A focus on health and questions regarding finances greeted members of the Oakdale Joint Unified School District board as they gathered for a Monday, Feb. 12 meeting.
Prior to approving the consent items and review of reports, Oakdale Teachers Association President Omar Salinas addressed the board.
“I do want to take this opportunity to address something that’s important to our members and employees of the district,” Salinas said. “That is the definition of COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). It is important as we move forward that we try to give the employees, as a board and as a district, as close to COLA or if not more if possible.”
The OTA President expanded a bit more on the topic, noting his consistency of approaching the board in a short and positive manner.
“I just want to make sure I address it and allow you guys to understand or remind you that it is not a raise, it’s just keeping up with inflation, consumables, the price of everything,” he stated, which resulted in many of those attending the session standing to offer applause.
Of the reports offered following the approval of the listed consent items, it was the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), which provided interesting insight.
Director of State and Federal Programs, Armida Colon shared the results of the 2023 survey, which is administered in the district every two years to grades 5, 7, 9 and 11(for both OHS and East Stanislaus).
During the presentation it was shared that the results of the voluntary survey are used to: “improve school climate; close the achievement gap; encourage positive youth development and foster well-being.”
Throughout the presentation Colon shared not only findings from the survey taken in December of 2023, but also a comparison to findings from the 2021 survey.
“Our kids are still struggling. They’re still struggling a bit,” Colon said when reviewing the topic of social and emotional health.
Comparing 2021 responses to 2023, while there was a slight decline in the numbers, there is still concern.
“There’s still a high degree of sadness, a sense of hopelessness,” she added, noting “Considered suicide” percentages which ranged from 15 to 18 percent for the seventh through 11th grade group surveyed.
“This is definitely an area that is of great focus for us. We’ll continue to keep it on our radar,” Colin stated.
Other items of interest shared during the report were: school engagement; school safety and disciplinary environment and substance use, including marijuana and vaping.
Colon indicted that sharing the overall data with educational partners aids in evaluating programs and determining effectiveness; and a review of current programs and services.
Board President Tina Shatswell, disturbed by the ‘thoughts of suicide’ number, inquired if it would be helpful to communicate more often about the services provided.
“Is there a way that we could have it more present or do it more often so these kids have a constant reminder, there is help,” Shatswell asked.
Colon shared she believes they are already doing a nice job by way of communication.
“I think that information does go out in multiple ways on all of our websites,” she stated, noting often times most services are ignored until they are needed.
Superintendent of Schools Larry Mendonca contributed that OJUSD campuses at all levels have ongoing programs such as character traits and the Dude Be Nice program to partner with those mentioned by Colon.
“A lot of these things we are seeing are deep rooted,” Mendonca said. “Some environmental issues that students bring to school with them. We are always trying to provide additional supports.”
He echoed Colon’s thoughts regarding the help that is available.
“Our teachers are doing an outstanding job in terms of traits and characteristics they’re seeing,” he continued, going through the varying programs and applying appropriately to the students’ needs.
Mendonca further shared that an additional mental health clinician will be added next year to help address some of the issues.
Details from the presentation may be found on the OJUSD website.
As is customary, the meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, this time led by Magnolia Elementary students Sofia Ruiz, Isabella Sailsbery, Ade Baley and Maverick Beaver.
The next OJUSD Board meeting will be hosted Monday, March 11, 2024 at the OJUSD Tech Center. Meeting time is at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting is open to the public.
