March 6 2025 PVSD Board Meeting Summary
Student Showcase
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Corte Madera Student Council Director of Student Activities, Jonah R.
Corte Madera Principal Shima introduced two STEAM Fair winners and SM County qualifiers, Jonah R. and Quinn R. Jonah shared that the inspiration for his project was inspired by a book called “The Alignment Problem”, (Christian, 2020) which discusses the alignment of AI and human values. Jonah created a computer program to detect gender bias in AI image generation models. Quinn shared her project analyzed whether video games or meditation improved the brain’s processing speed, that is how quickly one thinks, reacts, and processes information, which is critical to subjects like math and reading. Her data showed that while video games and meditation both improved processing speed, the video games actually had a slightly greater effect.
Trustee Armsby thanked the students and expressed appreciation on the Board’s behalf for Jonah and Quinn coming to the meeting and sharing their projects.
Governing Board Update
Trustee Morris Rosen was pleased to have been able to read in the classroom. She expressed appreciation for the Bingo Game Card which provided direction to the students to explore different places, such as mom’s closet, to read. Trustee Bauer expressed that he was happy to learn more about AI and has been attending an insightful AI workshop series at the SMCOE with Karrie Amsler. Trustee Poutre also expressed her enthusiasm for the Reading Sheets and their ability to incentivize students to read. Trustee Armsby expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Governing Study Session on March 17, 2025.
Superintendent Update
Superintendent Zarea expressed her appreciation to the Board and District for allowing her to attend the California Schools Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) conference. Public relations and communication and engagement with our community continues to be a priority and she is pleased to learn and implement some new techniques and strategies.
Corte Madera: Principal Kristen Shima
Ormondale – Principal Lynette Hovland
Portola Valley Teachers’ Association (PVTA) Update
Tim Sato, President of the PVTA, highlighted that March is Disability Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and promote inclusion. He highlighted the role that teachers play in fostering an inclusive environment. He highlighted nationwide concerns about public education, such as federal funding cuts, as well as the increasing pressures on educators. He shared that in consideration of the significant teacher shortage and many educators leaving the field, it is essential to continue to invest in salaries, benefits, and working conditions. He expressed that the district remains in a strong financial position, and collaborative negotiations are ongoing to help ensure the best possible learning environment for students.
Classified School Employees' Association (CSEA) Update
CSEA President Marcus Bonfiglio supported the comments made by Tim Sato.
Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Update
Dr. Minoo Shah, Director of Educational Services & Wellness, provided an update on MTSS at PVSD. She reminded the audience that MTSS is not a program or a curriculum, but a framework within which the school finesses current systems and processes to make sure that the needs of each and every student are met. In alignment with the LCAP, MTSS provides a framework through tiers of support: Academic, Social-Emotional, and Behavioral, together with screeners, evidence based programs, proactive instructional support and progress monitoring. Teachers collaborate in "Kid Talks," discussing overall grade level performance. These conversations may lead to more focused BIT (Building Intervention Team) meetings, where staff spend dedicated time on individual students, and Student Study Team (SST) meetings with parents which provide further clarity and deeper understanding of issues. Principals Hovland and Shima shared that MTSS helps create a whole-child approach, with data being one prong. All agreed that the process involves significant effort and time, and that the time spent is very worthwhile as it ensures that each child receives the support they need.
The Board was appreciative of the thoughtful work done by both Dr. Shah and the MTSS teams at both school sites.
MTSS Presentation (Slide Presentation)
Universal Meals Update
Connie Ngo, Chief Business Official, presented a mid-year update on the Universal Meals Program. Ms. Ngo noted that this year, each school is ordering food, which allows them to better meet the needs and desires of their unique student population. The schools can also adjust orders when students are absent on field trips or have PTO events, which has reduced food waste. Ms. Ngo encourages families to participate in the program. While Principals Shima and Hovland shared that those who participate in the program are pleased with the quality and taste of the food. Both principals appreciate that the students can snack on fresh fruit and vegetables. Ms. Ngo expressed her appreciation to the Child Nutrition Team, who ensure the success of this program every day.
The Board expressed appreciation for the work the Child Nutrition Team has done.
Universal Meals Update (Slide Presentation)
2024-2025 Second Interim Budget Update Report
Ms. Ngo, Chief Business Official, provided an update to the Second Interim Budget. Ms. Ngo noted that the Second Interim includes all the actual financials up through January 31, 2025. California State Education Code requires that all California public school districts submit interim financial reports to their County Offices of Education twice a year. As required, PVSD’s Second Interim Report reflects finances as of January 31, 2025. The Board was asked to approve the report and certify that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the current fiscal year (2024-2025) and the subsequent two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027). Ms. Ngo noted that the Governor will provide an updated budget for the 2025-2026 in May. With that information, Ms. Ngo will provide the estimated actual budget for this year and the budget for next year.
The Board approved the 2024-2025 Second Interim Budget Update Report.
2024-2025 Second Interim Budget Update Report (Slide Presentation)
Approval of Board Policies and Board Bylaws
The Board approved the following policies and bylaws:
The Board deleted this optional policy:
The Board will have second reading of policy at their next meeting:
The next regular Governing Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The public session begins at 5:00 pm.