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Burbank Unified board adopts heritage proclamations, approves childcare contract and moves forward on layoffs and operations contracts
Summary
At its May meeting the Burbank Unified School District Board unanimously adopted a series of cultural and awareness proclamations, approved several contracts including a new after‑school provider in a 3–2 vote, and enacted budget‑driven personnel resolutions. The board also heard a detailed Measure ABC bond update including a proposed turf replacement.
The Burbank Unified School District Board of Education on May 2026 adopted a slate of cultural‑heritage and awareness resolutions, approved several operational contracts and authorized personnel actions as it continues implementing its fiscal stabilization plan.
Board action and context: the board unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Pride Month (amended to direct flags be flown in May and June at district sites), Mental Health Awareness Month and May 18 as Speech‑Language Pathologist Day. Board members read the resolutions aloud before voting.
The board approved a number of contracts and operational purchases. It approved a Houghton Mifflin Harcourt English curriculum pilot for English language learners at Burbank High School, continued agreements for school‑based counseling and special‑education counseling with Family Service Agency and approved a cooperative lease and maintenance agreement for the district copier fleet (staff reported the new deal reduces monthly costs substantially). The board also approved purchases of smaller food‑service “rush” vehicles to support efficient deliveries.
Childcare contract and vote: after extensive public comment and board discussion the board voted 3–2 to approve a contract with Right at School to provide ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) after‑school services primarily for grades 2–5 and to help address the district’s wait list. Supporters said the contract provides another option and helps reduce pressure on current programs; opponents questioned whether existing partners (including the Boys & Girls Club) and district staffing models could be expanded instead and raised affordability and capacity concerns. Staff said the program is intended to be a blended model in which ELAP‑eligible families’ fees would be covered by state funds and other families would pay program fees.
Personnel and budget moves: the board approved resolutions implementing certificated and classified reductions as part of the district’s fiscal stabilization work. Staff said most reductions were achieved through attrition, vacancy elimination, reassignment and reduced hours where possible; the board approved the certificated and classified resolutions and a procedural resolution to declare salaries indefinite so negotiated retroactive pay changes can be processed when bargaining concludes.
What’s next: staff will follow up on several public‑comment items (including an individual appeal about graduation eligibility) and return with amended contract language where requested. The board also asked staff to continue work on childcare program audits, bring additional options for expanding capacity and to return with details on curriculum pilots and program evaluations.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 41 (AAPI Heritage Month): passed unanimously (motion moved/seconded; roll call recorded). - Resolution 42 (Jewish American Heritage Month): passed unanimously. - Resolution 43 (Pride Month; flags May & June): adopted as amended, unanimously. - Resolution 44 (Mental Health Awareness Month): adopted unanimously. - Resolution 45 (Speech‑Language Pathologist Day): adopted unanimously. - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt English curriculum pilot (12GS): approved unanimously. - Right at School ELOP contract (12H): approved, 3–2 (after debate about capacity, cost, and alignment with existing providers). - Family Service Agency agreements (school‑based and special‑education counseling): staff asked for clarified reporting language on the school‑based contract and scheduled the special‑education agreement return/approval; the IEP‑related FSA contract was approved. - Copier lease and maintenance (Circle MSP/NASPO cooperative): approved unanimously; staff reported substantial monthly savings. - Food‑service “rush” vehicles: approved unanimously. - Resolution 46 (certificated reductions): adopted (as amended) unanimously. - Resolution 47 (classified reductions): adopted unanimously. - Resolution 48 (declare salaries indefinite / authorize retroactive pay changes): adopted unanimously.
The board adjourned in memory of Bret Hart Elementary teacher Arati (Arthi) Varma and noted counseling and other supports have been provided to the school community. The district plans additional follow‑up items for the May 21 meeting.
