Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Professional Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Gettysburg leadership trip amid public criticism of out‑of‑state PD spending
Summary
After public objections over $330,000+ in educator‑effectiveness grant spending for two out‑of‑state programs, the Riverside Unified board approved the Gettysburg leadership academy 3–2; critics called the trips expensive and asked for clearer deliverables tied to pupil‑facing outcomes.
Public commenters and several trustees pressed district staff on two large professional‑development programs funded in part through restricted educator‑effectiveness and learning‑recovery grants: the "Footsteps to Freedom" African‑American history immersive program and a Gettysburg leadership academy. Speakers asked why the district was sending non‑pupil‑facing staff and two board members previously, and whether local or lower‑cost alternatives could provide similar learning outcomes.
Assistant Superintendent Miss Power said the programs use an application process, prioritize school‑based staff who interact with students, and are part of a broader professional‑development suite. She noted the district has sent staff on the Footsteps to Freedom program since 2016 and argued the Gettysburg component is a culminating leadership experience tied to mentoring and coaching.
Trustees divided. Opponents called the total outlay—quoted by public speakers at roughly $330,000 for the two items—a poor use of restricted funds that should emphasize direct teacher development and wider staff participation. Supporters said experiential learning and leadership development justify the expense.
The board voted to approve the Gettysburg trip. The motion passed 3–2.
Quotes: "These trips, if someone were to look at them with a jaded eye ... could be viewed as free summer vacations for staff paid for by taxpayers," said public speaker Jason Hunter. Assistant Superintendent Miss Power said the trips include application processes and school‑based participants.
Next steps: Staff will provide application materials on request and will return the other consent subitem (Footsteps to Freedom) as scheduled for further consideration.
