Parents ask board to let toddlers finish 'Mommy and Me' quarter; commenter denounces pledge and public figures

At the public-comment portion of Tuesday—s El Rancho Unified board meeting, Elaine Ledwin asked trustees to allow children who began the district's "Mommy and Me" class during the school year to complete the final 10-week quarter even if they have since turned 3, saying families had experienced inconsistent age-cutoff application and lacked clear guidance.

"Removing these children at this point is disruptive to their learning and social development," Ledwin said, asking the board to allow affected students to finish the program and to provide clear policy guidance to families.

Trustees acknowledged the concern and said staff would follow up with families and review the policy application. The board did not vote on the request and asked staff to report back.

Separately, Juan Hernandez, a longtime Pico Rivera resident, described a family-driven community initiative to coordinate workshops and services among city leaders, law enforcement, schools and local organizations to promote college-going behaviors and community supports; he asked for a future meeting to present details.

A different public commenter, Fernando Islas, used his allotted time to criticize the pledge of allegiance and suggest the board consider a land acknowledgment instead. Islas also made a series of political statements and allegations about sports team owners and public officials. His remarks included heated assertions about international violence and political actors; trustees thanked him for his comments but took no formal action.

Board President noted staff would follow up on Ms. Ledwin's request and said the district would provide more information to the affected families.