Reed Union School District Board Meeting Summary

November 12, 2024

The Reed Union School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on November 12, 2024, that included a public hearing on teacher contract negotiations and extensive discussion of student academic performance. The board also honored outgoing Trustee Jacqueline Jaffee for her service to the district.

Closed Session

The board convened in closed session at 4:45 p.m. to discuss two items: negotiations with the district's labor representative and real property matters involving multiple parcels identified by their assessor parcel numbers. These discussions are confidential under state law.

Recognition of Outgoing Trustee

The board recognized Trustee Jacqueline Jaffee, who is leaving the board. The agenda did not provide details about her tenure or replacement.

Consent Agenda

The board voted on routine business items including personnel changes, financial warrants, and board policy updates. Specifically, trustees approved the second reading of board policies revised to align with California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendations. These are action items requiring formal board approval.

Administrative and Community Reports

The meeting included information reports from the administrative team, Parent Teacher Association representatives, and The Foundation for Reed Schools. Board trustees also provided updates on their activities. Superintendent reported on district operations, though specific details were not included in the agenda.

Financial Policy Development

The board received an update on reserve policy development, an important financial planning item for taxpayers concerned about the district's fiscal health. This was an information item only, with no action taken.

Academic Performance and Curriculum

Several significant information items focused on student achievement. The board reviewed the annual curriculum timeline and received updates on instructional programs across the district.

Trustees examined Fall-to-Fall MAP Growth Test results, which measure student progress in reading and mathematics throughout the year. These assessments help identify learning trends and areas needing support.

The board also reviewed California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) state test results from the 2023-2024 school year. CAASPP tests measure student achievement in English language arts, mathematics, and science against state standards. An action plan summary accompanied these results, indicating how the district plans to address any identified areas for improvement. These academic reports are particularly significant for parents tracking their children's school performance and taxpayers evaluating educational outcomes.

Teacher Contract Negotiations

A major focus of the meeting was teacher contract negotiations. The board held a public hearing on the initial interests of the Reed District Teachers' Association (RDTA) as the union prepares to negotiate with the district. This formal presentation allows the teachers' union to publicly state its priorities before negotiations begin.

The board also considered a separate item presenting RDTA's initial interests for negotiation, suggesting this is the beginning of the contract bargaining process. Parents and taxpayers should note that teacher contract negotiations typically affect district budgets and may influence staffing decisions.

Organizational Planning

Trustees discussed and voted on scheduling an organizational meeting for December 16, 2024. Organizational meetings typically occur when board membership changes and involve selecting board leadership positions.

Policy Review

The board conducted a first reading of revised board policies to align with CSBA standards. Unlike the consent agenda item, this was a first reading only—no action was taken. The policies will likely return for a second reading and approval at a future meeting.

Next Steps

The board will hold its organizational meeting on December 16, 2024. Teacher contract negotiations with RDTA will proceed following the public hearing. Revised board policies will return for second reading and potential approval.