FSUSD board approves English-learner reclassification, substitute pay schedule; rejects retreat contract extension

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s governing board on Oct. 16 approved changes to the district’s English-learner reclassification criteria and a revised classified substitutes salary schedule, then rejected a proposed one-year extension of a contract for a retreat facilitator after extended debate.

The board approved the revision to English-learner reclassification criteria by motion and voice vote with no recorded opposition. Trustees also approved the revised classified substitutes salary schedule, again with no recorded opposition. The board approved a resolution to excuse Trustee Alonso Duarte’s absence from the Sept. 18 regular meeting; that resolution passed with six votes in favor and one abstention from Trustee Duarte.

The board considered a staff-recommended extension of a contract with Nicole Anderson and Associates to provide facilitation for board retreats. Trustee Alonso Duarte moved to approve the extension; Trustee Stephanie Eusebio (recorded in the meeting as Mrs. Eusebio) seconded. Multiple trustees said they valued the firm’s prior work but objected to pre‑committing to another year without first clarifying retreat goals, format and alternatives. After more than 30 minutes of discussion the board voted; the motion to extend the contract failed.

Why it matters: Changes to English-learner reclassification criteria affect which students move from designated English-learner services into mainstream instruction and can change the timing and type of interventions they receive. The substitute salary schedule affects classified substitute pay and the district’s personnel costs. The retreat facilitation debate reflects a broader governance question about how the board plans and procures training and whether to prioritize continuity with a prior vendor or open the process to other providers.

Details of formal actions taken

• English-learner reclassification criteria — Motion moved on the floor and approved by voice vote; meeting record shows no opposition. (Action item 11)

• Classified substitutes salary schedule — Motion moved and approved by voice vote; meeting record shows no opposition. (Action item 13)

• Resolution No. 34 25 26 — Resolution to excuse Trustee Alonso Duarte’s Sept. 18, 2025 attendance. Passed 6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention (Trustee Duarte). (Action item 14a)

• Nicole Anderson & Associates contract extension — Motion to extend brought to the board; after extended discussion the motion failed. (Action item 14b)

Other procedural actions

• Consent calendar approved at the start of the meeting by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What the board said (at the meeting)

Trustee Tilley said she did not support pre‑committing to another year of facilitation without a clear retreat purpose and preferred flexibility to solicit other providers. Trustee Wilson and Trustee Flynn echoed concerns about locking in a vendor before the board completed its governance calendar and self-study. Trustees Duarte and Polk said they valued continuity and the work accomplished in prior retreats.

Next steps

Staff will bring final drafts of the safe school plans to the Nov. 20 meeting for potential approval (this was discussed under a separate information item). The board directed staff to develop a process and timeline for planning a retreat, including the option to solicit multiple facilitators; Nicole Anderson and Associates may be included among potential providers but the board declined to extend the contract at this meeting.