Community advocates demand district commit to master plans to close a 40‑point achievement gap

Three community speakers representing Voces Unidas and allied groups urged the board to require the superintendent to develop three long-term master plans aimed at eliminating the district’s reported about‑40‑point achievement gap, transforming Latino parental participation in decision-making and diversifying the workforce and leadership.

Alan Munoz of Voces Unidas said the group has met repeatedly with district leadership and argued the district has not followed through on promised commitments. “We need the board to give guidance and directives to superintendent Cole as it relates to a minimum achievement gap, transforming Latino parental engagement in decision making spaces, and diversifying the workforce to reflect student population of the district,” he said.

Katia Gonzales, a Voces Unidas parent organizer, told the board she and others have seen “decades of neglect and poor results” for Latino students and urged “big bold change” and master plans that think long term. Alex Sanchez, CEO of a local organization, reiterated that community groups are prepared to help the district plan and implement systemic reforms and said the community will not accept continued excuses.

Ending: The public comment period, allotted 45 minutes, included these three speakers and one written comment on file. The board did not take immediate action on the demands but earlier district staff and some board members acknowledged the need for more disaggregated data and for clearer targets and timelines in follow-up presentations.