The agenda for this meeting was short, but the actual meeting lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes. There were two presentations which were somewhat lengthy. Other than a couple students and a few school employees, the audience was composed of presenters, three in all, but more on that down below.
Board Member Comments: The most interesting comment was in regards to an upcoming event featuring ROP Students scrimmaging against Fire Fighters in a game of basketball. There will also be some kind of “dance off” competition along with the basketball game.
Superintendent Comments: Keith Tomes conducted a campus walk-thru with the Darik McCullar (the new head of maintenance and transportation). He talked about prioritizing facility improvement projects, but provided few specifics. Mr. Tomes also talked about modernization and architectural projects under consideration, but provided no actual details. Additionally, Mr. Tomes talked about an independent study program which should be initiated in the near future as well as “Success Assemblies,” the first of which is scheduled for February.
Elementary Report: Alan Tsubota provided information about: a) dentists from Loma Linda checked the teeth of elementary students earlier this week and will return in March to fix problems they found; b) Calendar Committee will meet next week to put together the calendar for the 2016-2017 school year; c) staff inservice regarding Smarter Balanced Assessment was provided first work day of January.
Odyssey of the Mind: Fifth grade teacher Cathy Heseman talked a bit about a student club she is sponsoring and some of their activities and an upcoming competition they are preparing for. MORE INFO: http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/
Butch Owens: Addressed the school board on behalf of Sage Oak Charter Schools. Proposed a possible affiliation between TJUSD and his organization which could be financially beneficial to TJUSD.
OnPoint: A company which facilitates the effective use of technology provided a presentation for the board. The presenter tried to convey what it was his company does and how it can help the school district. Basically he asserted that OnPoint “helps schools create innovative learning environments” by coordinating technology with the curriculum and by providing training to instructors.
California Prep Charter: The board voted to move forward with developing an affiliation between TJUSD and California Prep Charter following a lengthy question and answer session with a representative of the organization. Last month he and a colleague made a presentation to the board.
Board President Garrison requested that the Athletic Director make a presentation to the board regarding league information, etc. in an upcoming board meeting.
Board President Garrison also requested a public discussion regarding behavior grades and the conditions under which an instructor may give a student a behavioral mark of U on a report card.
Next regular board meeting: February 11, 2016