The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees met last night in regular session; voting to approve the budget for the coming school year and recognizing the outgoing district superintendent.
With summer school well underway across the district, the Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees met last night, June 28 in regular session. The evening began on a note of celebration as Doug Weller was recognized for his service as District Superintendent. After years of prior service, Weller returned from retirement to serve as interim Superintendent. He thanked the board, principals, and community at large for their support, and the meeting then adjourned for a cake reception.
After the brief recess, the trustees heard a presentation from Dr. Daniele Snider, Director of Elementary Curriculum, on the district’s Pre-Kindergarten Program. Dr. Snider explained that during each new school year the district will provide services to a larger window of students, with the goal of offering all four-year-old students in the district Pre-Kindergarten by the 2025-2026 school year. Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Amy Woods also presented information regarding the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), which provides funding for afterschool, summer school, and enrichment programs for transitional kindergarten to sixth grade. Even though the plan will be implemented for the 2022-2023 school year, further clarity is needed pending state legislation and budgetary approval.
Woods also presented information regarding the local indicators for the California School Dashboard, an accountability system that utilizes multiple measures to inform educators, parents, and the public of student achievement. During the presentation, a common theme emerged regarding the need for more family involvement and engagement.
After these presentations, the board approved several action items, adopting the Local Control Accountability Plan, the Budget Overview for Parents, and the Preliminary Budget for the 2022-2023 school year. They also awarded a bid for control and door hardware upgrades at various sites in the district, as well as authorizing advertisements for security window film installation, PA system replacement, bleacher upgrades, and equipment for an ESports program, among other action items.
