Students, parents and union urge board to prioritize later high-school start times and job stability

Multiple members of the Apple Valley community used public comment time at the April 2 board meeting to press trustees on student schedules and workforce stability.

Student speaker Kian Peak invoked California Senate Bill 328 and peer-reviewed research, telling trustees that later high-school start times improve attendance, academic performance and adolescent health. "When we talk about later start times, we're not talking about convenience. We're talking about what is healthiest and most effective for students," he said.

Kian's father, Terry Peak, followed and framed his son's advocacy as leadership rather than laziness, saying the board's prior comments had been hurtful and urging trustees to consider safety and equity when scheduling schools.

Earlier in the meeting JC Scott, president of CSEA Apple Valley chapter 828, used public comment to press the board on layoffs and bargaining process. Scott said the district had issued 408 layoff notices to classified employees and urged prompt, transparent information sharing about names and positions affected so meaningful negotiation could continue. "Without transparency, there's no trust," he said.

Board members acknowledged the comments; trustees and the superintendent said scheduling and staffing matters require analysis with district staff and sometimes outside partners. Superintendent Nelson said staff would address questions they could and would flag items that required formal board direction or closed-session handling.

No formal action on start times or layoffs was taken at the meeting; trustees agreed to pursue further fact-finding and to arrange for outside fiscal review to resolve disputed budget claims that some members had cited in the context of staffing decisions.