Reed Union School District Board Meeting Summary

December 16, 2024

The Reed Union School District Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on December 16, swearing in newly elected and returning trustees and addressing the district's financial standing through the First Interim Financial Report. The board also initiated the 2025 negotiation process with the teachers' association and conducted its annual organizational meeting.

Trustee Swearing-In Ceremony

The meeting included ceremonies for incoming and continuing board members. Board President Afsaneh Zolfaghari administered oaths to trustees beginning new terms, and newly elected Trustee Sandeep Sahai joined returning Trustee Liz Webb in taking office for the 2025 term.

Closed Session

The board convened in closed session at 4:45 p.m. to confer with its labor negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6, addressing matters related to upcoming contract negotiations.

Consent Agenda

The board approved several routine items on the consent agenda, including the personnel report, payment warrants, and the second reading of board policies revised to align with California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendations. These policy updates were action items requiring formal approval.

First Interim Financial Report

A significant action item on the agenda was the First Interim Financial Report for the 2024/2025 school year. This mid-year budget update provides the community with information about the district's current financial status and projections for the remainder of the fiscal year. This report is particularly important for taxpayers monitoring how district funds are being managed.

Teacher Contract Negotiations

The board presented its initial interests for negotiations with the Reed District Teachers' Association (RDTA) and held a public hearing on these proposals. This marks the beginning of the formal bargaining process between the district and its teachers' union. The presentation of initial negotiating interests is an action item that sets the parameters for upcoming contract discussions.

Board Reorganization for 2025

The trustees conducted their annual organizational meeting, handling several administrative matters for the coming year. These included appointing the superintendent as secretary to the Board of Trustees, designating board representatives to various district and community organizations, and adopting the 2025/2026 governing board meeting calendar. The board also approved Resolution No. 03-2024/2025, which authorizes designated individuals to sign documents on behalf of the board throughout 2025, and updated administrative and authorized signers for the district's Wells Fargo clearing accounts.

Information and Reports

The meeting included multiple informational presentations requiring no immediate action. The administrative team, PTA, and Foundation for Reed Schools provided updates on their respective areas. The board received a Food Services Committee update and a compliance report on BP 4127 concerning temporary athletic team coaches. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Kindness (DEIBK) Initiative update, including information on the Equity GLC (Governance Leadership Council), was also presented.

Policy Review

The board conducted a first reading of revised board policies to align with CSBA standards. These policies will require a second reading and approval at a future meeting before taking effect.

Minutes and Routine Business

The board approved minutes from the November 12, 2024 regular meeting and received the superintendent's report. The meeting included opportunities for public comment at the beginning of open session and on closed session items.

Next Steps

The board will continue its work on revised board policies, which will return for second reading and approval. The district will proceed with formal negotiations with RDTA based on the approved initial interests. Board members will serve in their newly assigned roles and representative positions throughout 2025 according to the organizational meeting decisions.