November Governing Board Meeting Recap

NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING RECAP

 

In case you missed the Governing Board meeting on November 13, 2024, here are some highlights. If you want to take a deeper dive into any of these topics, slide presentations can be found on the Lafayette School District website, and an audio recording of the meeting can be found here.

 

  • 5th grade students from Lafayette Elementary showcased their new Leopard News student newspaper, and described the process of getting the paper up and running, how they chose topics for articles, and the pressures of working under a deadline! 
  • The highlight of the meeting was a very special recognition for Meredith Meade and Suzy Pak, our two board members whose terms are coming to an end in December. Together, Suzy and Meredith represent 18 years of Governing Board service, including both serving as Board President during their terms. Multiple community members, staff, and the current Board made public comments praising Suzy and Meredith’s selflessness, exemplary service, and dedication. Stanley librarian Amy Bouris then presented each with books in their honor which will be placed in the schools’ libraries, and the District presented them with Certificates of Recognition and flowers. There was a brief cupcake reception following the public comment. The District is immensely grateful to both Suzy and Meredith for their invaluable contributions and steadfast dedication to our community. 
  • Assistant Superintendent Betsy Balmat presented her monthly review of LAFSD Celebrates - a set of resources for teachers related to the District’s monthly heritage celebrations. Betsy’s presentation showcased the various schools’ celebrations of LGBTQ+ History Month. Parents/caregivers can learn more about LAFSD Celebrates, and see some sample lessons, here.
  • California School Employees’ Association (CSEA) Vice President Sara Mackay shared that the Tentative Agreement reached with the District has passed, and they are looking forward to their new contract.
  • Lafayette Education Association (LEA) Negotiations Chair Lauren Hanzel shared that LEA and the District have had productive negotiations sessions and shared her confidence that the parties will soon settle on a strong contract. Negotiations with our teachers union will resume on November 20. 
  • Dr. Brent Stephens offered his thanks to the veterans in our Lafayette community, comparing the language of the 1926 Congressional resolution for Veterans Day to the District’s work to promote understanding and acceptance. Dr. Stephens also provided a summary of the District’s Sustainability efforts and the various ways the District is implementing the new Sustainability Plan,  including an LED lighting replacement project, HVAC conversions from gas to electric, transition from paper to e-signatures, and composting efforts. You can find more information in the slide deck linked here.
  • The Board voted to hold its annual Reorganization Meeting on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 4pm, where the two new Governing Board members will be seated and a new President and Clerk will be approved.
  • The Board voted to ratify the CSEA Negotiated Agreement, which will be in effect from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
  • Finally, the Board approved a policy and administrative regulation regarding e-bikes and e-scooters on our campuses. In keeping with current California law, the revised rules would ban Class 3 e-bikes and all e-scooters, require students who bring Class 1 and 2 e-bikes to school to register these e-bikes prior to bringing them onto campus, and require that these students take an online bike and traffic safety course in order to register their Class 1 or 2 e-bike.

Our next Governing Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6pm in the Stanley Library and streamed via Zoom. Hope to see you there!