Board approves audits, personnel reports and stadium-lights resolution; directs staff to clarify dual‑enrollment FERPA handling

The Placer Union High School District Board of Trustees on Monday approved routine financial and personnel items, accepted the district audit and voted to move forward on a Del Oro High School softball stadium‑lighting project — while directing staff to return with a clarified approach to parental communication in dual‑enrollment classes.

The board accepted the 2023–24 financial audit and related Measure D and Measure G bond reports from Crowe LLP; the auditor reported unmodified opinions on the district financial statements, federal and state compliance and the bond performance audits and found no reportable findings in the district-level state compliance portion. "The fact that you have no findings is a big accomplishment for your entire District," the Crowe audit partner told trustees.

Trustees approved a set of routine personnel and business items by unanimous vote, including the certificated and classified personnel reports and district warrants, and they approved a three‑year services agreement for mobile drug testing for employees who transport students (Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc.) and a Chromebook purchase agreement for the 2025–26 school year.

In a separate action, the board unanimously approved a tentative agreement with the Associated Teachers of Placer (ATP) for dual‑enrollment instructional arrangements. During discussion, trustees raised concerns about FERPA and whether dual‑enrollment instructors could or should communicate student-level progress to parents. Trustee Jeffries pressed staff to clarify the process; Sierra College (a dual‑enrollment partner) had previously advised that FERPA rules limit parent access to postsecondary records but permit district staff to receive information shared with the high school. The board approved the ATP agreement and directed staff to return with a recommended process — including an option to use a student-signed FERPA waiver and a tracking sheet so instructors know which parents they may contact.

The board also voted to approve: - Resolution 122425 finding the proposed Del Oro High School softball stadium‑lights installation project exempt under CEQA and authorizing filing of a notice of exemption (roll‑call vote; unanimous). District staff and Del Oro boosters said the estimated project cost would be roughly $400,000–$500,000 if fundraising succeeds. - Acceptance of the 2023–24 audits for the district and Measure D and G bond funds (Crowe LLP). Crowe reported unmodified opinions and no material findings. - Contract approvals including the ATP tentative agreement, Chromebooks purchase, the Maidu Virtual Charter Academy federal addendum, and a multi‑year services contract with Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc.

Items held or sent back: The board tabled certain policy updates (board bylaw BP 9010 on public statements and BB 9012 on electronic communications) for further committee work after trustees raised concerns about language and possible chilling effects on trustees’ speech. The board also asked staff to draft more explicit guidance and a tracking tool on FERPA/dual‑enrollment communications and to return with policy language.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - Readmit expelled student (case 0711CW2324): approved (unanimous). - 2023–24 district, Measure D and Measure G audits (Crowe LLP): accepted (unanimous). - Certificated personnel report (item 8.1): approved (unanimous). - Classified personnel report (item 8.2): approved (unanimous). - Tentative agreement with ATP (dual enrollment): approved; board directed staff to return with FERPA/waiver guidance (unanimous). - Resolution finding Del Oro stadium‑lights CEQA‑exempt and approving notice of exemption (resolution 122425): approved (unanimous, roll call). - Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc. services agreement (random testing program for student transport drivers): approved (unanimous). - Chromebook purchase for 2025–26: approved (unanimous).

Nut graf: Trustees approved a broad set of routine financial and personnel measures and a high‑cost facilities milestone for Del Oro, while also flagging an important procedural issue: how dual‑enrollment instructors, colleges and high schools should share progress information with parents consistent with FERPA. Staff were directed to bring back a clear administrative approach that will likely include a student signature/waiver option and a communication checklist.

Ending: District staff said they will return with concrete policy language and an implementation plan for FERPA/dual‑enrollment communications and with updates on how the district will accommodate forthcoming state course requirements (ethnic studies and financial literacy) without disrupting schedules or credentialing.