At the February 18 Fullerton School District board meeting trustees agreed on a bold resolution to address the daily fear that district children are feeling with concerns that Immigration Control Agents or other federal officials will come onto school campuses and take people away.

The Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution states that the district protects all students regardless of immigration status, nationality, gender identification, ethnicity, or race or any identifying factors against all persons or entities who wish to do them harm. District personnel will not grant federal personnel access to school campuses, students, or records unless specifically stated in a signed warrant by a federal judge.

Parents called the resolution a necessary statement against the intimidation and bullying of the new federal administration. The Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution helps support an environment where “… people feel a sense of safety and belonging (instead of) exclusion and fear. Silence is complicity, so we must act now to protect our children.” stated Dr. Jody Vallejo, FSD parent and USC Professor.

The Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution will be voted on next board meeting.

Parents of students with disabilities spoke to trustees about possible future cuts to their children’s educational accommodations due to the Trump administration’s threat to dismantle the Department of Education. Federal money and laws ensure equitable education environments for students with disabilities, but most of the money comes from the state general fund. At this time, the district commits to educating all students in the safest and best possible environment and so far, no monies previously promised by the federal government have been revoked.

Mid-Year LCAP Update

The newly required LCAP midyear update was presented by Director of Education, Mr. Sung Chi. The report reveals the current fiscal expenditures a district has made compared to budgeted expenditures. It assesses available data that a district considers to measure student achievement goals and alignment with district and board policies and goals districtwide.

The elementary district has four goals for student success: academic achievement, a safe and secure environment, technical and digital literacy, and parent and community engagement. The Fullerton school district has data supporting test scores going up in both English language arts and math across the district and issues still apparent in chronic absenteeism and suspension rates. The Trustees did not ask questions about the data, but promised more discussion at future meetings.

The Board voted to release the first Measure ‘N’ facilities bond allocation to raise $49 million in facilities funds. Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka stated that the bond’s first year goal is to have a facilities project completed or started on every campus in the district by the end of this year.

Next FSD Board meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 6 pm.