Public commenters pitch digital yearbook product and urge stronger inclusion for students with disabilities

Two members of the public addressed the board during the public-comment period. Emily Ward, who identified herself as a founder of an education- and arts-focused company and a former technology executive, presented a product called "Real Time," a digital video yearbook.

Ward described the product as a private, school-managed video library where students can upload personal video clips into a secured yearbook format. She said the product is covered by Proposition 28 funding for arts in schools, that the company aims to return a portion of profits to schools and that it donates a share of proceeds to support homeless youth. "Picture if every kid ... is able to upload their personal videos, and that goes into a private, secure school video library," Ward said, urging district staff to follow up for a demonstration.

Paola (Paula) Escolleta, a paraprofessional at Jefferson High School, asked the board to increase advocacy and resources for inclusive education for students with moderate disabilities. "I need you guys to hear me now," she said, and described families' modest goals for their children—simple, everyday milestones such as being able to order food independently at a restaurant. She said students with disabilities in her classes were not receiving sufficient instruction in English and that some families and students feel ignored; she said she plans to return to advocate for these students at a future meeting.

Board members accepted the comments as part of the public record; no formal board action was taken on either public comment during the meeting.