Fullerton School District Board

FSD Board Meetings are held at Fullerton School District Headquarters

Located at 1401 W Valencia Drive or towww.fsd.k12.ca.us

Honors

The board meeting of the Fullerton School District on April 16 celebrated Nutrition Services led by Michael Burns. The district received a gold-level federal “Turnip the Beet” award for its outstanding summer food program providing meals for low-income families.

FSD Nutrition Services offers 100% made-from-scratch meals during summer service and 50% made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch for all students during the school year. The FSD summer program serves breakfast, lunch, and hot dinner meals, including the rotating BBQ truck, at 17 school locations in the district.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Robert Coghlan, congratulated Mr. Burns and his staff, then wished Mr. Burns good luck as he moved to a new school district. Victor Trejo will serve as interim head of Nutrition Services.

Dr. Coghlan stated the goal is to provide 100% from-scratch food all year, but the district needs additional funds in order to expand its food service facilities.

Ladera Vista Junior High School received the California League of Educators “A School to Watch” redesignation this year. Principal William Lynch and Ladera Vista teachers received the award for innovative education programs and a culture focused on closing the achievement gap. Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka congratulated the school, saying this award does not mean that Ladera Vista is perfect but is reflective of a school that confronts challenges and is committed to fixing problems.

Trustee Reports and Public Comments

Trustee Ruthi Hanchett attended Ladera Vista’s recent parent meeting, where Principal Lynch and parents discussed an ongoing problem where a certain group of students planned a performative attack with innocent students being beaten. The assault is enacted and filmed during school hours and then uploaded to social media.

This first meeting identified the problem, dispelled rumors, and started identifying solutions.

Unfortunately, Principal Lynch left before parents Misty Omar and Jesus Mendoza told how their daughter, an honor roll student and dancer, was brutally assaulted by these students she did not know. They beat her enough that her injuries included a concussion.

Although the police are investigating the assault, the ongoing trauma of having the episode uploaded on social media motivated her parents to call out the school and district administration to do more.

For parents to have their children experience acts of violence at school is awful, but the phrase, “I’m sorry, but my hands are tied,” that the parents quoted from school officials makes the entire situation infuriating.

Trustee Hanchett requested the district review the cell phone use policy, school site implementation, and the ramifications and parental responsibility if the policy is disregarded.

Workable cell phone use policies currently operate at Parks Junior High, where a cell phone safe area is designated in view of office personnel. Students send and receive messages from their parents in a safe zone under adult supervision.

Students, parents, and staff need to take responsibility concerning cell phone use, policies, and enforcement so that students can feel safe attending the school again.

Performance Academy Sports Program Grades 6 to 8

Participating in elite-level sports programs makes it hard for students to schedule intensive sports training during a normal school day, so families often choose online schools or private schools to get the free time necessary for elite sports participation.

At the direction of Board President Leonel Talavera and Trustee Aaruni Thakur, Dr. Pletka presented a modified in-person learning day that would release students at 1:15pm giving students time to fulfill their extracurricular responsibilities. This schedule requires students to turn in a monthly physical activity time log. If approved, FSD would be one of the few districts in Orange County to offer in-person learning with an early-release option for elite sports training.

Dr. Pletka invited Jason David, owner of Delta Sports Group to speak to the board about Delta and a possible agreement with Park Junior High School to share space for an “in house” option for students to attend a performance academy.

Separate from school, students interested need to apply and families are obligated to pay monthly tuition ($1000). Delta Sports Group offers individualized weight and sports training, nutrition education, exposure to university athletic departments, and field trips.

The trustees decided to move forward to determine family interest in the program, formalize the new early release schedule, and look at a modified contract with Delta Sports Group. Family income disparity could affect some students’ ability to utilize the elite training program, so the trustees are investigating possible scholarships.

Hunt Library

The Board approved an agreement that FSD made with the newly reopened Hunt Library. FSD will pay the city $50,000 this year and receive afterschool programs, reading events, author events, art and music lessons, two evening family events, and a potential conference.

This plan integrates FSD students with the remodeled Hunt Library, sharing arts programs and special events. Assistant City Manager Daisy Perez made the initial presentation in November, and the trustees unanimously approved the final agreement at this meeting.

The next meeting is May 21