Board approves county-funded counselor residency; tables band-for-PE policy for athletics input

The Newark Unified board voted to participate in an Alameda County Office of Education-funded counselor residency that would provide a $31,000 stipend for a resident counselor and a $5,000 mentor stipend to support the program. Staff said the grant is administered by ACOE and carries no cost to the district.

Board members asked detailed operational questions: Member Hill and others clarified that residents are typically enrolled in university counseling programs and are not district employees, that the stipend is paid by ACOE and that mentor payment and contract implications will require clarity with bargaining units. Superintendent Vicar confirmed the stipend would be grant-funded and that existing residents in district programs could be eligible.

Separately, the board considered a proposed update to board policy to allow marching band (and sports) to partially satisfy PE credits for graduation (two years of marching band counting as one year of PE). Multiple board members urged consulting the athletic director and PE staff before changing board policy. Member Block said the athletics department should be included in discussions and advocated tabling the item; the board agreed to table the policy for a later reading so staff can develop the administrative regulation and consult impacted departments.

What happens next: Staff will coordinate with ACOE on the residency application process and will work with bargaining units to clarify compensation and administrative details. The band/PE policy will return after consultation with athletics, PE and curriculum staff and the development of an implementing administrative regulation.