Fullerton Joint Union High School District January 14 Board Meeting

By Vivien Moreno on February 10, 2025

Bond Measure “L” Study Session

FJUHSD held a study session on the newly passed Bond Measure “L” prior to the January 14 board meeting with Trustee Lauren Klatzker was absent.

Superintendent Dr. Steve McLaughlin concluded the session by listing artificial turf field installations, fence installation at Fullerton Union and Buena Park high schools, and the replacement of Fullerton Union’s stadium field as first projects. These projects effectively cut off community access to all district high school buildings and fields.

The historical FJUHSD board practice of spending bond money only on projects lasting at least 20 years seems to no longer be a priority with this board. There is nothing illegal about spending bond money on projects that last less than 20 years, but the trustee’s old policy meant the projects lasted longer than it took to pay off the debt incurred. Artificial fields last less than a decade before requiring replacement.

Trustee Marilyn Buchi stated that the district needs transparent communication concerning bond projects moving forward.
Trustee Chester Jeng asked about the Measure “L” Oversight Committee. Ruben Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services said that current eligible bond Measure “I” Oversight Committee members will transition to the new Measure “L” committee, allowing the district to fill any remaining open seats.

Oversight committees meet at least once a year to ensure that bond money is spent according to the bond’s legal restrictions.

Public Comments

Troy High School 10th grader, Caleb Yoo, referencing student concerns about responsible environmental choices, asked the trustees to expand climate change education.

You stated over 90% of Troy High School students believe that climate change significantly impacts their lives. He requested that the board make a resolution dedicated to expanding climate change education, sustainable choices, and environmental impacts.

Consent Calendar

The board approved a new contract to repair the Fullerton Union High School Auditorium’s historical Wurlitzer organ without public discussion.

In August 2023, the board approved a $250,000 allocation for restoration with the Ballantyne Company.

The contract expired with little of the work accomplished. The district made a new contract for $215,000 with subcontractor Mark Herman of the Herman Organ Company, listing clauses that mirrored the 2023 contract including similar basic electrical upgrades, console restoration, and the reconnection of the historical instrument.

No trustees publicly discussed the change of vendors, asked if additional complications had been discovered, or when the new contractor would begin work on the instrument.

Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Fund

Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, Dr. Sylvia Kaufman, and Director of Education Services, Joshua Potter, presented the Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools spending plan for FJUHSD’s $2 million allocation for arts education. Prop. 28 sets up ongoing funds with categorical criteria for each district to spend 80% on art personnel and 20% on programs, training, and materials that did not exist before 2023-24.

Annual reports itemizing the spending are required for FJUHSD to keep receiving money. This year, district schools received $200,000 on average for arts personnel.

Trustee Buchi sharply criticized California’s requirements, stating that FJUHSD has always supported art instruction and that she wanted to make sure the district needs the personnel and the classes it adds with this money.

The art teacher on special assignment, Michael Despars, presented the districtwide Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Plan that originated in 2016. Updated and reviewed in 2022-24, the plan exposed these student populations with low access to VAPA programs: students with disabilities, English learners, and Hispanic student populations.

Trustees asked no public questions such as what access looks like for these students or examples of integrating art into existing programs.

Buchi did state that she was reassured that Mr. Despars was in charge of the program. Some art options listed were expanding dual enrollment, career technical education instruction, and development of new art courses. No examples were given of how any of this would serve these student populations.

Additional theater technicians have been hired, which has allowed all theaters to have access to technical instruction concerning theater backstage activities. The District plans to include the new VAPA access instruction in the Single Plan for Student Achievement later this year.

Jeng requested community input to see what Fullerton community members want from the high school district.
If you have a comment on facilities projects, art courses, or historical preservation give the trustees an email at: