CUHSD presents LCAP midyear review; district reports progress on curriculum, staffing and facilities upgrades

Central Union High School District staff presented the LCAP midyear review at the Feb. 11 board meeting, reporting progress, outstanding tasks and budget variances across district goals including curriculum/college-career readiness, instruction, English learners and students with disabilities, school climate and facilities.

Director Trisha Petter walked trustees through the five LCAP goals and an equity multiplier goal, summarizing accomplishments, items in progress, and tasks not yet completed. Among accomplishments Petter cited were hiring an additional school psychologist to support behavioral needs, completion of ventilation work at Desert Oasis and progress in Central's math implementations that showed subgroup increases on the MAP/NWEA assessment data. She also noted the dance room and arts upgrades funded by Prop. 28 and ongoing efforts to hire a speech-language pathologist and an SLPA position (reflected in a recently approved CSEA MOU).

Items listed as in progress included professional development for inclusionary practices, investigations into instructional materials for English Learner support classes, and work-based learning opportunities that are constrained by student-driving and transportation issues. Not-yet-completed items included theater upgrades, central library renovation planning and additional community outreach for career and CTE pathways.

Petter reported facility and safety investments: vape detectors installed in bathrooms across campuses, website migration to improve parent communication through ParentSquare, Wi-Fi upgrades, and completion of the C Building (STEM/dance) with students already using the space; site-work and portable removal were reported as continuing with targeted completion in March. Mental-health specialists funded through a county grant will require district funding once that grant ends; staff noted planning will be needed to sustain services.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about the C Building completion timeline, the dance program staffing plan for next year and portable removal; staff said trailers should be removed by the end of the month and that a dance teacher hire is planned for next year to improve equity across campuses. The superintendent recommended approval of the midyear review; trustees approved the LCAP midyear progress report.

Petter and staff said several actions that stakeholders suggested do not require new funding but instead require shifts in practices, additional outreach and scheduling changes. The board voted to approve the midyear review and directed staff to continue implementation and to return with further stakeholder feedback.