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Martinez Unified renews LAIF participation, accepts donations and hears back-to-school update
Summary
The board approved Resolution 2026-02 to continue participation in the Local Agency Investment Fund, accepted gift donations from community donors on the consent calendar, and heard superintendent Dr. Gigi Patrick’s report on a strong start to the 2025–26 school year and PTA fundraising plans.
Martinez Unified trustees on Aug. 18 adopted Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the district to deposit and withdraw funds in the state Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), a routine step staff said helps the district invest bond and construction funds until they are spent.
"For us, we take monies that we are not yet ready to spend — most of it is in our construction fund — and then we earn interest on it. That interest then goes to help the construction projects that we are doing ongoing," said Andy Cannon, who presented the item to the board. Staff explained the resolution also adds Dr. Gigi Patrick to the list of authorized signatories for those transactions.
The board also approved the consent calendar, which included acceptance of donations from Yasmine Lamas, the Martinez Masons Masonic Lodge, and Martinez Refining Company. The motion to approve the consent calendar was moved and seconded and the board voted in favor.
In a superintendent's report, Dr. Gigi Patrick said the district saw a successful launch to the 2025–26 school year with increased transitional kindergarten enrollment and full capacity in grades 7–9, citing positive site visits and staff professional development focused on evidence-based writing instruction and supports for multilingual learners. "Together, we are building a learning environment where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to succeed," Dr. Patrick said.
Jenny Celestri, president of the Council of PTAs, reported PTA membership totals at 740 across the district and outlined a schedule of elementary fun-run fundraisers and site-level activities; she invited local businesses to sponsor events via martinezcouncil@gmail.com. Trustees thanked the community and district staff and noted Martinez PD's increased patrols for school safety.
The board moved, seconded and voted to adopt Resolution 2026-02; staff said the LAIF participation is a reinstatement of a longstanding investment practice rather than a new program.
