The meeting began by honoring MUSD bus driver Vicky Deibert with a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding thirty-five-year service. Bond Oversight Committee representatives John Cole and Jeff Brady gave their first report, mainly consisting of introductory establishments regarding the monitoring of Bond C funds. Cole and Brady mentioned the committee will meet at least three times a year with a separate meeting planned to discuss priorities since the new board of trustees was formed. Among other action items, the board approved authorization of the first of three issuances of the bond, in an amount not to exceed $32,000,0000.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stacy Smalling and MTA President Amber Hanson gave an update on the MTA Sunshine proposal, announcing negotiations commencing for the 2025-26 school year. MTA goals include updates to benefits and compensation, class sizes, school calendar, bereavement days and definitions of personal leave, and more.
Superintendent of Secondary Education Amy Woods gave an update on cell phone policy, with MUSD rolling out new prohibitive measures starting after spring break in what the district is calling a “soft start” to a more established rollout in the new school year. Moving forward starting on April 7, MUSD students will be expected to turn their cells off and leave them in their bags during instructional hours. By the 2025-26 school year, MUSD will begin utilizing Yondr pouches, which are magnetic lock pouches each student will keep their phone in, to be kept with their teacher for the duration of class. MUSD is calling this new policy “Disconnect to Reconnect,” citing various safety and mental health issues with students and cell phones, including anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and other factors that compromise their attention spans and overall growth within school culture.
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Dr. Graciela Guiterrez gave a recap on the Literacy is Life event held at 29 Palms Freedom Plaza on March 2, alongside MUSD Elementary Literacy Coaches Katie Fleishman and Melissa Stacey, who spoke of the event during public comment:
“When we first envisioned this event, our goal was to celebrate literacy in all its forms––not just reading and writing, but the way literacy connects us, empowers us, and opens doors to new possibilities. And on March 2nd, we saw that vision come to life in the most incredible way. Freedom Plaza was filled with excitement––families exploring literacy activities together, students showcasing their creativity, and community members coming together in support of lifelong learning. It was truly a celebration of what makes literacy so vital to our lives.”
MUSD’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8th.
