Last night’s MUSD Board meeting started a little different, where instead of kicking off with the Pledge of Allegiance right away, Board President Cathy Nelson started by honoring Mr. Michael Johnson with a speech and a Certificate of Appreciation. After a round of applause, Nelsondirected Mr. Johnson the honor to lead the Board in the Pledge.Results from Closed session was a unanimous vote to re-admit three MUSD students. Then, as reported by Z1077 last week, Assistant Superintendent Amy Woods formerly announced the 12 MUSD schools awarded with PBIS honors.
Director of Risk Management and Transportation Jack Salseda gave a detailed report on Safety Committee accomplishments, which included active shooter training, the purchase of emergency trauma kits, and, on the pre-emptive angle, an informative letter mailed to all gun owners in the district who live with children present, something Salseda aims to accomplish at the beginning of each school year. Salseda also reported a memo sent on 9/12 to all school sites and personnel,that effective 9/19, all school doors must remain locked while children are present.
Some good news regarding MUSD’s declining student enrollment: After the district projected a 325-student decline for this year, the Board was pleased to report only a 78-student decline from that projection.
When open for public comments, Substitute teacher Karalee Hargrove gave an impassioned and practical plea to raise the pay for substitutes, which is presently $120 a day at MUSD. She said, “If you subbed every single (school) day in a year, that’s $24,000 a year. Where does that pay a mortgage up here? If you live in Yucca Valley, you can drive to Palm Springs and make $200 (a day).”
Board members voted unanimously to approve supplemental text for English Language
Development classes—a catalogue of young adult novels featuring LatinX characters, special needs characters, with plots more relatable to the ELD student experience.
Ending on a high note, Board President Cathy Nelson concluded, “My only closing comment is that positive attitudes are contagious, and I feel like we’re starting to see that in this district on many different levels.”
Morongo Unified School District meeting recap (9/13)
