Multi-age Class Update

On August 19, Rolling Hills Elementary parents and students met with FSD Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources, Dr. Chad Hammett and Rolling Hills Principal, Lindy McNutt, concerning the abrupt closing of the multi-age Learn through Literature (LTL) program due to low enrollment. LTL brings kindergarten through 3rd-grade students together in one class to learn all core subjects through literature pieces.

FSD Board President, Beverly Berryman, requested that Dr. Hammett provide an update on the situation at the August board meeting. Dr. Hammett stated that the LTL program will remain open through the month of September and will seek qualified transfer students to maintain its functionality.
If the program does not receive enough transfer student to remain open, key elements from the program will be adopted by the Rolling Hills grades impacted by the program removal, so that Buddy Mentoring, Mystery Reader, and Popcorn Factory activities will continue for the students.

If you are an FSD parent/guardian and want more information, call Dr. Hammett’s office: (714) 447-7450 or email atchad_hammitt@myfsd.org.

Bond “N” Update

The Fullerton School District initiated Bond “N”-backed projects this summer, laying the steel girders and foundations for the gymnasium/multipurpose rooms at Nicolas and Parks Junior High Schools. These projects are scheduled to be completed by December 2025. Trustees James Cho and Ruthi Hanchett stated that they want the district to update public use guidelines as new facilities are completed.

The board approved a Community Work Force Agreement with local trade unions, requiring at least 30% local union labor on Bond “N” projects exceeding $1 million. In return, trade unions are expected to provide work continuity, arbitrate work disputes, and conduct transparent audits. The local trade unions also agreed to share apprenticeship information at FSD job fairs and present at the new tiny house construction classes that Nicolas Junior High students have requested.

Safe Schools

The FSD Board stood solidly behind their resolution, stating that all families, regardless of immigration status, religion, ethnicity, or gender, are welcome, and that all staff are dedicated to their safety and inclusion.

Dual Language Program Expansion

Trustees Hanchett and Trustee Vanessa Estrella requested that the administration examine expanding dual language programs.

District Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka and Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, Dr. Adaina Brown, said that there are currently no long waiting lists for either the Spanish or the Korean dual language programs and that only four or five requests have come from schools with no language program, in explaining the yearlong process of expanding the program. Trustees Hanchett, Cho, and Estrella want a presentation on districtwide parent interest in additional dual language programs before December.

Significant Disproportionality

Both FJUHSD and FSD districts were identified as having a significant disproportionality issue concerning the over-identification of Hispanic students with learning disabilities. The federal government defines Significant Disproportionality as a higher percentage of any racially, ethnically, or economically identified student population recorded as having learning disabilities or disciplinary issues than the percentage of the overall school population they represent in a district.

FSD Director of Student Support, Dr. Julie Brandon and Director of Special Education, Tami Cammarata, presented ongoing FSD interventions. District data revealed the need to retrain teachers in the learning disability identification process, knowledge of tier I and II interventions (these occur before any special education identification), and a strong correlation between some learning-disabled identified students and chronic absenteeism.
After implementing training updates, emphasizing earlier education interventions, addressing social service requirements, and finishing up K-3 speech interventions, over 100 students moved out of special education.

$5 Million Phelps Trust Fund

Superintendent Dr. Pletka announced that John Phelps has donated a new $5 million endowment to FSD, whose proceeds schools will benefit from for years to come, as they will provide, for example, payments for staff and for programs like Speech and Debate throughout the district.

The next meeting is Sept 16 at 6 pm.