Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board highlights Valley, Mesa View programs; approves routine purchases, policies and appointments
Summary
Yucaipa‑Calimesa trustees heard presentations from Valley Elementary and Mesa View Middle about improved assessment results, attendance and expanded learning programs, appointed a principal for an expanded‑learning role and approved several routine contracts, technology purchases and resolutions in unanimous votes.
The Yucaipa‑Calimesa Joint Unified School District board on Wednesday heard school presentations showcasing academic and engagement gains, appointed a new principal for expanded learning, and approved a series of routine business items including equipment purchases and policy reviews.
Valley Elementary principal Chris Rekstead told the board the school has seen gains in state assessment measures and attendance, noting improvements in "distance from standard" metrics (Valley reported a change from minus‑51 to minus‑42 in ELA and from minus‑53 to minus‑42 in math for 2025). Rekstead highlighted use of Orton‑Gillingham and Heggerty for early literacy, SAI teacher collaboration, math interventions and a 96–97% attendance trend tied to independent‑study contracts. "We are proud of our staff and students who work so hard to maintain this status," Rekstead said, citing PBIS Platinum recognition and new student leadership activities like student‑led conferences and community events.
Mesa View presenters (introduced as Perez and colleagues) outlined more than 25 before‑ and after‑school opportunities, a focus on writing instruction via a partnership with the UCLA Inland Area Writing Project, CER‑based safety teams and expanded mental‑health supports including counselors and a wellness center. A student speaker, introduced as Scott, said extracurricular clubs and student council helped him feel connected: "I feel so home back home at Mesa View," he said.
In personnel and business actions, the board recorded a motion by Regina Cruz and second by Debbie Miller to appoint Denise Feinberg as principal of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program; the appointment was approved 5‑0 and Feinberg offered brief remarks.
Votes at a glance (selected): the board approved a chief business official search‑firm agreement (date to be corrected in contract documents), second reviews of board policies on campus security and transportation, equipment purchases including a GreenMaster mower for a new softball field, upgraded multimedia technology for the high school, network cabinets and battery backups for Kalanesa Elementary, marching band uniforms paid from the Arts Music Instructional Block Grant, and a curriculum certification resolution for the 2025–26 school year. Most motions passed unanimously (5‑0) as recorded.
Board and superintendent remarks closed the meeting, with a preview that a three‑year technology plan (including district AI initiatives and funding sources) will be presented next month. The board thanked presenters and recognized National School Psychology Week.
Next steps: staff will follow up on action items (search‑firm contract date correction, technology plan delivery) and report progress at future meetings.
