The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees met last night at a crowded regular session to recognize retirees and other employees for years of service in the district, while many in attendance raised concerns over class sizes for next year.
Well over a hundred people packed into the Joshua Tree Elementary School multipurpose room for the regular session meeting of the Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees last night, May 24. Open session began with recognitions for district employees who served the district for 20-35 years. The trustees then recognized district employees who retired in 2021 and those who are retiring this year.
After a brief reception, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Amy Woods later presented information about the A-G Completion Improvement Block Grant, which provides funding for schools to increase the number of students who complete A-G requirements in preparation for college. Board President Cathy Nelson and Trustee Roberta Meyers expressed concerns about funding being used for teachers to teach A-G courses during prep periods, but Woods explained that these arrangements would be voluntary.
Many in attendance stayed for the remainder of the meeting, some holding signs expressing opposition to oversized classes. During public comment, several parents and district employees voiced their concerns over the district’s projections for class sizes for next year. Many stressed the importance of smaller class sizes for student academic and social growth and urged the district to be proactive in hiring additional teachers and support staff.
The board then unanimously voted to approve the 2022-2023 Special Education Local Plan Area, or SELPA, budget in addition to approving the paperwork to delegate Dr. Patricio Vargas as District Superintendent.
