Tuesday, May 12, 2026

The Reed Union School District board introduced Bel Air Elementary's new principal and devoted much of its May meeting to results from a community survey testing support for a potential facilities bond. A pollster reported majority support for a $115 million measure, and trustees began mapping out a community-education plan ahead of a possible November ballot.

New Bel Air Principal

The superintendent introduced Amelia Elamari as the new principal of Bel Air Elementary School, effective July 1, following an extensive interview process. Staff praised her experience as a site and instructional leader and her warm, relationship-centered approach, describing her as a strong match for Reed's focus on academic excellence and meeting each student where they are. The board welcomed her and her family.

Bond Community Survey Results

A polling consultant walked the board through results of a community survey that tested a $115 million general-obligation bond, which would levy roughly $30 per $100,000 of assessed value. The ballot question, reviewed by legal counsel for compliance, drew 61% support (voters who would definitely, probably, or lean toward voting yes) against 32% opposed and 6% undecided, with a margin of error of about 6.2 points. The measure would need 55% plus one to pass. After respondents heard educational statements, the share who would "definitely" vote yes rose about 10 points, from 29% to 39%, and overall support held steady even when opposition arguments were introduced. Among 14 possible uses tested, voters most valued attracting and retaining quality teachers and maintaining quality education, along with infrastructure work such as removing mold and asbestos, repairing leaky roofs, and updating fire-safety systems. The consultant noted little difference in support between a $24 and a $30 per-$100,000 tax rate, and stressed that the district can educate but not advocate.

Bond Deliberation and Outreach Planning

Trustees discussed the tight timeline before a possible November ballot and emphasized telling the district's story "from the inside out" — conveying real facility needs that aren't visible from the street. Members weighed whether to engage an outside communications firm or pursue a more internal, grassroots effort, noted that several neighboring districts have parcel-tax and bond measures on the same cycle that could offer signals, and asked the superintendent to return in June with a community-education and outreach plan. Members suggested short videos of staff and teachers describing day-to-day facility problems as a way to help the community understand the needs. No action was taken; the item was informational.

Foundation Report and Reed Derby

The Foundation for Reed Schools reported its family-giving campaign at 540 donations and about 75% participation, with roughly $1.92 million pledged. The executive director recapped the "Reed Derby" gala — a Kentucky Derby-themed event — reporting more than $242,000 raised across sponsorships, ticket sales, a live auction, a "raise the paddle" appeal, and an online wine auction. She said the total ran about $8,500 ahead of the prior year despite roughly 75 fewer attendees, and described the most energetic crowd in years.

Programs, Surveys, and Other Business

A Del Mar site report highlighted cross-subject projects, including a math-and-art collaboration whose student-made artwork was auctioned at the gala, and the eighth-grade end-of-year project that integrates multiple subjects. Staff and trustees discussed the district's strategic plan — a six-year "living document" refined through an ongoing feedback process — and the Youth Truth student survey, including the importance of every student having a "trusted adult," differences in survey questions by grade level, and efforts to make question wording clearer. Staff reviewed enrollment and staffing ratios for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten and the fiscal trade-offs of adding a classroom section, and the board approved an updated job description for "school administrative assistant" (continuing to retire the term "secretary"). The board also approved Resolution No. 6 (2025–26) on consolidation of services tied to a roofing project, after discussion of a leaking flat-roof section affecting preschool tenants and a cost increase since the original December estimate amid rising construction costs.