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Public commenters pitch digital yearbook project and urge more support for inclusive education
Summary
Two public commenters asked the board to consider a paid digital yearbook product that would raise funds for schools and called on the district to strengthen services for students with disabilities, multilingual learners and paraeducators.
During the public‑comment portion of the Jefferson Union High School District meeting, two speakers addressed the board with separate proposals: Emily Ward described a commercial digital yearbook service called "Real Time," and Pablo Escoleta, a paraprofessional at Jefferson High, urged stronger advocacy and services for students with disabilities and English‑learners.
Emily Ward, who identified herself as a former PayPal executive and co‑founder of a company offering a video‑based digital yearbook, said the product would allow students to store short personal videos in a private library and produce a yearbook‑style video compilation. Ward said the company offers revenue‑sharing with schools and described participation in multiple districts. "Imagine a video you can share with friends and family instead of a single photo," Ward said, and added that the project is "covered by Project Bill 28," per her remarks. She left a printed flyer for district staff and asked to follow up with the superintendent’s office.
Pablo Escoleta, a paraeducator at Jefferson High School, asked the board to prioritize inclusive education for students with disabilities and English learners. Escoleta said some students who are both English‑learners and enrolled in special education are not receiving adequate supports, and he urged board members to "advocate for these students and their families," noting parents’ simple goals such as independence in daily tasks. "We need someone to advocate for these students," he told the board.
School and district staff did not respond directly during public comment, consistent with the board’s stated rule; staff indicated three‑minute limits for speakers. Board members acknowledged receipt of the comments and directed staff to accept the flyer from Ward for follow‑up.
