The Southern Kern Unified School District Board approved several action and consent items in a single meeting, including a $1,626,136 construction contract for a locker-room building, new classified positions in an expanded-learning program, a memorandum of understanding addressing staff identification/security badge use, district-purchased graduation caps and gowns at $43.29 per student, and personnel and credential items.

The board handled most items with brief staff presentations and roll-call approval. All described motions recorded in the transcript passed by recorded affirmative votes.

Contract award for locker-room building: Staff reported bids were opened on Oct. 14, 2025, for the locker-room addition at Roosevelt High School Early College Campus (project 3140). The district recommended awarding the contract to Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $1,626,136. Two sealed bids were received; the low bidder was about $70,000 cheaper than the next bid. Trustees approved the award by roll call.

Expanded-learning MOU with CSEA: The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the California School Employees Association to create classified positions for an expanded-learning program: an expanded-learning program coordinator and expanded-learning instructors. Staff said the positions respond to state requirements for expanded-learning programming for TK'through 6 and to consolidate ACES and other enrichment programs under a coordinated structure.

Staff ID/security-bag MOU with CSEA: The board approved an MOU addressing concerns raised by CSEA about a recently adopted board policy requiring staff to wear identification badges and a security bag. The MOU defines discipline guardrails and clarifies inadvertent versus intentional policy violations.

Caps, gowns and tassels: After discussion about costs and existing parent purchases, the board approved purchasing a basic cap, gown and tassel package at $43.29 per graduate for district-provided graduation attire. Staff said 95 parents at one high school had already ordered more expensive packages that included stoles and medallions; the district will not reimburse those parents but staff said vendors will be asked to adjust orders to meet the district's direction. Trustees noted the district must be equitable across all graduation sites and campuses.

Teacher assignment/credential resolution: The board approved a local assignment resolution under which a teacher with a multiple-subject credential and additional coursework may teach one period of art to grades K-6. Staff said approving this local assignment avoids a misassignment and complies with Ed. Code procedures.

Personnel and other consent items: The board approved routine personnel actions and several consent agenda items without extended debate.

Votes at a glance (motions, outcomes and tallies):
- Award contract to Contracting, Inc. for Roosevelt High School locker-room addition (project 3140) in the amount of $1,626,136 ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.
- Approve MOU with California School Employees Association to create expanded-learning coordinator and instructor positions ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.
- Approve MOU clarifying application of staff ID/security bags (CSCA/CSEA matter) ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.
- Approve district purchase of cap, gown and tassel at $43.29 per graduate; direction to staff on vendor coordination ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.
- Approve resolution allowing a teacher to teach one period outside credential area under the local assignment option (Ed. Code 44263) ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.
- Approve personnel list and routine consent items ' outcome: approved; tally: 5 ayes.

The student board member registered assent where recorded. Details on implementation (purchase orders, contract execution, and MOU effective dates) will be handled by district business services and human resources.