Students engaged in learning at the Coronado Unified School District.
The Coronado Unified School District Board of Trustees met on February 20, 2025, where they celebrated community achievements and endorsed several educational initiatives. Highlights included a presentation on the ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ initiative, approval of new heat guidelines, and a required Personal Finance course for future graduates. The board also announced a 5% salary increase for staff and safety enhancements at schools, while also addressing concerns regarding an Ethnic Studies course in a pilot program. The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees held an extended meeting on February 20, 2025, and it was a busy one! Kicking off the evening, the enthusiastic Silver Strand & Village Elementary Choir, under the direction of Linda Kullmann, enchanted attendees with a heartwarming performance that set a positive tone for the discussions ahead.
One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation by Mindy Shacklett from the San Diego County Office of Education. She shared insights into the CUSD Portrait of a Graduate initiative, which aims to engage the community and set shared goals for educating the school district’s students.
Shane Schmeichel, the Director of Special Programming, took a moment to recognize CUSD staff and programs that are making waves in Career Technical Education (CTE). Meanwhile, Danielle Maske, Executive Director of Safe Harbor Coronado, provided an update on the organization’s mission and their outreach efforts within the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
A smooth sailing segment allowed the Board to unanimously approve the consent calendar, setting the stage for discussions on various important matters.
Sneak peeks into upcoming schedules are always inviting, and a brief update was provided regarding the Calendar Committee. While a complete agreement hasn’t been reached yet, committee members aim to involve more feedback from students and teachers as they work toward consensus.
The Public Hearing on CUSD’s proposals for negotiations with the American Federation of Teachers (ACT) wrapped up without any public comments. On a crucial note, new Heat Day Guidelines were approved, which lower the heat index threshold for declaring a heat day and revise the notification process to the evening before such announcements.
In educational matters, the Board enthusiastically adopted instructional materials for the exciting Freshman Islander Experience (FIE) course, aimed at gearing students up for college and career readiness! There was also news that Personal Finance will now be a required graduation course for the Class of 2031, covering essentials like saving, borrowing, investing, and budgeting.
Adding to the positive workplace environment, a new salary agreement with the California School Employees Association was sanctioned, featuring a cumulative 5% salary increase for the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, Zenaida Rosario and Jane Lea Smith were nominated for the 2025 California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly.
Village Elementary School Principal Peter Kuhns shared some joyful news with an enrollment bump from 790 to 822 students. With this increase, it was also reported that CAASPP scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math are on the rise, alongside a notable boost in the reclassification of English language learners.
Safety never takes a back seat, and updates were shared regarding improvements to school facilities and other security measures. However, a bit of concern arose regarding the Ethnic Studies course. Dr. Megan Battle addressed the delays with implementation due to a lack of state funding, indicating that the course is currently under a pilot program. Community members expressed their thoughts on the curriculum, illustrating a range of perspectives on its content.
The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025, at the District Office Board Room. With an engaging agenda and burgeoning discussions taking place, the Coronado community remains eager as action unfolds for the rest of the school year!
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