[{"_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",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_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",6569701,"mediaKeyId","3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33","parentId",3325492,"title","District highlights transition program gains, WorkAbility and We Can Work placements for students with disabilities","audioSeconds",326,"startMs",6250000,"endMs",6576000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33&start=6250&end=6576","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33/thumbnail_6250000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6569701/California/District-highlights-transition-program-gains-WorkAbility-and-We-Can-Work-placements-for-students-with-disabilities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569701-84883efb86431813d1336db047d8dcb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1777411528&Signature=J5oplPncXUkIK4Ffgwn1aZugza4lKYZZkbZR0iEx0aefCjn~EnE4jXoF3Xxef597dqp2KPNRV8DLu0VHnBeP42JUD38Gcj8d47OG5E8hwNRoKLXdNNFOocshyMJSXPw-hwL8a-7ssgHzmapE5WWybNR~sm1ZuU5AicVku3lChYf82n1JCWn6OVTW9wxxFcmancUHlk9U7X5f13zXIaWNOoSFso60DLLJRV~U7aEXZJLfNYkNTkpByBVnhsMcB~EJpPS02UDxkP2hQ4UH~TMfbEAaGjtvfW9V0~9mk0HxL3hioansWa82KNR-IpccHWIf-pgf6Z6aLGdUqqZErZ93kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mt. Diablo Unified","date","2025-05-15T19:28:16.687Z","article","District staff reported progress on transition-to-work programs for students with disabilities during the May 14 board meeting, highlighting partnerships with local employers and the state-funded We Can Work grant.

District staff said the district’s WorkAbility program historically served about 850 students but is currently supporting about 1,200 students; the program exceeded its placement target by securing paid employment for more than the 40 required students, reporting 72 students in paid positions, many in after-school programs.

Gianna Thompson, who presented on the We Can Work grant, said the program served 35 students over two years (the grant cap is 30 students per year) and that 28 students are currently enrolled under the grant this year. The program places students at two Grocery Outlet stores and funds wages at an on-campus Friends Cafe; students work two days a week, 3.5 hours per day, and can move to more responsible roles including cashier training. Thompson said one student will have an offer for paid employment after graduation.

Staff said the program has improved student resume-building opportunities, budgeting experience and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) enrollment for students who want continued services when they age out of the district program.

The district also reported adoption of a set of alternative-diploma courses for students with disabilities. Staff said 23 graduating students were identified as eligible for the alternative diploma in the most recent year and that 48 of 86 current Bridge (transition program) students are receiving the alternative diploma this year while still planning to continue in district transition services.

Board members praised the partnerships with Grocery Outlet, BJ’s, Walgreens and local businesses, and suggested inviting state legislators to visit to see program outcomes. Trustees asked about expanding employer sites and noted the program’s role in increasing student independence and community integration.

The presentation described the loss of a federal grant earlier but said available materials and program elements continue; staff urged the board to consider visits to worksites and transition program sites to see students in placement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mt. Diablo USD Board Meeting 5/14/2025 Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","Mount Diablo USD staff reported expansion of transition services for students with disabilities, including WorkAbility placements, a Friends Cafe on campus and a We Can Work grant serving up to 30 students per year; the district said many students obtained paid employment and that alternative diploma pathways were adopted.","taxTitle","Mt. Diablo Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",14134,"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},6569706,"Schneider Electric addresses ongoing HVAC and controls complaints, says fixes underway; board urged for references",163,7083000,7246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33&start=7083&end=7246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33/thumbnail_7083000.jpg","/articles/6569706/California/Schneider-Electric-addresses-ongoing-HVAC-and-controls-complaints-says-fixes-underway-board-urged-for-references","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569706-3d31578a4a0698d24765b392863453e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1777411528&Signature=PoPROFAjtqSk~9kupEwq7zUucYXcTar4e5vGmAAmW~yI33qXQW8ABuLerNDSmWSw8k-eG6hxLbT-aapa2VhHRlnW0rTqAEElto~-ooRVFgGloeuHk1okFhwKSEI51aDN0CWwYyTkpSX2l1KrSonXGFhGBbwKeCHceNOj0pmL7vrgn6sBxu6G9Yj-OYD2Zm8a6nXgH46dG6mEbJTXGnWHtc17up0pr30SCdRxcEldU17e61VHPWHQUft0oaIYNESQxnYaBGy8gIU~vLPHrgtn2f-mhtovVPmUZYQJY~ADxC8vKMAM98GknYMBJtp9wRxej2t0wnqF3wolx1jMHrrufQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Schneider Electric representatives told the Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education on May 14 that work on a districtwide lighting, HVAC and controls contract is nearing closure but acknowledged significant occupant comfort complaints after a software rollout last fall and outlined corrective steps.

Schneider senior program manager Elliot Feldman, vice president Jordan Lerner and operations director Brandon Bedford reviewed the project timeline and scope, saying lighting upgrades (scope 1) achieved substantial completion in January 2024 and HVAC/controls upgrades (scope 2) were substantially complete subject to district review. Schneider said the controls portion fell behind schedule but that a “recovery schedule” is now on track for closure this summer.

Bedford apologized for comfort problems at occupied sites after a late-October 2024 weather shift coincided with a new software integration for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. Bedford said the company initially locked thermostats to diagnose and eliminate variables, an action he acknowledged “made the situation worse for the occupants.” Schneider said it found a software bug plus local manufacturer control settings that only became apparent when the software sent commands to the existing manufacturer controls. The vendor said the district’s maintenance staff partnered to reconfigure controls and that thermostats were fully released back to teachers by December.

Schneider also disclosed two notices of investigation from California’s Department of Industrial Relations in August 2024 related to two subcontractors; Schneider said it provided unredacted requested materials and is awaiting DIR actions.

Schneider said it identified and pursued about $10 million in external grant funding on behalf of the district for indoor-air-quality and electric vehicle school-bus infrastructure programs. The company said it was prepared to provide references from other districts that have implemented similar control systems.

Trustees asked detailed technical and project-management questions. Trustee Kount pressed Schneider on why the vendor did not replace legacy controllers rather than integrate with diverse manufacturer controls. Schneider replied that VRF systems require manufacturer-specific local controls to avoid mechanical risk and that the integration challenge arose from the interaction of remote software commands with those local control setups. Trustee Kount said the district wanted contact names at other districts that had successful rollouts; Schneider agreed to provide references.

Schneider said comfort complaints have “significantly reduced” since the March implementation of revised set-point rules (teachers may warm a space to 73°F and cool to 68°F under the district’s updated guidance) and after fixes; the vendor said it is coordinating training, punch walks and closeout activities with district maintenance staff.

The presentation concluded with Schneider emphasizing cost savings realized by securing work earlier in the market cycle and the vendor’s continuing effort to assist the district in identifying grant funding. The board requested follow-up references and the district said it will continue to work with teachers to address any remaining comfort issues.","At the May 14 meeting Schneider Electric updated the board on a multi-year lighting, HVAC and building-controls project, apologized for comfort issues after a late-2024 control rollout, said a recovery schedule is on track and acknowledged two DIR investigations of subcontractors.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569711,"Teachers, union and community speakers press board on pay, class size, benefits and bargaining",0,3835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33&start=3835&end=3835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33/thumbnail_3835000.jpg","/articles/6569711/California/Teachers-union-and-community-speakers-press-board-on-pay-class-size-benefits-and-bargaining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569711-4b3148be58a634c2cdaf352d27ea9d71/orig.mp4?Expires=1777411528&Signature=SEjERhE0-3hsxPy-wvMItGUBYQEGLnkv-UFcYNk3~AuyVj3hj1jhM1VXHi2fGwpL2p6-3-J9UwjwHUm4whF1mQcWNz2dm7TBaoidQgXhS~lPnSVX1F-MaZ2LRggi5GTD6YQkxnm-UkE1CcQzNMPc5dNUA5biezaBZzfxCVFpcU7CP30unnWLfcwnukFxbqCSz7-1fYq62aMaO-co~3FlCZKdds~JQJAz5N8QqUbOqkE4OGAJRVBVLkv1nv7qcxDyY3SEKeJfF~f79s4J9yxiRPDzQ2JrkGNTLxYe46yXUwFpX9nqjdqjide7NzvQJdJcVPlqPcqbLj8f7q~y4P3irQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","More than two dozen speakers addressed the Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education during the public comment period on May 14, urging the board to address pay, medical coverage and class size, and to require district negotiators to bargain in good faith with the district’s certificated bargaining unit.

The Mount Diablo Education Association, which represents more than 1,500 certificated educators, told the board that contract negotiations are at an impasse and that teachers are seeking a contract that provides cost-of-living adjustments that keep pace with inflation, adequate medical coverage and limits to class size. Linda Ortega, president of the Mount Diablo Education Association, told trustees the union appreciated staff and parent support and that bargaining dates were calendared for late June.

Teachers and school staff described classroom conditions they said impede student learning. Third-grade teacher Amanda said she had 31 students and asked the district to “please increase the number of counselors on elementary school campuses” and to “fix the heating and air conditioning.” Another teacher, Cindy Aguilar, said she had been a teacher in the district for 24 years and described classrooms of 31 students; she said smaller classes allow teachers to do “more with smaller classes.”

Several speakers recounted personal experiences with medical costs and coverage. Alex Economie, a district teacher who identified as transgender, said the district’s medical coverage made previously unaffordable gender-related care accessible to him and asked the board to “please recognize the union’s demands in regard to our medical coverage.” Other speakers urged the board to fund competitive pay to attract and retain educators and to honor the weekday and after-hours workload teachers already perform.

Labor leaders and allied unions also addressed the board. Kelly Kick, president of the Contra Costa Labor Council, spoke in solidarity with the teachers and criticized the district’s wage proposal as inadequate.

Union leaders and speakers said bargaining had included many proposals from both sides; some speakers said many union proposals carried no cost. Medea president Linda Ortega said the union had requested the meeting be moved to a larger room to accommodate turnout; she said IT constraints prevented the relocation and that she had sought a timely district response to an earlier request by adult education staff to join the bargaining unit.

Board members and superintendent Clark listened to the comments; trustees did not take action during the public-comment period. Multiple speakers asked for the district to bargain in good faith and to address class size, medical benefits and counselor staffing at elementary campuses.","A large group of teachers, parents and labor leaders addressed the Mount Diablo Unified School District board during public comment urging better pay, full medical coverage, smaller class sizes and good-faith bargaining with the district; union leaders said talks are at an impasse.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569716,"Board adopts Pride Month resolution after heated debate; 4-1 vote",841,4416000,5257000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33&start=4416&end=5257","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33/thumbnail_4416000.jpg","/articles/6569716/California/Board-adopts-Pride-Month-resolution-after-heated-debate-4-1-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569716-471db39135eeecc74b24c3a0b6d8ad60/orig.mp4?Expires=1777411528&Signature=ZjpwPHXjuUU8PCCSSoA2qHKjgx4W8nmhduHRQkm7lUDCAwkszv6S1lXSxClCZw3~9X5qEYmZI0PjpeS4-T~RFejQJbW02I7-XpY3mNxs3OVBfX07r1-7lgc0DshelbKDxibNDQHvtyA25Elrdd1HU0OKBlv36cijsv6M6dcXvTA1KvAcHZXGnrF-u4Wba5kL34pwTV8M8BWxmzmrEvPr~pLp6ULFIUeKIl6Z8cBS-x-7Zs1Fbz-58OOdvm-6vCPV03WaKrQrwmH5xCvTOOiGMuw-ziC4dDcTngiB6ylXeLsFgkGayUnKrU6H5sm5BPUYHb8RzMXQZ1GP8CcZvBCvmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month on a 4-1 vote at its May 14 meeting after lengthy public comment and trustee discussion.

Superintendent Clark presented resolution 24/25-70, which states the district recognizes June as a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ community members, raise awareness and promote healthy, safe school climates. The resolution text cites state education law and district policies, and directs distribution of the resolution to each school.

Trustee comments followed a substantial public comment period that included speakers both urging adoption and urging restraint. Teacher and union leaders urged the board to adopt the measure to show support and foster inclusivity; opponents raised concerns about perceived policy implications and cited outside court rulings.

“Everyone is welcome in our schools,” Trustee Cowen said during debate, noting the resolution cites state education code and board policy and that staff are expected to respect preferred pronouns and provide access to facilities per policy. Trustee Ochoa said the resolution ensures people are “recognized and supported.”

Trustee McDougall opposed the measure, questioning the need for another month-long observance and voicing concerns about particular medical interventions referenced by some speakers; he said he would vote no. Trustee Nzewi and others spoke in support. After discussion Trustee Kown moved adoption; Trustee Ochoa seconded. The motion passed 4-1, with Trustee McDougall in dissent.

The board’s action directs staff to distribute the resolution to every school; the district will determine flag display logistics under existing policy. The discussion highlighted a split among some trustees and diverse views in public comment, but the majority vote carried the resolution into effect.","After public testimony and extended trustee comments, the Mount Diablo Unified School District Board voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and to fly a progress flag during the month.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_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},6569721,"Board adopts several routine items, appoints three administrators; most votes unanimous",11299,384000,11683000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33&start=384&end=11683","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3325492-45507fbafb8059b78a1f179a83d5ff33/thumbnail_384000.jpg","/articles/6569721/California/Board-adopts-several-routine-items-appoints-three-administrators-most-votes-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569721-ec19ab9618abacd8a8646b3b48ff772d/orig.mp4?Expires=1777411528&Signature=UFHk5wQiIuwtOjugz7wRKYJj~h6PbIt7-t0myIt5av5NEx90qqP7Nvn7begYTbGx5mWi7rbRdFikISjTqA0BOoNOf0jtb~RUe1PP2s7Q~M1-a~7kJ9Mi8OkH6jkVQ8hJhKwxf4GjZZ-H36DE5jI1J8o0vv1hPXeSuZXSTr1bOC1XsYSQNTW6WIRQ6iUIXmyQJKNp2LdEztRfUYT~Vm-XYcBKWgTVvkBk245MlYLqTptFGJs3Huofvwl-b~~FjUriZW81F8DVAX~yHjqISBMFcM0ulhRmNGqWJ9V4nL9wjG8LIOkYeNQharWsvERtXspbX1R5s2k9eMQazmrFZxpO9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education approved a series of routine and personnel items at its May 14 meeting, including minutes, agenda revisions, a resolution recognizing Classified School Employees Week, a declaration of need for fully qualified educators and three administrative appointments.

The board accepted the minutes for the April 16 and April 23 regular meetings and approved an amended agenda that pulled item 10.4 and reordered two items. Trustee Deborah Mason moved approval of the minutes; Trustee McDougall seconded the motion. The minutes and agenda changes were adopted without further discussion.

The board adopted resolution 24/25-69 recognizing Classified School Employees Week (May 18–24) and took time to publicly honor district employees nominated as classified employees of the year. Trustee Mason moved adoption; Trustee Kount seconded. The resolution was adopted on a 5-0 vote.

The board adopted resolution 24/25-71, a declaration of need for fully qualified educators that the district uses to hire or rehire teachers under emergency permits, summer school positions and other temporary or provisional assignments. The motion was made by Trustee Nzewi, seconded by Trustee Mason, and adopted 5-0.

The board approved three public-employee appointments presented by human resources:
- Melissa Brennan as director of student services; motion by Trustee Kown, seconded by Trustee McDougall; adopted 5-0.
- Aurelia Buscemi as director of enrollment services; motion by Trustee Nzewi, seconded by Trustee Mason; adopted 5-0.
- Veronica McLennan as principal of Riverview Middle School; motion by Trustee Mason, seconded by Trustee Kount; adopted 5-0.

The consent agenda, covering routine contracts, personnel and other standard items, was approved on a motion by Trustee Mason and a second by Trustee Nzewi; the vote was 5-0.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- Approval of minutes (04/16/2025 & 04/23/2025): mover Trustee Mason; second Trustee McDougall; outcome: adopted 5-0.
- Approval of agenda changes (pull 10.4; reorder 10.2 and 10.1): mover Trustee Mason; second Trustee Kount; outcome: adopted 5-0.
- Resolution 24/25-69, Classified School Employees Week: mover Trustee Mason; second Trustee Kount; outcome: adopted 5-0.
- Resolution 24/25-71, Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators: mover Trustee Nzewi; second Trustee Mason; outcome: adopted 5-0.
- Appointments: Melissa Brennan (Director, Student Services); Aurelia Buscemi (Director, Enrollment Services); Veronica McLennan (Principal, Riverview Middle School): all adopted 5-0.
- Consent agenda: mover Trustee Mason; second Trustee Nzewi; outcome: adopted 5-0.

The board handled these items early in the meeting; none required extended debate. More contested or substantive agenda items — including a debated resolution on Pride Month and public comments related to contract negotiations with the teacher bargaining unit — were addressed separately later in the meeting.","At its May 14 meeting the Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education approved minutes and agenda changes, adopted a classified employees week resolution and a declaration of need for fully qualified educators, and appointed three administrators. Most measures passed unanimously; one resolution drew a 4-1 vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District highlights transition program gains, WorkAbility and We Can Work placements for students with disabilities

Schneider Electric addresses ongoing HVAC and controls complaints, says fixes underway; board urged for references

Teachers, union and community speakers press board on pay, class size, benefits and bargaining

Board adopts Pride Month resolution after heated debate; 4-1 vote

Board adopts several routine items, appoints three administrators; most votes unanimous