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Board approves new TK–12 STEM director role to expand robotics and robotics pathways
Summary
Trustees approved creation of a STEM director for robotics (TK–12) to coordinate robotics programs across elementary, middle and high school sites; board was told the position will be funded by offsetting two existing approved positions and will centralize curriculum, teacher training and competition growth.
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy District board approved a new director position for STEM and robotics covering transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, aiming to expand robotics teams and curriculum across the district.
District staff told the board the role would centralize coordination for FLL, FTC and FRC programs, improve cross-site collaboration, train teachers, and help the district become a regional hub for robotics. Staff and trustees said elementary schools lack the staffing and cross-site collaboration to scale programs currently run at middle and high school levels.
The staff presentation said the position would have “no net new fiscal impact” because the cost would be covered by not filling two previously approved positions (one management and one confidential/nonmanagement position). Board members cautioned that one person covering three sites would be a large workload and highlighted the need to monitor staffing as the program grows. Staff said existing high school advisers are currently spread thin and that the district expects program growth to be an indicator of the director’s effectiveness.
Following discussion, a trustee moved to approve the new position; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting record does not show a roll-call tally or identified nay votes.
