Teachers, parents and equity leaders praise CJUSD’s new LGBTQIA+ resolution as LCAP highlights student gains

Colton Joint Unified School District officials on Thursday presented the 2026–27 Local Control and Accountability Plan and heard public praise for the board’s recent LGBTQIA+ resolution, which community members and equity leaders described as an important step for students and staff.

Director Murphy, who led the LCAP presentation, told the board the plan focuses on four goals — equitable services, student achievement, school climate, and family and community engagement — and said the district’s LCAP budget is close to $83,000,000 with about $1,300,000 in equity multiplier funds earmarked for high-need schools. Murphy highlighted increases in graduation rates and a sharp decline in chronic absenteeism after expanded home and student visits by community liaisons.

“The LCAP budget is close to $83,000,000 and then we also have close to $1,300,000 in equity multiplier funds,” Director Murphy said, summarizing the resources the district plans to target for English‑learner supports, AVID, CTE and mental health services.

Public speakers framed the LCAP in human terms. Caitlin Towne, a middle school teacher, thanked the board and equity team for passing the district’s LGBTQIA+ resolution and said the change matters in students’ lives. “This is honestly life changing,” Towne said, adding that passage is a first step and that the district should continue work to create safe environments for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Dr. Niree Clark, speaking for the equity task force, said the resolution is grounded in the district’s equity policy and design plan and that it recognizes June and October observances connected to LGBTQIA+ history and support. “This resolution is more than a statement,” Clark said, describing it as an actionable commitment to safe spaces and feedback mechanisms for students and staff.

In the presentation, Murphy described how equity multiplier schools — those with high student mobility and high rates of socioeconomic disadvantage — receive targeted funding for wellness centers, community liaisons, learning specialists and bilingual instructional assistants. Murphy also said the district is transitioning some one-time funds into ongoing LCAP spending and will present the local indicators report at the June 18 meeting.

Board members praised the presentation’s data and asked for detail on implementation. Director Murphy and district staff explained increases in home visits resulted from a combined strategy of scheduled outreach and school‑site student visits by community liaisons, which they said improved attendance and strengthened family relationships.

The board did not vote on the LCAP at the June 4 meeting; staff said a formal report and proposed changes will be provided for the June 18 board meeting.