Principals praise instructional framework as board renews consultant contract amid union criticism

Coachella Valley Unified principals, instructional coaches and district staff told the school board on June 12 that a district instructional framework and the consultant work supporting it have coincided with preliminary gains in student assessments, and trustees approved a contract renewal for continued consulting services.

At the LCAP public hearing and during public comment, school leaders repeatedly credited the district’s instructional framework — centered on the gradual release model, learning intentions and success criteria — and the coaching and modeling provided by consultant Gary Soto and his team. Anna Santa Maria, principal at Cahuilla Desert Academy, told the board, “Through his leadership coaching and direct support services to principals like myself, Gary reinforces our district's instructional framework, providing us with the tools and strategies we need to drive high quality instruction and improve student outcomes.”

District staff presented preliminary CAST test data showing early increases in proficiency districtwide: presenters cited a 5% increase in math proficiency and a 3% increase in ELA proficiency in initial returns, and principals named school‑level gains such as “John Kelly fifth grade math has increased 21% in their proficiency,” as framing for the request to continue the coaching partnership.

Board action: The board voted to approve a contract renewal with GDS Consulting Inc. for services supporting the instructional framework. The vote passed with one recorded no vote and no abstentions. The motion had a second and carried.

Why this matters: Trustees, administrators and site leaders described coaching, demonstration lessons and daily walkthrough feedback as key drivers behind early gains. Dozens of principals and site leaders spoke in support of continuing the work so coaches and school leaders can fully institutionalize practices across K–12.

Opposition and context: Not every voice supported renewal. Trustee Valerie Garcia said principals are now trained and “can be the trainer of trainers and train staff without us having to renew this,” and she said she was uncomfortable renewing the contract given other budget pressures. Earlier, a representative of the teachers’ association criticized the timing and process of LCAP development and questioned district priorities and spending.

Ending: District leaders said the coaching continues to be paired with work on literacy screeners, corrective reading pilots and expansion efforts; the consultant renewal is intended to maintain momentum as new principals and coaches onboard next year.