Board Meeting Highlights
Jefferson Union High School District
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
JUHSD Board of Trustees
Rosie Tejada
Board President
Serves through 2022
Andrew Lie
Vice President
Serves through 2024
Kalimah Salahuddin
Clerk
Serves through 2024
Carla Ng-Garrett
Serves through 2022
Nick Occhipinti
Serves through 2022
Board Communications
President Tejada is honored to be a product of this community as a graduate of Jefferson High School, along with her children attending JUHSD schools. Though JUHSD is the lowest funded high school district in San Mateo County, she is very pleased with strides made by the District to support students and staff.
Vice President Lie is extremely grateful for Union President Monica Casey's work with connecting all facets of the District, including the level of teamwork displayed during recent union negations. He also thanked the entire District for their support of upcoming projects slated to support staff retainment.
Clerk Salahuddin thanked Union President Monica Casey for her support of the District and helping with many food distributions hosted by JUHSD and community agencies throughout the years. She thanked the District for helping her children, as graduates of JUHSD, become the successful adults they are today.
Trustee Ng-Garrett is praying for those in Ukraine and hoping for a peaceful end to this conflict in Europe. She acknowledged March as Women's History Month and that it's nice to feel valued and appreciated. She appreciates the women in this District and community who make daily scarifies for their families and others.
Trustee Occhipinti is proud to see local students using their voices to speak out in support issues important to them. He thanked the youth of this community for their involvement with local activism, including environmental and climate justice. He mentioned that sustainable conversations in both the community and country must start with honest discussion and dialogue.
Superintendent Report
She attended this past Monday's Student Advisory Meeting and enjoyed productive conversations had with the student trustees.
On February 28th, the California Department of Public Health loosened this guidance for mask-wearing in schools saying that it was necessary only in specified high-risk settings effective March 12th. As a district, we will continue encouraging students and staff to wear masks while at their sites as we know this, along with receiving vaccines and boosters, greatly reduces the spread of a disease.
At the March 15th Board Meeting, the District will discuss their updated mask policies and how it connects to guidance from both the county and the state. Communication regarding this matter will be sent to families and staff after a decision has been made by the District. Until then, students and staff are to wear masks while on campus.
AFT 1481 Report
She shared the importance of leaders being able to have difficult conversations and discussions through honesty and trust.
She recognized March as Women's History Month and validating the importance of women in leadership roles. Though she is union president, she represents the entire union and concerns brought to her by District staff.
Student of the Month, Justin Bergado
Westmoor High is proud to honor 12th grader Justin Bergado as the District’s Student of the Month for February!
During his past four years of being a Westmoor Ram, it’s easy to see that Justin is more than just a 4.0 student and has been involved with the school’s Student Government program working with the Associated Student Body Social Media Manager and as Historian; it’s easy to see that he is a true team player. Justin is friendly, kind, polite, truly wise beyond his years, puts others before himself, and respected by school staff and his peers alike.
Justin’s Student Government advisor and school’s activities director, Mr. Michael Simon had this to say about him. “Justin Bergado is the consummate learner who is curious about everything in Leadership. He loves to explore and hear different ideas and has led so many of our emerging leaders during this school year. There are not enough words to express his impact within Westmoor’s Student Government program.”
Ms. Luisa Conroy, Justin’s Spanish teacher, echoed the sentiments of Mr. Simon. “Justin was in my Spanish 1, and now Spanish 3 class, and is an outstanding student. He was eager to learn and complete all of his assignments. He was always kind, polite, and sweet to the entire class. Justin always puts his efforts into any activity presented in class and makes the best of any situation. Academically, he is outstanding. As a humble human being, he’s even more outstanding. Justin truly is one-of-a-kind.”
After graduating from Westmoor this May, Justin plans to become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), along with joining the National Guard. From there, he plans to continue his education in medicine at the University of St. Thomas in Houston with the end goal of helping shape society into a better place in which to live.
As mentioned earlier, Justin is wise beyond his years. During the course of his high school career, he has not been afraid to politely share his advice with his peers. From finding discipline through God and giving up vices that only hinder you from moving forward, to being an earnest and honest person with yourself and those around you, his perils of wisdom are nothing short of poignant and powerful.
Westmoor High School is very fortunate to have a student of Justin’s caliber walking the campus halls. His positive and can-do attitude will take him far and we look forward to watching this young man making a true difference in the world around us. Congratulations to Justin Bergado, the District’s Student of the Month for February.
Proud Principal
Board Approved
Family Support
Students Share Out
During the start of each board meeting, it's always a treat to hear our Student Trustees eloquently share site updates and concerns with the school Board of Trustees and Executive Cabinet.
Trustee Mustafa Abuzahriyeh, Westmoor High School, was present during this meeting and commended fellow Westmoor peer, Justin Bergado, for being selected at the District's Student of the Month.
Student Trustee Katalina Huazano, Terra Nova High School, though not present at the meeting, shared through President Tejada that members from the junior class is selling spring formal tickets for a dance on March 4th. Beyond the Bomb, a club on campus, will host a rally in support of the conflict in Ukraine that will take place this Friday. The school's Women's Efficacy Club are taking nominations to select a female student and staff member to represent Women's History Month.
At the next board meeting, our District Student Trustees will have the opportunity to present on events taking place at their school sites.
Educational Staff Housing Presentation
Austin Worden, District Director of Communication and Staff Housing, gave a presentation on the District's impressive Educational Staff Housing building at 705 Serramonte Boulevard and its opening of doors to staff this coming May. Click HERE to learn more about the current progress of the District's endeavor to provide affordable staff housing.
Adjournment in Remembrance
The adjournment of tonight's meeting is in honor of Lillian Lenci.
Lillian Lenci was hired on February 6, 1974. During her 17 years with JUHSD, she served as a Library Aide, Library AV Clerk, and Library Tech Assistant at Jefferson and Westmoor High Schools until her retirement in 1991.
Ms. Lenci passed away on January 28, 2022 at 95 years old. Lillian is predeceased by her husband and eldest son. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
The Jefferson Union High School District Board of Trustees send their condolences to Ms. Lenci's family, friends, and host of loved ones.
Additional Information and Upcoming Board Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Public session begins at 7:00 pm (unless otherwise noted) on the JUHSD YouTube channel and in person at the District Office.
Jefferson Union High School District
Email: communication@jeffersonunion.net
Website: www.juhsd.net
Location: 699 Serramonte Boulevard, Daly City, CA, USA
Phone: 650-550-7900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JUHSD1/
Twitter: @juhsd1