Board approves $151,000 for speech and debate coaching and summer camps after students testify

The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District board voted Feb. 27 to approve an agreement with Advantage Communications for up to $151,000 to support coaching, a summer speech-and-debate camp and national-tournament preparation.

The board heard an extended block of public comment from students and parents who described the program's rapid growth and benefits. Jennifer Woo, a junior at Glen A. Wilson High School, told trustees the activity "truly changes lives" and thanked the district for supporting travel to tournaments such as Harvard. Joseph Daniel Ramirez, a student team member, said coaching and preparation "have really uplifted me" and urged the board to approve item 5.05 to sustain competitive opportunities.

Board members discussed the funding source and program details before voting. Trustee Adriana Kones asked a series of questions about whether learning-loss recovery funds and other district resources could cover programming costs and about program evaluation. District staff said the contract will fund:

- a five-day, five-hours-per-day summer camp for fifth graders; - a 10-day, five-hours-per-day summer camp for middle- and high-school students; and - a 10-day boot camp prep for students competing at national tournaments.

Dr. Isaiah and other staff told the board the district can use learning-loss recovery funds through 2028 for eligible activities that tie to academic and social-emotional supports; staff agreed to provide a written board inquiry with a breakdown of funding rules and a school-by-school plan.

Trustees emphasized that teachers also serve as program coaches and that the contract includes professional-development components so site staff can sustain program gains. Trustee Nancy Laera, who supported the motion, described student testimonials as "transformational." The motion carried by roll-call vote with four trustees in favor and one absent.

What the contract covers

The item approved on Feb. 27 authorizes Advantage Communications to provide coaching and summer-camp services April 1'July 31, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $151,000. The board discussed program details including student counts and training for site coaches; staff promised a follow-up board inquiry with the requested specifics.

Why it matters

Board members framed the contract as an investment in student engagement, social-emotional development and postsecondary preparation, noting that competitive speech programming has led to scholarship opportunities for students and increased confidence for participants. Several trustees linked the investment to broader recovery and enrichment efforts funded through one-time pandemic-era learning-loss resources.

Provenance: Topicintro SEG 1240, topfinish SEG 3862.