The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees reviewed 13 upcoming California education laws at last night’s board meeting. The laws pertain to topics that the school district may need to comply with over the next few years, including school start times; pupil suicide prevention; and student immunization requirements. During the meeting’s public comment period, protestors from La Contenta Middle School lined up to give the board a piece of their mind regarding bullying and fighting at the school. Reporter Andrew Dieleman was there, and files this report…
Parents, and grandparents of students from La Conteta Middle School lined up at last night’s school board meeting to show their disapproval of what they called “out-of-control” fighting and bullying taking place at the school. Protestors demonstrated great concern over the situation and demanded the board strictly enforce district anti-bullying policies and add security for student safety. The board showed collective concern over the situation during the meeting. After the meeting, MUSD Superintendent Tom Baumgarten stated that the district takes the concerns seriously and that the district will work with counselors, parents of students, and whoever necessary to create better solutions to the problem.
The board also held its first reading of 10 proposed district policies, regulations, and bylaws; received a positive review of the district’s 2018-2019 financial audit; approved completion of recent construction work at Yucca Valley High School; and approved the district’s 2020 budget calendar. Lastly, the board was treated to an unscheduled robotics demonstration from members of the Twentynine Palms Junior High School Robotics club.
All upcoming California Laws discussed by the board:
- SB328 – Pupil attendance: school start time
- AB5 – Worker status: employees and independent contractors.
- AB48 – Education finance: school facilities: Public Preschool, K-12, and College Health and Safety Bond Act of 2020.
- AB1767 – Pupil suicide prevention policies.
- AB1097 – Pupil instruction: credit recovery programs: report.
- AB605 – Special education: assistive technology devices.
- AB1651 – Licensed educational psychologists: supervision of associates and trainees.
- AB1240 – School accountability: local control and accountability plans: state priorities: pupil achievement.
- SB714 – Immunizations.
- AB1819 – Inspection of public records: use of requester’s reproduction equipment.
- AB218 – Damages: childhood sexual assault: statute of limitations.
- AB493 – Teachers: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning pupil resources and training.
- AB1353 – Classified employees: probationary period.
