Board Recognitions
Board Recognizes National Women’s History Month with Resolution and Presentation
During the month of March, Natomas Unified School District is celebrating Women’s History Month. The Board of Trustees approved a resolution encouraging schools to acknowledge the month with activities and lessons to increase the knowledge and understanding of the contributions of women to our society. During the celebration portion of the meeting, there were special mentions of women who inspire us including mothers, sisters, Trustees, and district staff. There was also a spotlight on our future women leaders at our high schools. These future leaders are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries with the help of Career Technical Education Pathways. Take a look at the video shown here.
Donations from Community Partners
A huge thank you to The Jackson Laboratory for donating $5,000 to Joey’s Food Locker and Lozano Smith, LLP for donating $1,500 for the Every Student Succeeding Event. The Board approved these donations among several other partner donations.
Student Achievement
Board Report on Supporting Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Literacy Practices
In the last two years, NUSD has been focused on creating a cohesive, aligned, and comprehensive Literacy Plan to support all of our students in improving their writing skills and building literacy through writing. Staff has implemented a literacy plan integrated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The March 8 Board report provided Trustees with an update on the implementation, monitoring, and adjustments made to the plan based on identified student needs and stakeholder input. To review the report, click here.
Approval of Extension of American Lakes School Supplemental Student Supports
To provide American Lakes School with additional support to help the school community, the Board approved extending five positions and actions for two additional fiscal years. Those positions include a VAPA/Industrial Tech Teacher, a Social Worker, a Lead Instructional Assistant, a Teacher of Special Assignment (TOSA), and a Behavior Support Assistant. In addition, the site will be allocated an additional $10,000 in one-time funds per year to support the school’s climate and culture through the Principal’s Advisory Council.
Budget and Transportation
Board Approves 2022-2023 Second Interim Report and Positive Certification
School district governing boards are required to certify twice a year regarding the district’s ability to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the current fiscal year and two subsequent fiscal years. These certifications are known as interim Reports. The Second Interim Report for 2022-23 shows the financial condition of the District as of January 31, 2023. The projection supports that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent years, and our financial condition is positive. The Board approved the Second Interim Report for 2022-23.
Approval of NUSD Transportation Plan
The Board approved a Transportation Plan that expands transportation to include students from across the district who choose to attend Heredia-Arriaga School, our new Dual Immersion School that will open in the fall of 2023, and students residing in the Vista Nueva Housing development. It was also noted in the plan that while NUSD will receive $1.4 million dollars as part of the state’s new transportation funding, this money does not provide funding for services above and beyond the current level and those already planned. It will help to offset the additional dollars that the district has been spending to provide transportation services to our families.
Facilities Update
Board Approves Architect Agreement to Renovate the Track and Field at Natomas Middle School
The existing synthetic track and field at Natomas Middle School is over 15 years old. The typical life expectancy for synthetic track and fields is 10 years. The Board approved an architectural agreement in the amount of $170,840 to plan for the replacement and renovation of the track and field that is highly used by the public. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer.
Board Approves Agreement with Architect to Design Shade Structures at Bannon Creek, Heron, Natomas Park, and Two Rivers
In preparation for the district’s new LEAP Academy, an afterschool program, that will be housed at our elementary and K-8 schools beginning in the fall, the Board approved the Installation of shade structures at Bannon Creek, Heron, Natomas Park, and Two Rivers Schools to offer additional outdoor learning and engagement spaces. LEAP Academy is funded through the new state Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. The shades will be funded from that source of funding and it is anticipated that the shade structures will be installed this summer. The cost is $71,360.
Contract Approved for New Fencing for Baseball and Softball Fields at Leroy Greene
The Board approved improvements to the Leroy Greene Academy softball field that will include the installation of six-foot fencing along both baselines and outfield fencing to the softball field to create high school-level sports fields and provide a safer experience for spectators. Currently, LGA does not have any base or outfield fencing, and the baseball fencing is only four feet high. The work has been quoted in the amount of $63,710.
Visit the NUSD Newsroom Hub for Past and Current Board Highlights
Beginning with February 8, 2023, Board Highlights, all past and current Board Highlights will be easily retrievable at the new NUSD Newsroom Hub, located on the district website at www.natomasunified.org. You will also have access to feature stories, newsletters, video gallery, Weekly Wrap-Ups, and a collection of podcasts.
