Western Placer Unified board adopts TRAN resolution, appoints new chief business officer and approves reading screener

The Western Placer Unified School District board on April 15 unanimously adopted Resolution No. 24-25.3 to participate in the district—s 2025 tax revenue anticipation note (TRAN) process, approved Carrie Carlson as the district—s new chief business officer and adopted a state-required reading difficulties risk screener. The board also approved several personnel actions and policy adoptions as part of its consent agenda.

The TRAN resolution, described in the meeting as a short-term line of credit the district uses annually to manage cash flow, was introduced by Audrey, the district—s chief business officer (outgoing). “This item is a resolution. We—ve done a tax revenue anticipation note for a number of years … It is mainly a line of credit,” Audrey said. The board approved the resolution by roll call; the minutes record four affirmative votes (Member Dykstra/Dexter, Member Price, Member Prophet/Profit, Member Freeman).

Why it matters: TRANs allow the district to borrow against expected property-tax receipts to cover temporary gaps in cash flow, then repay when tax revenues are received. Board members asked whether there was downside risk; the presenter answered that the net effect is expected to be minimal cost or a small net gain because of interest on deposited funds.

On academic assessments, a staff member identified as Scott presented a recommendation to adopt a state-required reading difficulties risk screener. Scott told the board the district had considered state-approved options, piloted two screeners and the teachers selected the Amplify inClass screening tool because it was faster to administer and produced clearer reports to monitor student progress. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

The board also approved a contract to appoint Carrie Carlson, currently the district—s director of business services, as the next chief business officer effective after Audrey—s planned retirement on June 30. In presenting the item Superintendent Calvin said Carlson was the best candidate identified through the district—s search and that she had accepted the offer. The appointment received unanimous board approval.

Other formal actions included: - Approval of the consent agenda (items 4.1–4.25), which includes routine personnel hires and other standard business, by roll call with four affirmative votes recorded. - Approval of a memorandum of understanding to split an elementary art technician position funded by Prop 28 from one 6.5-hour position into two 3.25-hour positions so an existing employee can continue working while returning to school; the board approved the agreement by voice vote. Meeting presenters said the funding source for the position is Proposition 28. - Adoption of revised policies and exhibits on second reading; the board adopted these policies by voice vote.

During closed session before the public meeting, the board, by a unanimous vote, rejected a claim for related damages identified in the minutes as claim number 2425O1. No further action on that matter was taken at the public session, and staff indicated no public action was required.

Board members used the reports and future-agenda section to note upcoming events, internal promotions and to request future items including grant-writing training and proposals for the 2025 CSBA conference. Superintendent Calvin and multiple trustees emphasized internal hires and staff development — several recent leadership hires named during the meeting were internal candidates, including Ashley Sandor (Lincoln High School principal) and Jim (director of maintenance and operations).

The board—s next regular meetings were announced as May 6 at the District Office and May 20 at Lincoln Crossing Elementary.

Votes at a glance: All votes listed below were recorded as unanimous in the public meeting unless a specific roll-call tally is shown. - Consent agenda (items 4.1–4.25): approved by roll call. Roll-call responses recorded as Member Price: yes; Member Dykstra: yes; Member Prophet/Profit: yes; Member Freeman: yes. - Resolution No. 24-25.3 (participation in the 2025 TRAN process): adopted by roll call; four affirmative votes recorded (Member Dykstra/Dexter, Member Price, Member Prophet/Profit, Member Freeman). - Approval of reading difficulties risk screener (state-required): approved by voice vote. - Approval of contract for new chief business officer (Carrie Carlson): approved by voice vote. - Memorandum of understanding to split a Prop 28-funded elementary art technician position (one 6.5-hour position to two 3.25-hour positions): approved by voice vote. - Adoption of revised policies and exhibits (second reading): approved by voice vote.

The meeting record shows staff provided additional context for several items (funding source for the art position, internal promotions, and the process used to select a reading screener). The board emphasized continuity in leadership through internal hires and noted opportunities for grant-writing support and presentations at the CSBA conference.