BUSD News
Update
January 14, 2023
Board Meeting Recap
The Board of Education and Superintendent held a Special Board Meeting on January 11, 2023. At the meeting, Dr. Drati thanked the board for agreeing to an additional meeting prior to our regularly scheduled board meeting on January 19th. He stated that there is a direct correlation between successful districts and high functioning governance teams that represent the electorate. Boards are political systems and like any political system, it can get messy. If managed and governed properly, it can be a powerful democratic force in supporting students reach their potential for learning.
Establishing a high functioning governance team does not happen by accident. It must be cultivated on a consistent and strategic basis. There are several methods in which a board of education conducts its business in front of the public as indicated below:
A General Study Session is used to inform the board about an important topic when no official decision is to be taken by the board. Examples of topics may include student achievement, facilities, student discipline, instructional issues and many more. These items tend to be somewhat lengthy in content and different formats will be used.
A General Discussion is used with items that could lead to a future action item. The superintendent will often ask for direction from the board regarding the topic. Then, at a later meeting, the item would be converted into an action item. This is similar to a first and second reading.
A General Action Item is used to provide background information, leading the board to make a decision in the form of a vote.
An Action Item on Consent is an item that is routine in nature and one that has already been deliberated or action items that has been pre-approved through the budget adoption process.
A Board Retreat is a general discussion Item where the school board collaborates and discusses how to best improve in it’s function as a board. The Board of Education and Superintendent will participate throughout the year in a series of four retreats that will address High Performing Governance Teams, including:
- Best Practices of Governance Teams
- Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Superintendent
- Superintendent’s Performance Targets
- Agenda Planning
- 2022-23 Board Agenda Planning Calendar
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Welcome to Dr. Kaylie M. Gómez - New Assistant Principal
Kaylie Gómez joins Bellflower Unified School District as the new Assistant Principal of Stephen Foster and Washington Elementary Schools! She has over a decade of experience as an educator and instructional leader. Dr. Gómez began her career as an elementary school teacher in South Los Angeles after graduating from California State University, Northridge in 2011. Throughout her teaching career, she taught various grade levels in both elementary and middle school and held many teacher leadership positions including Mentor Teacher, Content Specialist, and Grade Level Lead. During her time in the classroom, Kaylie helped her students achieve significant academic growth and even had the third highest proficiency data in her organization! In addition to her Tk-8th grade experience, Dr. Gómez has served as adjunct faculty for California State University Northridge and Concordia University Irvine.
Kaylie has been dedicated to her own higher education as well, earning two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership. She prides herself in being a lifelong learner and is always willing to grow and challenge herself! Furthermore, she is an advocate for family engagement, restorative justice, culturally relevant curriculum, and trauma-informed practices. Most recently, Gómez was the Assistant Principal at a TK-8th grade school in Los Angeles, supporting her staff and community with state-wide assessments, special education, instructional coaching, and professional development. Dr. Gómez has witnessed the profound impact that leadership can have on the direction of a school and is fully committed to working with Mr. Watwood and Ms. Arroyo to build equity, achievement, community, and ultimately, futures! Gómez is thrilled to join the BUSD family and serve our community for years to come!
ExSELent Teaching
This week Keeth Matheny (Coach Rudy) returned to BUSD to provide several professional development opportunities for staff. On Monday, January 10th and Tuesday, January 11th, Coach Rudy provided SEL training for district staff. In addition Coach Rudy was able to provide demonstration lessons for staff at Bellflower Middle/High School. To date, 548 BUSD employees have attended SEL workshops with Coach Rudy. The purpose of these professional development opportunities is to use a SEL approach in providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for students throughout the District.
Holiday Reminder
We will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. School will resume on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.