November 3, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

School Board Struggles Over Changes in School District’s Advisory Committees:

Tim Cuneo, the Superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, recommended that some changes be made to the District’s Advisory Committees (DACs) but his recommendations were not well received by the School Board or the community.

These committees advise the School Board about different District issues. Currently, there are eight active DACs and their members include parents of students attending the school District, community members, experts/professionals, and District staff representatives.

“DACs are an important mechanism for providing information to the Board” emphasized School Board member Ben Allen at the School Board meeting on September 17. The Board then uses this information for their policy decisions. Allen also noted that the Board “relies on the DACs to provide an outside perspective” which is different than the information the Board receives from the District’s staff.

The Superintendent suggested reducing the size of the DACS from 20 members to 11 and having term limits for committee members. He also suggested having discretionary DACs which would be created by, and would report, to him. Cuneo explained to the Board he wanted to have term limits because he has had complaints from people who want to join DACs but feel unwelcome because there is not enough turnover on the committees.

District parent David Barry stated his opposition to the Superintendent’s suggestions by noting, “This is proposed because the majority of the revisions tend to limit the discretionary powers of the Board of Education by simultaneously expanding the powers of Superintendent Cuneo.” It would limit the Board’s authority to create DACs as needed because they could only create DACs as required by law.

Also opposed was Special Education Advisory Committee (SEDAC) member Claudia Landis who read a letter she wrote to the Santa Monica City Council about the proposed changes. In her opinion, the Superintendent’s suggestions would help remove current committee members that have been whistle blowers and therefore would, “weaken the committee.” She stressed that the SEDAC was the only committee with a large membership so reducing the DAC membership “would target the SEDAC” specifically.

Another SEDAC member, Chris Chandler, told the Board “term limits would reduce our collective knowledge base and understanding of District policies and goals and would hinder our ability to effectively advise the Board on the issues brought to the Board by the community.”

The Board agreed with the community and expressed their opposition to reducing the DACs size or setting term limits. They recommended to the Superintendent that he meet with the Chairs of the DACs regarding his suggestions to get their input and then come back to the Board so they can discuss the issue once again.

Board President Ralph Mechur summed up the Board’s sentiment when he said, “The issue for me has always been to make the DACs stronger and more effective.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

Santa Monica Seeks Public Input on Cannabis Equity Program

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

This Program Aims to Ensure That Individuals Affected by Past Criminalization Have Fair Access to Opportunities Santa Monica is calling...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn

Here’s Why West L.A. Stunk So Bad This Week

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Coastal Communities Were Blanketed by an Intense Smell Brought on by an Oceanic Phenomena Sarena Snider had just returned to...

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...

Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Inside, the 270-Seat Restaurant’s Interior Draws Inspiration From Greek and Egyptian Coastal Aesthetics Renowned chef Michael Mina has opened his...

Los Angeles Dodgers Win 2024 World Series in Thrilling Comeback Against Yankees

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Dodgers Claim the Championship Title With a Stunning Victory After Intense Game By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles Dodgers are...

Trailer for Luca Guadagnino’s Queer Drops, Set for Limited Release on November 27

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Based on William S. Burroughs’ Novel, the FilmBrings a Powerful Love Story to Life Not content with releasing one amazing...

Petition Launched to Stop Sale of Venice’s Friendship Baptist Church

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Congregants were recently made aware that the church property at 606 Broadway Street was listed for sale Members of Venice’s...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com @smmirrornews Home Front Build Adapts Original Vision of Architect Into Modern Structures #home #construction...

Governor Gavin Newsom Allocates $827 Million to Combat Homelessness Statewide

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

New Funding Aims To Create Housing, Expand Shelters, Enhance Support Services Governor Gavin Newsom announced $827 million in new state...

Big Blue Bus to Unveil New Dog Park with Community Celebration

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

Attendees Can Enter Their Pets in a Doggie Fall Fashion Show, With Prizes From Local Businesses The City of Santa...

At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, and personalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel....