ-bond-issuance-and-refunding-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6064057-2ac33ea79cf9e983e9047aca8a5bf72b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991410&Signature=KnUUS-sk87BRto9p~qEVuzSVrWc-lqoc4NB1DfWal1LUjnxqd9Fdc-IEryktMjltPLvXJ6Oxq-bDgM2GGSqFXp9-oG5uI3JrGxNFUttYYAG8VS1U0IFL-Harb8cTlqOvbt3AaTtV9AGTX2dhOsPqsyN4WCAboWqNWJTrnEd3eOo7ipeEfXwxTclVdkFJRJxvIuxVe8nT89IeLF5hnZwWxLXs-i3x6WFvwlZXB4HoudGZQmS93VQCopfJ8L0kfGewgSKM2n-aZxIbkyiIg6jkIkFZSg2vw-kVNZG7UdtpAwNrgSbYeJYL7r8syrELSeNQw32~SJESpvbMnu8u5dUd~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Marcos Unified School District board took several fiscal actions Thursday tied to construction and facilities financing: it approved a form of school facilities funding agreement with Paloma Townhomes LLC to support formation of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 20, adopted initial resolutions to proceed with the CFD, authorized the issuance and sale of Measure JJ 2024 general obligation bonds (Series A) up to $150 million, and approved a resolution allowing up to $135 million in potential 2025 refunding bonds.

Erin Garcia, assistant superintendent of business services, outlined the CFD proposal. The project — 102 townhomes at Grand Avenue and Linda Vista Drive developed by California Pacific Homes — would fund a mitigation payment equal to 32% of the district's level 1 developer fees and is estimated to generate approximately $998,000 for school facilities. The board approved the funding agreement and initial CFD formation steps on voice votes; trustees moved and seconded the motions (movers included Trustee Martin; seconds included Trustee Ahmad and others) and the motions carried.

On the bond measures, district financial advisers presented a plan to issue the first series of Measure JJ bonds (voter authorization $324 million) using conservative assumptions for assessed-value growth and a maximum tax rate of $40 per $100,000 of assessed value. Rachel from Fieldman presented a timeline and noted the district received a AA3 rating from Moody’s. She said the district planned to combine issuance of Measure JJ Series A (project proceeds for modernization, athletics, technology, and safety) with an opportunistic refunding of eligible outstanding Prop K bonds if market conditions generate taxpayer savings. The board adopted the resolutions authorizing both the bond issuance and the refunding process; staff emphasized they will only proceed with refunding if it produces net taxpayer savings.

The board also filled one vacancy on the Measure JJ Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee by appointing Jason Dickey from the original applicant pool. District staff said the oversight committee’s first meeting is scheduled for May 13.

All actions on the CFD and bond resolutions were approved on motions and voice votes; board members voiced “aye,” and no recorded “no” votes were announced. Staff said closing and rate-locking will proceed only after continued market review. The district will return with finalized sale documents and an administrative timeline if market conditions are favorable.","The board approved a school facilities funding agreement and initial actions to form Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 20 for the Paloma Townhomes project, and adopted resolutions authorizing sale of Measure JJ Series A general obligation bonds and potential 2025 refunding bonds; a citizen bond oversight appointment was also made.",{"_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},6064062,"San Marcos Unified reports mixed results from districtwide cell-phone policy; high school enforcement remains uneven",477,4086000,4563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd&start=4086&end=4563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd/thumbnail_4086000.jpg","/articles/6064062/California/San-Marcos-Unified-reports-mixed-results-from-districtwide-cell-phone-policy-high-school-enforcement-remains-uneven","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6064062-fb6cbab896c04e0da3009cfd505a13cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991410&Signature=B5HC6T735Tn3CTvicYaVlBF9sqhAYrAwev15NObyhuKkQpsiOxWA2Z~QJSlgDjoCcoE0OGxt1zB6goVAyKl-Ckm-mUcY7ndhEQ2aVxdNVpifD~SB46MYTyAse5DQI506dT94ooqlAsweWXZdruWDk7oWDbDVCwrbrxrjtpRsSbXx24pqY0MXHtDc5dlZY1pVS6GwqHVUOBJN8TaMxNzBc98ku7SRyyOZJLmXDDeWYO9Jev2SqoqEV0Xx2LPvGKHV7~5-suEojdjpCpA3tSE0ZLrrl~imqapjuaR3lFyL5LZuTwfYJ5RpXgvG81h03et-pcpvQ8J-4hkH6Pu54TVb~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Marcos Unified School District staff told the board Thursday that the district’s new mobile device policy — “away for the day” at elementary/middle schools and “distraction-free” during instructional time at high schools — has generally rolled out smoothly at lower grades but remains uneven at the high school level.

Dr. Tiffany Campbell, deputy superintendent, said elementary administrators rated implementation “very successful” and reported minimal family complaints; a primary unresolved item is “smartwatch” management and the need for clearer guidance. Middle school administrators described student grumbling but broad staff enthusiasm and noted improved lunchtime socialization in some schools.

“At high school, administrators rate implementation as mostly successful and somewhat unsuccessful,” Campbell said, noting “wide variance in classroom enforcement” and that students reported the policy “feels like it isn’t lessening the distraction so much as moving it somewhere else.” Student board representatives who addressed the board echoed that perspective: students said phones can be a symptom of low engagement and that removing phones sometimes shifts distraction to other devices or offline behaviors.

Campbell described staff concerns about inconsistent enforcement and teachers’ reluctance to engage in power struggles with students. She said high school principals generally oppose broad teacher-by-teacher discretion but recognized that some courses — notably visual arts and leadership (ASB) — occasionally require device use. The administration proposed an update to administrative regulations that would allow principals to seek annual, schoolwide approvals for specific courses (e.g., visual arts, leadership) to permit device or earbud use when it “directly enhances the learning environment.”

Other recommended next steps include developing clear language for smartwatches at all levels, eliminating “bring your own device” at middle schools because Chromebooks are provided to every student, and continuing an instructional focus on collaboration and meaningful discourse to reduce dependence on device stimulation.

Campbell and student representatives also highlighted practical concerns: at the high school level, students and staff cited applications and external services that sometimes are blocked by district filters on Chromebooks, and some students described using personal devices to access college or internship communications that the district-managed accounts would not receive.

The report was informational. Board members thanked students for their feedback and asked staff to continue monitoring enforcement consistency, smartwatch guidance, and teaching practices that reduce idle time. No policy change was adopted at the meeting; staff said they will return with draft administrative regulations and clarifications for the 2025–26 school year.","Administrators reported mostly successful implementation at elementary and middle schools but inconsistent enforcement and student pushback at high schools; staff recommended clarifications for smartwatches and an administrative regulation to allow limited device use in certain high-school courses.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6064068,"San Marcos Unified expands dual-language pathway; Twin Oaks and Project GLAD highlighted",1247,2189000,3436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd&start=2189&end=3436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3256923-3f8056b5708903b6c323387f4ecab7cd/thumbnail_2189000.jpg","/articles/6064068/California/San-Marcos-Unified-expands-dual-language-pathway-Twin-Oaks-and-Project-GLAD-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6064068-1cf08200f1e88b08981745176b607ea4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991410&Signature=FeEZFtJYT5nNWPtXHUrUPflHv8gifYv1NNhFHCQmfwb4jf8Z2QZoZqcGbqQkk-HoUyGTTL6tXtHnX08hfdW1r6ICE5j-byPWy1ME239H7Vn6ELdxxSZpoxujdgBuu-CQYblvIlmXvUjViCEGfLU3QSpCEhqfY3jexjt4E~-97ejiDU3Q4Wiobh8AQHU7z~2fcmK1NnZ0C0QnrsWg2u70lXe4mdgrcTV4UKSUUfvJFOp6aRxMMUcf3HUJ-d0rxSopH~-49EInCqN4iRPvFCt03Y3zvglpJztH8NrHTQugmldSf3mYEBIhqCiYff7ZS5MjZsYE~AlwI7n9SsZuK9wNlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Marcos Unified School District presented an update Thursday on its dual-language and biliteracy efforts, saying the program will expand into Woodland Park Middle School and highlighting teacher training through Project GLAD. Sylvia Ventura Jacobson, director of multicultural programs, told the board the district is “empowering future ready students through biliteracy” and described investments in curriculum and staff training.

The Twin Oaks Elementary leadership described how the school implements a 50/50 Spanish-English dual immersion model, where students spend half the school day learning in Spanish and half in English. Angelica Barraganzu, principal of Twin Oaks Elementary School, said teachers use a “bridging” instructional strategy to connect lessons in both languages so students can apply vocabulary and sentence structures across contexts.

“GLAD classrooms are active joyful spaces,” Malia Tata, an English language development teacher and Project GLAD trainer, said, describing repeated exposures and cooperative learning strategies that support emergent bilinguals. Tata and others said the district has four certified Project GLAD trainers and has expanded training from elementary into several secondary schools.

Two Twin Oaks fifth-graders who began in the pilot dual immersion cohort described the program’s impact. Audrey Black said she started the 50/50 program in kindergarten “just a few weeks before my fifth birthday” and that being bilingual will open future opportunities, including earning the California State Seal of Biliteracy. Yvaine Garcia Martinez said learning half the day in Spanish and half in English helped her “grow up in both languages” and that she looks forward to the biliteracy seal on her high school diploma.

Superintendent Dr. Johnson and board members thanked Twin Oaks staff and students; the county office of education recently recognized Twin Oaks for biliteracy leadership, the district said. Board discussion noted teacher interest in Project GLAD certification and the district’s internal training capacity, which officials said reduces the need to contract outside services.

The presentation framed the expansion as continuity for biliteracy pathways — Twin Oaks to Woodland Park Middle and onward — and tied the work to district strategic objectives around staff capacity and college-and-career readiness. No board action was required on the report; staff said the work will continue to be implemented this year and next school year.

Twin Oaks staff and the student speakers asked the board to continue supporting dual-language pathways and professional learning so students can pursue the California State Seal of Biliteracy and other biliteracy credentials. The district also plans further outreach to families and will continue Project GLAD training across sites.","District staff updated the board on expansion of dual-language programs and Project GLAD training at Twin Oaks Elementary and other sites, and two fifth-graders described their bilingual experiences as the program prepares to extend to Woodland Park Middle School.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts resolutions reducing staff positions as district cites budget constraints and declining enrollment

Special-education staff and parents warn against eliminating small-group SAI classes

Board approves initial steps for Paloma Townhomes CFD and advances Measure JJ bond issuance and refunding plans

San Marcos Unified reports mixed results from districtwide cell-phone policy; high school enforcement remains uneven

San Marcos Unified expands dual-language pathway; Twin Oaks and Project GLAD highlighted