[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6260110,"mediaKeyId","3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98","parentId",3135324,"title","Votes at a glance: Santa Clara Unified approves school projects, staff appointments and routine resolutions","audioSeconds",1158,"startMs",13600000,"endMs",14758000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98&start=13600&end=14758","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98/thumbnail_13600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6260110/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Santa-Clara-Unified-approves-school-projects-staff-appointments-and-routine-resolutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260110-636016f2a6c1dbe7bece269275f90477/orig.mp4?Expires=1770503768&Signature=PnC3a-lqsJRjGmocJ9GtxSEiu3JC-OcDm8ZRcpfk5zuC2odl6wGswIw3VjUu-D5iVWJNKatPbBah4evFp67uJTaIoQqV88Z0z3icFcRsrrFdIPzXfPB03gAqfGgvYL9KlnpEyT-0D8ivH2K9TpQdwVeLNw-tsfsi7uufuZGFC1rDrBjqUQuCar4sQvDY-HTJJlY8Uw39gjq51yMlVI2wzPxxHBa7Ks~Z2tIgllDq3HaUvQIKu6HFvv6nq~jg5EIfVvwLWTfXUVShzt1NdRPq4fnsdjGwwR1aLRUCrfx6~uNIFdAhS4iT6rOtq7aEkkl2wyxH5E9SzIsibp3O~ghcjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-27T06:37:55.89Z","article","The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees approved a slate of action items including authorization for elementary school projects, multiple administrative appointments, routine annual resolutions and facility-use classifications. Most motions passed unanimously by the trustees present; Trustee Rodman was absent for many votes.

Key outcomes at a glance

- Briarwood Elementary School Project (Project No. 43.43): The board opened and closed the required public hearing and approved Resolution 25-24 authorizing the project under Education Code procedures. Motion passed 6–0 (Trustee Rodman absent).

- Bracker Elementary School Project (Project No. 43.206): Public hearing opened and closed; board approved Resolution 25-25 to authorize the project. Motion passed 6–0 (Rodman absent).

- Westwood Elementary School Project (Project No. 43.85): Public hearing concluded and the board approved Resolution 25-26 authorizing the project. Motion passed 6–0 (Rodman absent). A public commenter thanked staff for resolving a playground issue at Westwood's Phase 1 construction.

- Personnel appointments: The board approved several administrative hires, each by recorded vote (6–0 unless noted):
- Principal, Dolores Huerta Middle School: Dr. Nicole Tafoya — approved 6–0.
- Vice Principal, Santa Clara High School: Robert Griffin — approved 6–0.
- Coordinator of Student Services: Kristen Gonzales — approved 6–0.
- Program Specialist, Special Education: Carmelita Huero — approved 6–0.
- Program Specialist, Special Education: Brian Cordero — approved 6–0.

- Annual resolutions and proclamations (M1–M5): The board approved multiple month-affirming resolutions, including April as Arab American Heritage Month, May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, May as Jewish American Heritage Month, May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and May as Foster Care Awareness Month. Each passed 6–0 (Trustee Rodman absent for votes cited in the record).

- Facilities use — Group 1.5 renewals and requests: Staff recommended renewing the current list of organizations already designated as Group 1.5 and denying requests from organizations currently categorized in Group 2 or Group 3. Trustee Muirhead moved to approve staff’s recommendation; the motion passed 5–0 with Trustee Watanabe recused and Trustee Rodman absent.

- Consent and human-resources items: The board approved consent items (including human resources and routine contract items) by unanimous votes recorded as 6–0 where noted.

Procedural notes: Most agenda items followed the standard sequence — staff presentation, public hearing where required, motion, second and roll-call vote. Several items referenced Education Code section 101460 and related statutory procedures for school construction project hearings.

Why it matters: Approvals of school construction projects authorize necessary design and construction work under state law; the personnel appointments fill operational leadership roles across multiple schools and district programs. The Group 1.5 facility-use decision affects youth organizations’ access to district facilities for the 2025–2026 year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting - April 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the board approved multiple construction project authorizations, personnel appointments, group 1.5 facility-use renewals and several proclamations/resolutions; most votes were unanimous (6–0) with one facilities item passing 5–0 (one trustee recused).","taxTitle","Santa Clara Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",14497,"location","California","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6260115,"Board adopts MClass DIBELS 8 and Lectura for K–2 reading screening to meet state mandate",1345,14772000,16117000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98&start=14772&end=16117","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98/thumbnail_14772000.jpg","/articles/6260115/California/Board-adopts-MClass-DIBELS-8-and-Lectura-for-K2-reading-screening-to-meet-state-mandate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260115-545ca2ec99e483ecea2393d8e0f6fd7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770503768&Signature=B~Xl-Gu7g4WTDnw0~nmXK5FAxfhP1dylSktUIa~vNArQ0krKJZaUOE14xsKfXcBdJl6u-5eDuMSGfAdimENzjrGW6U6kFx5D~hkjZW4MDq-BeVgbBMFz0rNTiMZMAZN60GLDUCtQ8qG-srdNgCMqmy0aw-UJMqnAYjIZyx3VvqotWQlPahaCv0sNqb9qiM-6a2wEZ0CNACuuT0hnOavwi1zs16r1oo3mPcSi1DwmKiVONc1yXP9iWM2LvleKYoCUd56ilsakiPPZ2WLem5L4okkcVTpXf-aF7q4zKUHSJPZmTeyEQobYIlrwR5kIygowaWGURWl7rZ4MPgw5ilSLwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees approved a district recommendation to adopt MClass DIBELS (eighth edition) and MClass Lectura for Spanish as the district’s K–2 screening tools for students at risk of reading difficulties. The motion passed 6–0.

The recommendation came from the Elementary Literacy Work Group, which evaluated the state’s approved list of screeners and met in an accelerated timeline after the State Board of Education released an approved-screeners list late in the previous year. Director Tricia Knavel presented the selection process and said the group reviewed the products, held provider briefings and compared features important to the district’s English-learner population.

District materials presented to the board said the state’s process produced four approved options on the list the district considered: Amira, MClass DIBELS (with MClass Lectura for Spanish), and others; the board materials and presenters noted that one widely discussed option (ROAR) was available only in English, which factored into the district's decision because a large share of district families use Spanish as a primary language.

Knavel told the board that Senate Bill 114 and related changes require districts to adopt a certified reading-risk screener by June 30 and to provide screened students with follow-up instruction and progress monitoring. She described implementation requirements the district must still finalize, including screening windows, household notice and opt-out procedures (families must receive notice at least 15 calendar days prior to screening), and reporting results to families within 45 calendar days of the assessment.

Trustee Watanabe noted that MClass’s dual-language reporting and guidance were important to the district’s needs. Public commenters who spoke in favor of early screening praised the choice as research-based and appropriate for dual-language assessment.

What happens next: District staff will finalize screening schedules, communication materials for families and progress-monitoring protocols. The screening cannot be used alone to determine special education eligibility; it is intended to identify students who need further diagnostic assessment or evidence-based instructional supports.

Why it matters: The screener decision affects how the district identifies K–2 students at risk for reading difficulties, how families receive information about their child’s reading progress, and how school teams will prioritize early literacy interventions next school year.","The board approved the district's K–2 reading screener selection — MClass DIBELS (eighth edition) with MClass Lectura for Spanish — following a literacy work group review; the adoption responds to state requirements under recent legislation and carries implementation and family-notice obligations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6260120,"Santa Clara Unified names Dr. Damon Wright superintendent; board approves four-year contract",948,8727000,9675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98&start=8727&end=9675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3135324-ba892ad41d7822b003170654e2091b98/thumbnail_8727000.jpg","/articles/6260120/California/Santa-Clara-Unified-names-Dr-Damon-Wright-superintendent-board-approves-four-year-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260120-95eaa169c70fbc0346613008d16af194/orig.mp4?Expires=1770503768&Signature=DXfQoiTcSL3X3oA3bmPQFRBA3ibXcDcx7fbX1TdMLCldD0kMhX29UZ3KliZy4GvEVCoWqI8A5yJUtWRZY0WkHBxJ5zv89msN3yBu5PxK7dKGxuwqt3dBjccTf~3IhWRclt~L7sF1tF-EKpBEafRQFnZE~PmpM5kSnk4QqudHtyzMgaCtchOrVl6FuoaQ1MBEI0WV5AZFibnPWuPh2wHXfg3GPOcX5-bwNA1byIagTW3kMfynPuVnt1OlD4slS0zDEuuhNFSSZy5KXfy15E2RVOPbDfnIQEyiqmmamegr~Le1DgiNGZnTFOub3VN6Xc03ieIjOwSyJBHywDL3CrW5TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees on a 6–0 vote appointed Dr. Damon Wright as the district's next superintendent effective July 1, 2025, and approved his employment agreement covering roughly four years through June 30, 2029.

The appointment capped a national search led by executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates that drew 42 complete applications and a multi-stage screening process. Board president Bonnie Lieberman said the district gathered input from more than 2,000 parents, staff and community members as part of the search that produced seven semifinalists and three finalists.

Under an oral summary read into the record pursuant to government code guidance, the contract sets an annual base salary of $370,000. The agreement allows an annual bonus of up to 8 percent following a satisfactory evaluation; an annual base increase of 2 percent or the cost-of-living increase, whichever is lesser; degree increments for a master's and doctorate; and a one-time relocation reimbursement of up to $20,000 with receipts required. The contract also specifies 225 workdays per year, accrual of 12 sick days annually and district-provided health and technology benefits.

Trustee Ryan moved to approve the appointment and Trustee Muirhead seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was recorded as follows: Trustee Canova — yes; Trustee Fairchild — yes; Trustee Muirhead — yes; Trustee Ryan — yes; Trustee Watanabe — yes; Student Trustee Wren Brown — yes. Trustee Rodman was absent.

Board members offered brief remarks after the vote, thanking the search consultants and expressing support for Wright. Trustee Muirhead said she was “so excited for this.” Trustee Canova noted Wright’s attention to the district’s history and expressed confidence in his leadership. President Lieberman and other trustees praised the search process and the finalists the consultants had recruited.

Dr. Damon Wright, introduced as currently the superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, addressed the community after his appointment. He thanked the board and community, referred to the responsibility of the role and said, “I promise you, I won't let you down.” He closed his brief remarks to the board with the pledge, “Students first. Always.”

The board also completed a separate vote approving the formal employment agreement for the superintendent with the compensation and term details summarized on the record.

The board scheduled a brief reception and photo opportunity after the meeting, where board members and district staff welcomed Dr. Wright and his family.

Why it matters: The appointment installs the district’s chief executive with a multiyear contract that defines pay, benefits and performance incentives and starts a formal transition from outgoing superintendent Gary Waddell to Dr. Wright in July 2025.","The Santa Clara Unified School District board voted 6–0 to appoint Dr. Damon Wright as superintendent effective July 1, 2025, and approved a roughly four-year employment agreement with a $370,000 base salary and other terms described in an oral summary under state law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Santa Clara Unified approves school projects, staff appointments and routine resolutions

Board adopts MClass DIBELS 8 and Lectura for K–2 reading screening to meet state mandate

Santa Clara Unified names Dr. Damon Wright superintendent; board approves four-year contract