Oxnard Development News

District Appoints New Superintendent, Approves Budget, and Contracts for Services

The board unanimously approved the minutes for the special board meetings dated May 24th, 2026, and June 7th, 2026, and the regular board meeting minutes dated May 27th, 2026. Trustee Baker Torres, who was absent for the May 27th meeting, voted separately on those minutes, which were also approved. The board then moved to closed session to discuss various personnel matters including public employee discipline, dismissal, release, resignation, appointment, reassignment of employment, public employee appointment for the superintendent position, conference with labor negotiators, student personnel, and conference with legal counsel. Upon returning to open session, no action was taken or reported from the closed session. The board proceeded with public comments, hearing from Tim Allison regarding contract provisions for the new superintendent, focusing on compensation, automatic pay increases, longevity bonuses, and probationary periods. Marie Elena Saldana also spoke, emphasizing the moral and ethical responsibility to students and employees, and the need for careful consideration of job descriptions, particularly for the restorative justice counselor position. The board then entered into closed session again. After returning, the board approved a contract with Dr. Kelson for the superintendent position in a 3-2 vote. The board also discussed and approved several consent calendar items related to financial services, including a petition for $2,120.50 for interpretation services and an item related to the district's budget. They also approved a contract with Effective School Solutions for mental health services at a cost of $35,000 for the fiscal year. The board heard a report on the district's financial status, including projected revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, noting a positive budget outlook despite state funding uncertainties. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the use of one-time funds and the importance of fiscal discipline. The board also discussed and approved a contract for the feasibility study of a low-income housing project for educators, which would cost $175,000. Following this, the board voted 5-0 to approve an extension of Proposition 505, which is a bond measure related to affordable housing. The board also approved a contract for construction management services with Bernards for the construction of new facilities. A discussion ensued regarding the role of athletic trainers and their certifications, with a vote to approve their job description. Finally, the board approved the adoption of the definitive Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) for 2026 and heard a presentation on the "Program RIC" (Restorative Intervention Campus), which aims to support students and staff through restorative practices and improve student outcomes. The board also discussed and approved the retirement of Dr. McCoy and Mr. LaVer, and congratulated Dr. Kelson on her appointment as the new superintendent.