The District Board of Trustees met for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 5. The Board recognized the mental health staff at M-A, heard comments from M-A Student Trustees, and received an update on the status of collective bargaining proposals.
Recognition of M-A’s Mental Health Staff
M-A’s mental health staff received special recognition from Superintendent Crystal Leach for their ongoing efforts to aid students and staff. Principal Karl Losekoot spoke about the importance of each staff member to the M-A community, especially after the devastating losses of senior Dylan Scirpo and history teacher Sam Harris.
Losekoot specifically praised M-A facility dog Ginger, her handler Dr. Edith Bennett, Peace and Wellness Space assistant Joanna Sanchez Contreras, and PAWS director Shionda Nickerson for going above and beyond to support students.
Comments from M-A Student Trustees
M-A student trustees Tatiola Sobomehin*, Tula Basta, and Mohan Gupta spoke about M-A’s successes and possible room for improvement.
Gupta noted M-A’s stellar academic performance, including an AP exam pass rate of over 90% and having 54 National Merit Scholars in 2024, as well as increased student involvement in events like the Homecoming Dance and Canned Food Drive. Sobomehin praised student participation in sports and the recent Club Rush.
Student trustees also relayed to the Board that some areas of student life need improvement. Sobomehin explained that affinity clubs needed more support and have been meeting with administration to receive it. She also expressed concern about the safety and attendance of students who take SamTrans to get to school.
Basta requested that the District provide clarity on students’ immigration status at school.
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Proposal
Before collective bargaining can begin for the staff pay schedule in the upcoming year, each party is required to present their initial proposal. The District and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees are negotiating a follow-up agreement for the 2025-26 school year.
Audrey Taff, an AFSCME representative, explained that all articles of the agreement are up for negotiation. Taff mentioned that the aim of the AFSCME is to foster positive and trusting relationships and to achieve good standards and working conditions for the working community.
*Tatiola Sobomehin is a journalist for the M-A Chronicle
