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Stockton Unified approves Youth Cinnamon Project contract after trustee raises RFP concerns; Flores abstains
Summary
The board approved a consultant agreement for the Youth Cinnamon Project (Edward Alma program) for 2025-26, but Trustee Angelanne Flores said a vendor representative—s earlier comments suggested the contract had been promised; district staff said the services were specialized and the required procurement steps were followed. Flores abstained.
The Stockton Unified School District board on July 22 approved a consultant agreement with the Youth Cinnamon Project (described on the record as the Edward Alma program) to begin programming for fifth- and sixth-graders at Harrison and Van Buren (Van Beern/Van Beern spelling in the record).
Trustee Angelanne Flores raised concerns during discussion, saying a vendor representative had spoken at a prior "state of the district" event in language that suggested the organization already had a contract with the district. Flores asked for documentation showing the district had followed the proper RFP or procurement process before finalizing a contract.
"I just want to make sure that we went through that properly," Flores said on the record, asking that paperwork be provided to confirm legal compliance. Flores also moved to pull the item pending review; the board proceeded to discussion and a roll-call vote.
District staff responded that the contract was for specialized services and therefore did not require a formal RFP in this case. Associate superintendent (on the record as Dr. Hun/Dr. Hunton) and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez both said the procurement and RFP process were handled appropriately under the services classification and that the vendor had not been promised a contract.
Board members asked that staff review any recordings or documents requested by Trustee Flores. On the roll-call vote the motion to approve passed with six in favor and Trustee Flores recorded as abstaining.
Why it matters: Trustee concerns about procurement procedures relate to transparency and standard contracting practices for district vendors. The board approved the program but recorded an abstention and a request by a trustee for further documentation.
What—s next: Staff said the Youth Cinnamon Project will start at two elementary sites in 2025-26 using learning-loss funds to target fifth- and sixth-graders; the board asked staff to follow up on Flores—s documentation request and to provide any relevant records.
