At a March study session, Duarte Unified leaders reviewed the 2025 California Dashboard, noting modest growth for long-term English learners after targeted tutoring, declines in suspension and chronic absenteeism for students with disabilities, persistent math gaps, and plans to align curriculum and LCAP goals; no board votes on policy were taken.
At its regular meeting, the Duarte Unified School District Board ratified a closed-session special-education settlement, approved a tentative agreement with its teachers' association and adopted several consent items, including comprehensive school safety plans and developer-fee reports.
Several parents told the Duarte Unified board that repeated classroom disruptions and an incident they say included a student striking another student and a teacher have not been adequately communicated; they asked for proactive placement and safety solutions.
Maxwell Academy students and teachers presented examples of student agency, a fifth-grade exhibition on vaping and new middle-years enrichment offerings including knitting, cooking and robotics.
The board accepted a notice of completion and the release of retention for the Duarte High School sports complex lease-leaseback contract; administrators said about $291,000 will return to the bond and that contractor repairs for gym leaks are in progress under warranty.
Two public speakers urged the Duarte Unified board to prioritize teacher pay and improved communication with unions; one speaker identified herself as the local teachers’ union president and asked for a prompt settlement.
Superintendent Dr. Medrano, in her first superintendent report to the board, described a listening tour, plans to strengthen communication and professional development, and preliminary exploratory work to evaluate Duarte High School as a potential site for the MIT program, with broader community input planned.
At its Dec. 16 organizational meeting, the Duarte Unified School District Board elected Reyna Diaz as president and Dr. Laura Hasso as vice president/clerk, and approved a slate of liaison and representative appointments by unanimous or voice vote.
The Duarte Unified School District board voted 4-0 to accept the first interim financial report for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with staff recommending a "positive" certification even as the first interim shows a roughly $9 million deficit driven largely by a $7 million settlement and special-education funding shortfalls.
The Duarte Unified board voted 5-0 to approve an employment agreement with Dr. Jessica Medrano effective Nov. 17, 2025, through June 30, 2029, with an annual base salary of $263,000 and specified benefits including CalSTRS participation, paid leave, $250,000 life insurance and up to $12,000/year for consultative services.
