At its May 13 public meeting, the Board of Education heard presentations on three items:

• Recommendations for Middle School Social Studies and Secondary World Language curricula
• The 2025-26 budget adoption process
• A potential new structure for Island High School

During the Staff Recommendation for Middle School Social Studies and Secondary World Language item, Shana Riehart, Language and Learning Coordinator, and two teachers on the committee discussed the committee process, adoption goals, classroom pilots, recommended curricula, and cost for a new 6th and 7th grade Social Studies curricula and 6th-12th grade World Languages.

 

The two teams are recommending TCI for the Social Studies curriculum and Reperteros for the World Language curriculum. 

This board presentation was for information only; the Board will vote on the curricula at its May 27 meeting. Families who would like to review the curricula can make an appointment to see it at the District Office.

During his presentation on the 2025-26 Budget Adoption Process, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Shariq Khan covered: the timeline for developing and approving next year’s budget; assumptions on which the budget is built (e.g., enrollment projections, projected federal, state, and local revenue, mandated retirement contributions); and staffing allocations and discretionary funding for school sites.

 

Mr. Khan will review the governor’s revised budget proposal for 2025-26 on May 27. This presentation will include proposed budgets for schools and for AUSD departments and major programs.

Director of Secondary Education Vernon Walton, Ed.D., and Island High School Principal Jorge Melgoza presented the “Island High School: Reimagining Continuing Education in Alameda Unified School District” agenda item.

 

Based on recommendations from the 2024 Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation, the Island High team is taking steps to boost attendance, build school community, and better engage families and the wider community in the school's programs.  Dr. Walton and Mr. Melgoza also discussed the work of the Redesign Committee, which is researching ways to re-structure Island High. Those ways include creating pathways for Career Technical Education, trade apprenticeships, and A-G course completion, boosting student supports on campus, and providing opportunities for project-based, hands-on learning.