Heidi Suarez - Unlawful vaccine policy has created a toxic environment.  Feels like Board has stonewalled a faction of the community.  PCHS doesn't have the legal authority to have a vaccine mandate and only CA Dept of Public Health can require these.

Ramon Suarez - Doesn't understand why Board is so adamant about mandates.  Discussed COVID cases and cited his family's natural immunity.  COVID vaccine mandates have been overturned by high courts.

Gloria Setarh - CDC has adverse events reported since vaccines where introduced in the 80's.  Cites adverse events as noted in handouts distributed to the Board.

James Malley - We are on a slippery slope.  He has been a Board member.  Wants Board to rethink vaccine mandate.  References Dr. Falcan and potentially Dr Fauci to be deposed.

Melissa Bowden - 34,000 students will be pushed back into online learning and possible 500 at PCHS.  Cites mental health issues associated with online learning.  Discussed increases in suicide rate.

Glaieul Tehrani - Pressure and anguish forced on children is not acceptable.  How does Board have the authority to separate vaccinate vs unvaccinated students.  How do we have the right to push students back into virtual learning which is segregating them from others.  States that virtual learning is sub-par.

Kyle Finch - Wants to make sure that you can still transmit the virus once vaccinated so how are we following the science.  Dr. Magee and Monica Batts - King discussed bringing community back together but we are discriminating and segregating students who are unvaccinated.

Sabine Cutrono - Here to discuss safety and freedom.  Per her son, he believes in America and freedom but doesn't believe in unconstitutional health mandates.  Discusses problems associated with not being able to have in person learning.

Tommy Cutrono - What will happen to me for fighting for my rights.  Conformity and compliance do not prepare students for adulthood.  We are executing his son's soul and school can never take away his integrity.

Grace Shain - Her son was vaccine injured.  He loved school and swim team. She is a parent who trusted science and she vaccinated her students.  Her son has a vaccine injury and is no longer able to attend school and needs ongoing support and care.

Hannah Shain - Brother was really excited to start school and has now suffered brain inflammation as a results of a vaccine injury.  Family has autoimmune diseases and therefore they are not advised to receive the vaccines.  She doesn't want to leave Pali but is doing so.

Marjan Rajabi - IT and cyper security specialist.  School requiring uploading vaccination cards are violating the health information of our students which will put us into a HIPPA violation.

Natalya Seva - She says they are the parents and Board is working because the parents brought students to the school, therefore the Board has been hired by parents.  Asked why school is forcing parents to vaccinate their children,

Mandana Hedayat - Wants us to consider why LAUSD is reconsidering the delay in vaccine mandates.  Stated that LAUSD is doing so because they cannot support virtual learning for all of their students.  Please don't delay mandate.

Eva Kardsen - Discussed events on Monday and felt that things were not communicated properly.  She feels that if communication happened clearly and in real time it would have been better.  Asked about school drills and were they being done?

Jensen Daggett - LAPD opened gates and students were told to run.  Communication has been an ongoing discussion and she didn't feel like it has been addressed.  Student reported that when Dr. Magee spoke over the loudspeaker students didn't know who she was because she isn't around.

Mary Hruska- I will not restate the voluminous scientific and legal reasons that I have already communicated to you on why your choice to impose a covid 19 vaccine mandate at Pali is a tragic, criminal mistake.  I will instead, simply address myself to those on the board who voted in favor of it:
You are on the wrong side of the law, you are on the wrong side of history, you are relying on a corrupt political narrative instead of science and you are embarking on a path that is morally bankrupt. You have the opportunity to correct your decision this evening. I suggest you take it.

Sharada LaSpisa - With increases in myocarditis cases, Japan is now labelling all Covid Vaccines with a Myocarditis warning. It is also emphasizing the importance of informed consent and bodily autonomy . If Japan can help protect their citizens right to choose so can the Pali High Board. It is time to re-think and remove the Covid Vaccine Mandate at our school.

Anonymous - My child has an IEP and is Exempt from Vaccines. Will you honor this Exemption from this EUA Covid shot and allow my child to continue In-Person learning in the Spring 2022.

Rhona Rosenblatt - Consistency and communication are key when dealing with potential threats of violence at school. Last week's rumors of an incident made it clear that students, parents and teachers do not do not have a consistent response nor a pre-described communication plan. It is essential that going forward, parents and students know what to expect in such incidents and to set expectations with parents regarding timeframes for when we will hear from the school and via what channel.. We would like to know what the plan is so that all teachers can maintain their classes in the same way and communicate consistent information to students. The school should do periodic tests of the emergency communication tool so that parents and students can practice using these tools in the absence of an incident. While it is tempting to point fingers at student reliance on social media, in the absence of other information, it is all they have. From my perspective as a psychotherapist, the "not knowing" of students and parents is what can contribute to stress and anxiety that can otherwise be managed well. We have heard about a range of responses, from students barricading themselves in classrooms, to students running off campus, to students staying at school to try to learn for the remainder of the day. Instead of telling students that they did something wrong, let's tell them what they did that is right, as they have been taught "If you see something, say something." Pali High must establish a better system for timely and clear communications, even if only to say "We are investigating a threat and your children are safe." Regarding the graffiti incident the next morning, it was disappointing to learn of this through students and to receive the very first Pali communication about this at 8 pm. A quick morning email to say "There has been a graffiti incident at our school, and the situation is under investigation" means that students aren't left to assess for themselves whether it is safe to be at school. We are deeply disappointed in our school's response, and know that Pali's administration can do better. We look forward to hearing what that will be.

Peter Garff - Hi Board of Trustees Members, my name is Peter Garff and I am the co - president of the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force at Pali High. Unfortunately because of finals I was not able to be at the meeting in person, however, would like to urge your approval for the Letter of Intent as it is the right thing for our school. However, our school is not the only organization that will be affected. By signing this LOI you set a path for other schools to follow thereby having a greater effect on the environment and on the futures of Pali's students. Thank you.

Chris Clauson reported that students are in finals so not much is going on.  Holiday spirit happened after Thanksgiving.  New Freshman class president, blood drive collecting 34 units and Kay n Daves fundraiser for Jr. Class.  They are working with Administration to address events from last week.

J Fahn reported that the school has failed them through communication regarding events of Dec. 6.  Parents wanted updates as soon as the school was made aware.  They felt shamed by the later email about allowing their students to leave campus.  She cited that other schools communicated with their parents before Pali.  Parents want assurances.

J Wells - Parents were expressing support of vaccination mandates due to new variant.

M Batts - King - heard some of the same things that Jewlz heard.  She also felt the same way as other parents.  What she heard from minority parents was that the threat was aimed toward the minority students and the lack of communication seemed to undermine them.  She also heard the check out process must be addressed.  Suggested and alphabetical check out process. Her daughter couldn't check out so she told her to just leave which was allowed by the LAPD.  The hysteria also filtered into the village once kids left school.  Discussed vaccine mandate and parents are expressing wish to maintain current timing of mandate.  Also looking for clarification for some parents about who is exempt and we need to make sure administration is made aware of anyone who might have a medical exemption vs. acceptable delays.

A Paris shouted out to classified employees who really stepped up on Dec. 6th who helped everyone with the challenges.

B King reported that Management/Administration met to collaborate on a corrective action plan.  She also extended her apologies to parents for the anxiety on Dec. 6.  In discussions, school has seen kids leaving school during fire drills.  There was also an exodus during a rappers performance on Sunset Blvd.  We also need to look at how PCHS addresses social media.  Noted need to communicate fluidly.  Reconvening the Safety Committee will also occur.

Faculty Report stands as submitted.  L Saxon expressed concern regarding the antisemitic and faculty threats associated with the graffiti.  She also suggested moving student check outs at reunificaition gate and called for better communication.

She also cited concerns re: NC.  Students are verbally citing lack of engagement in work in order to receive NC.  Being encouraged to do so by college counsellors.

A Nguyen - Stands as submitted.  New Hire is covering for someone who is out.

D Parcell - Stands as submitted.  He was asked to bring options to purchase student copiers vs. leasing contracts due to funding from ELO Grants vs. transferring costs long term to the general fund.

Bathroom issues were also discussed and lines seem to be improving.

Report reviewed and stands as submitted.  Giving Tuesday raised enough money to address Tech items 8, 9 and 10. (Docking stations, etc.)

CBO stands as submitted.

P Magee reviewed and report stands as submitted.  She noted that the Administration in real time realized the need for timely communication.  She also noted that resources are an issue and any absence can impact on how things worked.  She thanked everyone who made comments in the Google doc and these will be incorporated into an Action Plan.  She also apologized and noted that there is a corrective action plan in place.  She also noted that school is not back to normal, citing the mental health component of students.  She also reported that some of the drills were not done in order to be sensitive to the mental health of the students.  This will be addressed 1st week of 2nd semester.  She also acknowledged ASB and March for Our Lives organization for reaching out to help and to be part of the action plan.  Administration will be working with them to give them what they need as well as to address social media.  She also expressed gratitude to parents/community who reached out and want to help.  Encouraged others to participate.

B Clarke reported that committee met and voted on Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Board Liaison.

S Margiotta report that B&F met on Dec. 13, 2021 and reviewed 2021/2022 1st Interim Financial report, the Educator Effectiveness Grant (Professional Development Plan), and PermaCity Letter of Intent.  She reported that the Committee voted to approve and recommend the Educator Effectiveness Grant to the Board for approval noting that the use of these funds can be fluid and reallocated as needed if necessary to address future needs/updates.  For example, teacher PD conferences have not been completed decided upon and therefore potential changes may arise.  All potential revisions to the grant will be brought to the B&F Committee for review and approval.  The Committee also reviewed the transfer of the retiree benefit fund (Fund 20) to the investment account managed by our chosen wealth manager.

B King reported committee did meet and historically committee carries over members from the previous year.  Election calendar was created for 2022.  Election Committee is comprised specifically as outlined in the charter (as outlined in the Charter).  Election committee current members are interesetd in continuing but is looking for a new UTLA representive.  Noted that over the past year, committee created a new voting system using Infinite Campus to engage all stakeholders in the election process.  Encouraged parents to ensure they are registered with Infinite Campus.  Currently looking for the following Board seats:  1 Community Seat (all PCHS stakeholders), 2 parent seats (elected by parents), 1 teacher seat elected by faculty, 1 teacher seat (elected by students - 1 year term) and 1 management seat  (elected by Management and administration).

 S Margiotta that the committee met and is reviewing committee make up.  Correspondence will be sent to members who have not typically been attending to gauge future interest.  An update will be provided at the next BOT meeting.

JP discussed the Ed Fund Brokerage Account.  County Treasury is requesting a formal authorization as presented at B&F Committee 12/13/21.  There was subsequent discussions on how additional funding will be added to that account, ie. loan payments, etc.

A Paris noted Grade Appeal Committee met 5 times and changed the grades for 2 appeals.

D Williams noted that there was a lack of communication which creates a vacuum and vacuum got filled with rumors and panic.  Having fences exacerbated the issue because students couldn't get out.  Thinks there should be protocols in place so everyone understand that parents can still pick up students.  She also reported that the liability regarding spreading rumors on social media was defensive.  If we see a social media threat parents sometimes spread this information with the best interests of everyone in mind.  She feels like parents were just trying to put out a fair warning.  What she heard is that very timely communication is key even if all information is not known.  

J Fahn echos what D Williams reported.  Any information is welcome.  She noted that all everyone wants to know is that everything is ok.  She questioned need for attendance rules in the event of an emergency.

J Wells noted that his son missed 1st period and he got to school as things were "hitting the fan".   Officer did try to tell parents that this wasn't a credible threat, but parents were in a panic and didn't want to listen to the information provided by the officer.

C Clauson noted that the hysteria was surrounding students learning of the threat once on campus vs. learning about it before hand.  He agrees that real time communication was key to reducing stress.

B Clarke reported that we are in very stressful situation and it is an extremely difficult year.  Everyone is working hard to do the best that they can. Noted that the students are our legal liability during school hours and it is important to make sure they are safe.  Would like to see the ability to check out kids more quickly if a future situation similar to events of 12/6/21 occurs.

M Batts-King agrees with C Clauson but noted that many people knew the night before.  People from other schools were aware of the social media post and it was reported by LAUSD as well.  She also noted that since so many students also attend Revere Administration might want to work with Revere Administration to ensure consistent communication between the 2 schools.  She noted that teachers were also fearful.  Was full lock down mode a better way to go until searches can be done?  Kids were also in classrooms making get away plans.  Parent communication to pick up kids put everyone into a panic.  Students should not be penalized for leaving school on December 6, 2021.  D Williams clarified that there are not attendance consequences as a result of leaving on that day.  M Nance said that it felt like a lot of drama and panic.  Kids also left just because they didn't want to go to class. School has to walk a fine line between causing panic with early communication.  L Saxon noted she did go to front gate and spoke with officer and as soon as an administration opened the gate to let parents in 400 kids swarmed out.  She noted that kids don't respect authority on campus and she feels like that is coming from home.  If parents don't teach students to respect authority she cannot do her job.  Feels like there is a need to add a media literacy component to our curriculum.  She also wants to know that parents are backing the teachers vs. threatening the teacher with bullying words and putting their individual students first.  C Clauson also noted that preparedness was an issue.

J Wells discussed the graffiti incident and clarified that there were 2 students.  Teachers expressed concern that some of this was directed at teachers which was not communicated to them until later.  Would like earlier communication with as much information as possible.  M Nance was at work long before she knew what the specific graffiti said but feels like faculty should have known what the specific threats were.  Wanted to know how much teachers are supposed to take.  L Saxon echoed M Nance's comments and shared that the graffiti was concerning and feels teachers are unappreciated.  She wants to work with parents and community to support students but feels under attack.

Reviewed by P Magee and D Parcell noted that Administration will work to err on the side of caution regarding communication (over communication).  D Parcell noted that the scan for students doesn't ensure that students are being released to the appropriate individuals.  Enhanced security was discussed and always trying to find a balance between just enough support to balance costs.  He felt that the front gates helped control the parent reunification process but this will be reexamined.  He noted that LAPD officer was the individual who asked to have the gate open.  In retrospect, he noted that the officer asked to have the gate open because parents were trying to get in.  He also noted that after situation stabilized, students came back to campus.  D Magee also noted that security cameras are helping understand the events of December 6 and how they unfolded.  It was also noted that camera technology has improved and this would be helpful.

It was suggested that school run a drill as it pertains to a social media school threat with just the response team and not all students.

D Parcell discussed perimeter fencing.  Gates on sides of building and in the front have been helpful.  He noted that security team has assignments to specific gates in emergency situations.  They are assigned to open gates in the event of an emergency.  If there is an active, credible threat the gates would have been opened.

J Fahn stated that she hates the gates and feels like the school is a jail.  Had there been a serious threat on Monday, the kids couldn't get out.  Feels like they are a fire hazard and there needs to be a way to keep kids safe without jail like gate.  She has not spoken to 1 parent who likes the gates.

D Williams asked whether the Fire Dept. has come to assess the gates to ensure they are up to fire code.  Is school in compliance with city review and putting things up on campus.  Per D Parcell says that Fire Dept. said that it doesn't do those assessments.  Ingress/egress is the issue.  This needs to be explored at a higher level to ensure fire compliance.  M Batts-King feels that gates are unsafe and she feels that security isn't well trained.  She noted that the students shouldn't feel like they are locked up like animals.  Looking for alternatives.  M Nance also hates the fences and it is a source of lack of moral among faculty and students.  If we treat students like they are criminals she believes that they will behave this way.  Treating students and faculty like they are prisoners is not the way to go.  She feels that there is nothing that is in place that will prevent a school shooting.  How do we want the school to feel when there isn't an active shooter?  J Seltzer echoed what fellow Board members are saying.  Main discussion at his siblings PCHS reunion were the gates.  D Williams also hates the fences.   She is familiar with Juvenile Justice system which is working to make it feel more like a home life situation.  Would also rather have graffiti which needed to be painted over.  Taking down the fences is soemthing that needs to be put on the agenda.  If fences are removed perhaps put other safety measures in place.  The mental cost of having the fences is not worth the benefits which they may pose.  J Wells asked D Parcell clarified that fencing was put into place to control COVID.  Is there a need to have fencing to control the flow of students once COVID checks need to be done.  D Parcell noted that security/safety made a decision to add the gates but Administration has a safety budget and has discretion to use as they see fit.  D Williams asked for a safety report and stakeholder survey.  He noted that there were 3 security assessments and all reported the front of the school as an area of concern.  M Nance discussed the need to writing neutral surveys.

LA Times posted an update at approximately 6:45 pm with LAUSD Board update.  P Magee noted that LAUSD voted 7-0 to expand staff and student mandates to Charter schools but extended the mandate to 2022.  She discussed the financial impact of the our current mandate deadline.  Roughly 70% of students are currently fully vaccinated.  She noted that there is concern about their ability to provide Virtual Academy to all unvaccinated students.  There is also a financial concern (approximately) with a decrease in ADA if students opt to attend another LAUSD school.  Culver City also extended its mandate.  Because LAUSD extended their mandate our vaccination requirement will now extend to 12+.  It was noted that J Wells voted against original vaccination mandate because he was in favor of 12+.  Current rulings are ruling in support of school vaccination mandates.  It was noted that myocarditis reported in children who get COVID is worse than any potential side effect.  It was also noted that Board is not addressing this issue because of the aggressive behavior but because of the new ruling from LAUSD.  Testing is still a discussion but there is funding that is covering testing and it appears that this is not a significant expense.  Recommendation is that we should continue testing.  There was a question about whether we need to continue to test individuals who are vaccinated.  Testing at LAUSD is still under discussion.  Governor Newsom direction was discussed and his direction was to the California Dept. of Public Health to make recommendations.  CA state legislature can also add COVID vaccine to the list of mandated vaccinations.  J Fahn feels very disappointed and feels like we are going backward.  Feels like this is getting compromised for $.  J Wells noted that LAUSD didn't have infrastructure to support virtual education and PCHS does have the infrastructure.  Currently we have 110 new students for total of 220 in virtual academy.  Some students do want to stay in virtual academy and some would prefer to be back in the classroom.    There are costs associated with adding students to virtual academy as well.  In addition to virtual academy, there are an additional 500 students of whom we don't know their vaccination status.  L Saxon noted that LAUSD is our Charter authorizer and therefore we are mandated to go backwards with COVID vaccinations.  If LASUD included Charter schools in their mandate we are required to follow their directive.  D Williams noted that the vaccination status should be included with the registration documents in the fall.  Can we say that students are not able to be registered at PCHS is they have not been vaccinated.  M Batts-King agreed with J Fahn.  If LAUSD hadn't changed their mandate what had PCHS planned to do.  She also discussed parents who didn't want to get their students vaccinated but did because of the mandate.  Is that fair?  She stated that we can't be wishy washy about this decision.  D Williams noted that there is a state limit on Virtual Academy (20% of enrollment) and P Magee noted that the current enviroment is not the time to request an expansion.  She also noted that the big change would be realigining the master schedule.  Student schedules will need to change.  Costs associated with additional auxillaries with virtual academy.  It was noted that this becomes an enormous, logistically very difficult undertaking.  J Seltzer noted that we are a fiducary of the school and speaks to the financal impact.

Presentation was given by R Tenan-Snow and C Lee.

Insurance is covering cost of COVID test so there haven't been costs to the school.  Gov. is now requiring insurance to cover the cost of rapid tests at approximately $50/test.  It is believed that this will be retroactive but there is COVID testing relief monies.  COVID relief money is also covering cost of contact tracing.

Academic accountability report was reviewed.  B Clarke reported that the committee recommends that we keep NC policy through second semester so that data could be evaluated as to the effectiveness of the policy.  At that point Board could evaluate extending this NC policy moving forward.

Reviewed by JP Herrera