Development News for Madera, California

Madera Unified Adopts New Mathematics Textbooks for K-5

The board approved the adoption of new mathematics textbooks for kindergarten through fifth grade. The recommended curriculum is Amplify Desmos Math California, published by Amplify Education Inc., Math California Edition 2027. The adoption process involved preview opportunities for district academic coaches and staff to review the materials. The board also discussed the funding allocation for different schools, noting that Pershing Elementary's higher cost is due to its autism program and dual language strand, requiring orders in both Spanish and English. The textbooks are described as more engaging and hands-on, promoting student collaboration and problem-solving.

Board Discusses Contract Presentation Format for Enhanced Focus on Student Outcomes

During the board meeting, Trustee Salazar and Trustee Dibert raised concerns regarding the presentation of vendor contracts. Trustee Salazar suggested separating operational contracts from those directly impacting student outcomes to allow for more focused board discussions. Trustee Dibert proposed highlighting contracts related to student outcomes with an asterisk or by organizing them by type (academic, extracurricular, etc.) rather than by department. Trustee Salazar further suggested that operational contracts could be presented in a newsletter for informational purposes. CFO Garcia explained that all contracts require board approval for audit purposes and that the current departmental breakdown helps directors track their budgets and vendor evaluations. The board engaged in a discussion about how to best organize the contract information for clarity and focus, with suggestions to highlight or categorize contracts to better align with district goals and student outcomes. Ultimately, the board agreed to explore options for highlighting or categorizing contracts for future presentations.

Madera Unified Celebrates Student Excellence and Accomplishments

The school board recognized various student achievements and contributions, including student board members and representatives, Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and the Madtown Robotics Team. Student board members and representatives were commended for their leadership, service, and active participation in student voice meetings and district initiatives. CTSOs were celebrated for state, national, and world championship achievements across various programs like FFA, Skills USA, HOSA, and FCCLA. The Madtown Robotics Team 1323 was honored for winning their fourth world championship title, achieving a record of 69 wins and four losses, and receiving additional awards like the Quality Award, Autonomous Award, and Industrial Design Award. Other recognitions included the Stallion Station earning top honors at the Slick Rock Student Film Festival, students receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, and athletic teams winning CIF championships. A new initiative, the 'Madeira Minutes,' was introduced to highlight district news and achievements.

Madera Unified Community Schools Grants Show Progress in Student Support and School Climate

The Board received an annual progress report on California Community Schools (CCS) grants for Cohorts 1, 2, and 3. The report detailed the implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and positive behavior interventions, with schools showing steady progress. Intensive one-on-one interventions like RENEW were provided to 22 high school students at risk of disengagement, all of whom met their goals and remained in school. Elementary schools focused on trauma-informed care, training staff in interventions like CBITS and Bounce Back, with 14 schools delivering interventions to over 400 students. The grants have funded 39 positions across school sites, delivering social-emotional and behavior interventions to nearly 2,300 students, a 28% increase from the previous year. School climate surveys indicated improvements in students' sense of belonging, school climate, engagement, and safety across all cohorts since grant implementation. Office discipline referrals have shown a downward trend, attributed to staff providing instructional interventions rather than just punitive measures. A positive engagement recess program has also seen a reduction in playground behaviors. Parents have been engaged through nearly 1,200 workshops and trainings on social-emotional learning and mental health. The Red Pyramid grant expires next year, with plans to use carryover funds and potential ongoing state funding for community schools.