Board approves policy updates, graduation changes and multiple service contracts

The Santa Paula Unified Board of Education approved a series of policy revisions, personnel actions and vendor contracts at its meeting, including CSBA‑recommended policy updates and a revised board policy on graduation requirements.

Policy and graduation requirements

Staff presented CSBA’s June 2025 policy updates and the board approved the packet for first reading; changes highlighted the comprehensive safety plan (now tied to required training) and clarified exhibit language. The board also approved revised graduation requirements that keep the 230‑credit total while adding options and clarifications: computer science inclusion in A‑G alignment, chemistry as a science option, ethnic studies incorporation, a required two‑course sequence in the same world language (including American Sign Language), and one semester of health. Staff noted exemptions for foster youth, McKinney‑Vento students and military families.

Contracts, transportation and partnerships

Trustees gave conceptual approval (not‑to‑exceed figure) for an annual athletics transportation agreement with Smart Shuttle Ventura Transit to meet immediate sports travel needs and asked for full ratification at the August 27 meeting. The board approved a partnership contract with the Santa Paula Art Museum for Aspire after‑school enrichment (one trustee recused from that vote; there was one abstention recorded). The board also approved a series of special‑education service contracts (speech/language, occupational therapy), transportation agreements with Ventura County Office of Education and Fillmore Area Transit, and vendor contracts to cover provider vacancies while the district continues recruitment.

Facilities, staffing and routine business

Business services reported and the board accepted $690 in donations to student activities, approved notices of completion for the Santa Paula High School library modernization and the Barbara Webster kitchen modernization, and approved a small change order related to steam‑table power work. Human resources established a 5.75‑hour bilingual instructional assistant position at Barbara Webster to staff a second TK class that opened after enrollment rose. The consent calendar — a set of routine contracts and operational items — was approved as presented.

Board direction and transparency

Trustees asked staff for more granular budget and policy timelines and asked that staff provide disaggregated data and follow‑up reports for the initiatives the board approved. Several trustees requested clearer reporting to track whether program investments are producing sustainable academic results.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment: Melissa Gera, Director of 7th–12th Curriculum & Instruction — approved (reported unanimous). (SEG 197–213) - CSBA policy updates (June 2025) — approved. (SEG 2203–2259) - Graduation requirements (policy revision) — approved. (SEG 2261–2340) - Smart Shuttle concept approval (athletics transportation, not‑to‑exceed $200,000) — concept approved; full ratification scheduled. (SEG 2406–2440) - Santa Paula Art Museum contract (Aspire enrichment) — approved (one abstention; one trustee recused). (SEG 2455–2579) - Barbara Webster sports program contract — approved. (SEG 2585–3140) - Multiple special education, therapy and transportation contracts — approved. (SEG 3142–3469) - Donations accepted ($690) and notices of completion approved — accepted/approved. (SEG 3550–3612) - Consent calendar — approved. (SEG 3730–3793)

The board and staff said they will provide follow‑up materials and scheduled additional review of budgets and program data in upcoming meetings.