Board hears teaching and learning updates, approves interim director of special services

Administrators reviewed teaching and learning preparations for the 2025–26 school year and introduced Kimberly Dollum as the interim director of special services; the board will consider her appointment as presented in the meeting packet. Dr. Thomas and Miss Rivera updated the board on calendars and professional development: staff report days begin Aug. 18, with students returning Aug. 20; junior high class list availability and scheduled pickup events for families were described. Rivera clarified assessment plans, saying the district will administer one reading and one math i‑Ready assessment per window (fall, winter, spring) for K–8; she contrasted that with prior STAR administration that included multiple reading measures. Rivera also announced a dual language academy August 5–7 and new teacher orientation Aug. 11–13; mentors are being finalized. Dr. Thomas congratulated Rivera and others for a Journal of Learning Professional article about the district’s instructional framework and introduced Kimberly Dollum, who said she will serve part time as interim director, visit buildings weekly and apply a collaborative, teacher‑first leadership style. The board thanked staff and noted preparations for the start of school.