Central Unified tables Pershing High mentoring contract; trustees ask for measurable outcomes

The Central Unified Board of Trustees voted to table a proposed contract with a mentoring provider for Pershing High School until the Jan. 28 meeting, citing concerns about measurable outcomes, vendor qualifications and how the program would be held accountable.

Trustee Carrillo (Trustee, Central Unified Board of Trustees) moved to table the Project Self (Stealth) mentoring contract to the Jan. 28 meeting and requested that staff return with: (1) the expected number of students to be served during the contract period, (2) measurable outcomes the program will pursue (for example reductions in absenteeism or suspensions), and (3) an accountability plan tying invoices to services provided. Trustee Chavez seconded the motion; the board approved the tabling motion 7‑0.

Trustees questioned multiple aspects of the contract during a lengthy discussion. Trustee Kirk asked whether mentors had been identified and whether students to be served were already named; administration said mentors were identified and ready and that site staff know which students would most likely benefit, but a single roster had not been finalized. Jeff Garrett (Administrator, School Leadership, Central Unified School District) said the vendor’s mentors would be assigned to Pershing and could support students and families during the school day and at family events.

Trustees pressed the vendor’s representative, Vanessa Marcarrie, about qualifications. Marcarrie identified her role with the Chaplaincy and said internal staff were master’s‑level counselors (MSW/MFT background) who would supervise mentors; she did not provide a full breakdown of mentor qualifications during the meeting. Trustee Chavez and others called for clearer documentation of mentor training, supervision, and the contractor’s invoicing tied to hours or services delivered. Trustees also asked about sustainability beyond the six‑month contract window and whether funding (site equity multiplier funds) was the appropriate source.

Trustee Sellers and other trustees noted the urgency of covering a gap in mentoring services at Pershing but said that urgency did not remove the need for clear, measurable targets and financial accountability. Administration agreed to return with the requested details at the Jan. 28 meeting so the board could decide whether to approve the contract.

Outcome: Motion to table returned the item to action on Jan. 28, with a requirement that administration supply specific outcome measures, caseload expectations and an accountability plan for invoiced services.