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Board approves limited Grand Canyon University field‑placement agreement so district employee can finish student teaching
Summary
Trustees approved a narrowly scoped affiliation agreement with Grand Canyon University on June 24 to allow a current district employee to complete required student teaching; union leaders expressed conditional support while reiterating broader concerns about GCU ties.
Carpinteria Unified trustees on June 24 approved a limited field‑placement affiliation with Grand Canyon University (GCU) to permit a current district employee to finish student teaching under clarified, time‑limited terms.
Mark Mutel, a teacher’s aide and substitute at Aliso School who is finishing credential requirements, told the board he has completed classroom coursework and is seeking authorization to complete his student teaching in the district. "I hope to join the team permanently," Mutel said, asking trustees to approve the agreement so he may complete his practicum under a credentialed teacher.
Several supporters, including Blake Kent and Olivia S. Mutal, described Mutel’s positive role in schools and urged the board to adopt a narrowly limited agreement that would permit only current employees who are nearing completion of GCU's credentialing practicum to be placed in the district for 2025–26. Union leadership reiterated earlier concerns about Grand Canyon University as a for‑profit partner but said they would support moving forward under the supplemental letter that limits implementation to current employees completing remaining practicum requirements.
Board members praised the revised, narrowed scope. A motion to approve the agenda and consent items passed on a roll call after brief discussion; the transcript shows trustees voting in favor. The supplemental letter attached to the GCU agreement states that any future field‑placement requests under the agreement will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and subject to district approval.
The action allows Mutel to complete his student teaching in Carpinteria for the coming year under district‑supervised conditions; trustees said they expect staff to strictly enforce the limits described in the supplemental letter.
