Tustin Unified honors nationally board‑certified teachers and retirees; students give monthly school reports

The Tustin Unified School District board opened its meeting by honoring teachers who earned national board certification and recognizing longtime district employees who are retiring.

Board members called forward Cassandra Lopez, Robin Avalos, Chanel Losta and Melanie Formanek to be celebrated for national board certification; Jennifer Douglas was also honored in absentia. The board described national board certification as "the most respected professional certification available in education," and praised the teachers’ commitment to students and lifelong learning.

The board recognized retirees Eric Akins, Irma Sid, Beverly Duncan and Sylvia Mancino and noted Doug Case’s recent retirement after 24 years of service. A board member summarized their combined service as more than 140 years and said the district is grateful for “their commitment to Tustin Unified School District, our students, families, and staff.”

Student board representatives from Beckman, Foothill, Hillview, Legacy Magnet Academy and Tustin High delivered monthly reports highlighting school events, athletics, performing arts and community service. Beckman reported its girls soccer team opened league play with a 3–0 victory over Dana Hills and its drumline placed second at the Arcadia invitational. Foothill described a Stress Less Fest supporting student mental health and engineering seniors working with industry mentors. Hillview described a financial literacy assembly and a courthouse field trip. Legacy and other schools reported service drives and student entrepreneurship activities.

These items were presented for recognition and information only; no formal board action was taken on the recognitions or the student reports.