A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Fran, the Chief Operating Officer of Zu Fall. Fran outlined the organization’s mission and goals, emphasizing the importance of providing quality, affordable, and culturally competent healthcare. Zu Fall, a federally qualified health center, plans to initially operate from a mobile medical unit, offering services such as wellness exams, school physicals, and immunizations. The mobile unit is set to begin operations on July 14, with the long-term goal of establishing a permanent facility at Hillcrest Elementary.

The board engaged in discussions regarding the logistics of the mobile health unit, focusing on how to integrate these services without disrupting the school environment. Concerns about security and parking were raised, highlighting the need for careful planning and coordination. Fran addressed questions about service accessibility, noting that a sliding fee scale would be available to ensure affordability for all students. The organization also prioritizes hiring bilingual staff to accommodate the large number of Spanish-speaking patients, with additional support provided through telephone interpretation services.

Following the presentation, the board shifted its focus to recognize the contributions of retiring staff members, expressing gratitude for their years of service. Notable retirees included Mr. Russell Hall, a custodian with over 40 years of service, and Dr. Donna Sila Bernett, who dedicated 41 years to the district. The board honored several administrators.

The meeting also addressed the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report, presented by Mr. Wilson, which provided insights into student suspensions, harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents. The report detailed 437 office discipline referrals (ODRs) across the district, with physical aggression identified as a primary concern. The board discussed various measures to address these issues, including programs aimed at improving social-emotional learning and conflict resolution.

Additionally, the board reviewed policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying, emphasizing the importance of reporting incidents promptly.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude from the board members, who reiterated their commitment to supporting students and families. The board reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and looked forward to the upcoming graduation ceremony and the next school year.