During a recent school board meeting, educators voiced critical concerns regarding accessibility and equity in the district's educational resources and services. Amanda Corona, a teacher at Cesar Chavez High School, highlighted the difficulties staff face with the professional agreement document, which is currently not easily searchable online. She urged the board to improve the document's accessibility, emphasizing that a more user-friendly format would significantly aid staff in their daily responsibilities. Additionally, she commended the school's security team for their prompt response to a recent safety concern, underscoring the importance of safety in schools.
Sarah Boomerzuk, an English Language Development (ELD) teacher, raised alarming issues regarding the treatment of English learners in the district. She reported that many students are being taught by substitute teachers for extended periods and are not receiving instruction from properly certified educators. Boomerzuk pointed out that some students are not enrolled in essential classes, such as math, which could hinder their graduation prospects. She called for immediate action to address these systemic failures, urging the board to ensure that all students, particularly language learners, receive equitable educational opportunities.
The board acknowledged these concerns, with President NAPA emphasizing the need for a plan to support students who are falling behind, particularly in critical subjects like math. The discussions highlighted a pressing need for the district to reassess its approach to providing quality education and resources to all students, ensuring that no group is left behind.