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Pomona Unified School District - Board meeting 6/24/26
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Public Comments Highlight Concerns on IEP Implementation, Library Book Content, Racial Discrimination, and Nutrition
The meeting featured extensive public comment on several critical issues. Parents and community members expressed significant concerns regarding the implementation and consistency of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including issues with insufficient meeting times, lack of parent input on agendas, and staff training deficits. There were also complaints about delays in receiving student records and academic progress data, and a perceived pattern of dismissing parents' concerns. Concerns were also raised about the presence of sexually explicit and violent books in school libraries, with specific examples cited from books like 'Push' by Sapphire and 'Burned' by Ellen Hopkins, questioning their appropriateness for middle school students and advocating for their removal. Additionally, speakers highlighted issues of racial discrimination within the district, including incidents of racism against students and staff, lack of accountability for such incidents, and disparities in disciplinary actions. There were also comments on children's nutrition and its impact on behavior and academic performance, as well as discussions on the handling of public comments and the timing of their placement on the agenda. The board also received commendations for the YouTube live streaming of the ICOC meeting and a call for increased parent empowerment and education regarding nutrition. The Superintendent acknowledged many of these concerns, promising follow-up and reiterating the district's commitment to addressing issues of equity, safety, and student well-being.
School District Approves Budget and Fund Commitments Amidst State Funding Uncertainty and Bond Oversight Report
The Board of Education received a presentation on the 2026-27 budget, noting that while a budget bill (AB 109) was passed by the legislature, final negotiations with the governor are ongoing, with a revised budget expected soon. Key initiatives include a higher COLA for the Local Control Funding Formula, with a new requirement for paid full pregnancy disability leave, continued special education funding, and discretionary block grant funding. However, these increases are overshadowed by a proposed $3.9 billion underfunding of schools and a potential shift of preschool programs into the Prop 98 guarantee without adequate funding allocation. The board also considered and approved a resolution designating general funds as committed to fund balance, representing approximately $102.2 million, to cover future obligations such as declining enrollment and rising costs. A separate resolution related to bond measures PS, P, and UU was presented by the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, affirming that all bond proceeds were used only for authorized projects, not for salaries or operating costs, and were in full compliance with the California Constitution.
School Board Debates Compensation Equity Amidst Reclassification and Salary Increase Discussions
The Board of Education discussed and voted on various personnel-related items, including reclassifications and salary increases, leading to a debate about fairness, equity, and transparency in compensation practices. A motion to discuss specific HR and personnel questions in closed session regarding implicated positions passed with a 5-0 vote. Later, a motion to pull specific items for separate consideration failed with a 3-2 vote. The consent calendar, including items 3-8 except for 5A16, was approved with a 3-1 vote with one abstention. Item 5A16 was approved separately with a 3-1 vote. Significant discussion revolved around the perceived inequity of a 10% salary increase for some employees while others were offered only 2%, with concerns raised about the process, potential retaliation, and the impact on employee morale.
Draft Strategic Plan 2026-2031 Unveiled, Emphasizing Equity and Collaboration
The Board of Education heard a presentation on the draft 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, developed collaboratively with various stakeholders including teachers, classified employees, board members, and community members. The plan introduces a new mission and vision statement and establishes core values such as equity, resilience, respect, innovation, leadership, and integrity. It is organized around key priorities, aims, and goals, with annual focus areas to drive implementation. The five key priority areas are academic success for all, college and career readiness, facilities and operations, quality workforce, and climate and culture. The board and community are invited to provide input on this draft before its formal approval.
School District Approves CEQA Exemptions for Science Labs and HVAC Projects
The Board of Education approved three resolutions related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for upcoming school projects. Resolution #39 pertains to the Gary High School Science Labs project, Resolution #9.12 (not explicitly numbered but contextually linked to HVAC) concerns an HVAC project, and Resolution #38 addresses a new HVAC system for Diamond Ranch High School. In all three cases, staff determined that the projects qualify for categorical exemptions from CEQA, meaning they are not expected to have significant environmental impacts. The board's approval authorizes staff to file the corresponding notices of exemption. The Gary High School Science Labs project is currently being re-bid, with a targeted award in September and an anticipated six-month construction period. The HVAC project at Diamond Ranch High School also received approval.
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The Pomona News archive
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