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October 14 Board Meeting Highlights

Posted Date: 10/17/25 (3:00 PM)
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Collage of Photos

Board Meeting Highlights

October 14, 2025

Hawes Student Council
Dr. Fran Hansell and Student Council
Cheer Pin
Student Council
Hawes Elementary School Report

Hawes Elementary kicked off this year’s school reports with a presentation led by Principal Dr. Fran Hansell, the Hawes Student Council, and their teacher leaders, Mrs. DeStefano and Mrs. Rocha.

The Student Council performed a lively showcase introducing the school’s SOAR expectations: Show Respect, Own Your Actions, Always Be Kind, and Ready to Learn. Through examples and chants, students demonstrated how these values shape their school culture and daily interactions.

The presentation also highlighted a new “Cheer Pin” initiative, created by Student Council members to recognize and celebrate students who display positive, “Hawesome” behavior. Each handcrafted pin features encouraging messages such as “You’ve got this!” or “Shine Bright!”, promoting kindness and connection across campus.

The Board and audience applauded the students for their leadership, creativity, and commitment to making Hawes a place where everyone can SOAR to new heights.
Energy Services Contract with PacificWest Energy Solutions Approved

The Board of Trustees approved an Energy Services Contract with PacificWest Energy Solutions, Inc., DBA Energy Systems Group PacificWest (ESG). The project includes a districtwide LED lighting retrofit to replace fluorescent lighting in compliance with Assembly Bill 2208, which bans the sale and distribution of fluorescent bulbs beginning January 1, 2025.

The $1.96 million project, funded through the Special Reserve Fund for Capital Projects, is expected to generate approximately $2.84 million in energy savings over 20 years. The retrofit will enhance lighting quality across all campuses, improve energy efficiency, and support optimal learning environments while minimizing disruption to school operations.

Staff presented the annual State of the District: Back to School Report, highlighting key priorities, initiatives, and progress aligned with the District’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan. The presentation focused on the five core areas: Academic Achievement, Supportive School Environments, Engaged Community, Responsible Use of Resources, and Leadership Development.

Highlights included:
  • Continued upward trends in ELA, Math, and Science proficiency, with HBCSD outperforming county and state averages. The District is implementing new frameworks in literacy and expanding professional development, with 57 days of planned training for 2025–26.
  • Refinement of Tier 2 PBIS interventions and full implementation of PBIS data systems to improve school climate and student outcomes.
  • Ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and transparency, increase parent participation in Canvas, and expand community partnerships.
  • Continued financial stewardship through reserve fund management, efficiency reviews, and upcoming facility upgrades, including HVAC and energy efficiency projects.
  • Focus on data-informed decision-making, peer collaboration, and exploration of AI integration aligned with curriculum goals.

The report also noted enrollment at 4,563 students and ongoing staffing efforts to fill critical positions and sustain leadership excellence.
Board Member Compensation and Other Benefits

The Board of Trustees approved a 5% increase in Board member compensation for November and December 2025, raising the monthly rate from $278 to $292 in accordance with Education Code §35120.

Board members also discussed Assembly Bill 1390 (AB 1390), recently passed by the Legislature, which would update compensation limits for school district and county board members based on district size. The legislation allows the District to increase compensation up to $1,200 per month beginning January 1, 2026.

The Board agreed to reconvene the discussion at a future Board meeting to review adjustments to Board compensation.
Central Kitchen Staffing Update

The Board of Trustees approved staffing adjustments in the District’s Central Kitchen to support the continued growth of freshly prepared, nutritious meals for students.

The action increases the Central Kitchen Lead position from 5.75 to 6.5 hours per day to enhance daily meal production, improve recipe execution and inventory management, and ensure continued compliance with California and USDA meal standards.

The annual fiscal impact is $61,513, fully funded through the Cafeteria Fund, with no impact on the General Fund.

Save the Dates

  • October 22, 2025 | Conference Day - Non-Student Day
  • November 10, 2025 | Professional Development Day - Non-Student Day
  • November 11, 2025 | Veterans Day - Schools and Offices Closed
  • November 18, 2025 | 6 PM | Board Meeting

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