Board reports closed-session settlements and student expulsions

President Sanchez read the closed-session actions at the meeting's end. The board reported approving a settlement involving Newby Brothers Construction Company to replace a damaged retaining wall at Diane Feinstein Elementary School. The district reported the new retaining wall cost exceeded $573,000; Lexington Insurance Companies was reported to pay $500,000 toward the cost and Newby Brothers to pay $73,000, and the settlement was approved by unanimous vote.

The board also approved related litigation matters and back wages reported in the readout as $6,585 in total; the transcript reflects the figure as presented in the closed-session report. In another matter, the board approved a settlement with Cal Inc. for accelerated work at West Portal Elementary School with a payment amount read in the transcript as $242,000; the board approved that settlement unanimously.

The board recorded votes on student expulsions. For one closed-session item five students (initials used in the readout: MC, JG, IG, IB and SH) were reported expelled on a vote described as 4 ayes and 3 absent; in a later closed-session readout the board reported expelling three students (PJ, BL and QA) by a vote of 5 ayes and 2 absent. The clerk said staff would review the readout language and correct any items at the next meeting if necessary.

Board members approved the closed-session matters as read; the transcript reflects that the board will follow up if any corrections to the public readout are needed.