Archive for the ‘Education’ Category

Special Antioch School Board meeting Wednesday to meet with superintendent search firm

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
Antioch School Board Trustees hired executive search firm McPherson & Jacobson to help find a new superintendent during their meeting on Jan. 29, 2025. Video screenshot

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to coordinate with McPherson & Jacobson, the executive search firm hired to help find a new superintendent. The company was hired out of three finalists during the board’s last regular meeting on Jan. 29, 2025, to help find a new superintendent. (See 1/29/25 agenda item 11B)

Under agenda item 2B for Wednesday’s special meeting, representatives from McPherson & Jacobson and the Board will:
• Discuss/determine the search calendar.
• Identify/review stakeholder contacts for input.
• Identify/review draft selection criteria. (See sample criteria)
• Discuss advertising costs and dates.

According to the agenda, under item 2A, after district staff attended the School Services update on the Governor’s Budget Proposal on January 21, 2025, they will present updates and discuss with the board the changes to the current year budget and budget balancing solutions for the Multi-Year Projection (MYP).

To view the agenda in its entirety, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ausd/Board.nsf/Public.

Antioch School Board hires formerly embattled ex-SF superintendent as interim on split vote

Saturday, February 1st, 2025
Antioch Unified’s new interim superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne. Source: LinkedIn

After Acting Superintendent Martinez claims board failed to communicate with him, withdrew name from consideration

Dr. Matt Wayne has doctorate in Education, two Masters degrees in English Education and Education in Public School Administration, is fluent in Spanish; contract is for 6 months at $1,500 per weekday

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting on Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025, the Antioch School Board hired the former embattled San Francisco Unified School District superintendent for the interim position. Dr. Matthew R. Wayne faced opposition from the City’s then-Mayor London Breed and the public over his school closure plan.

After returning from Closed Session during which the board took no reportable action, they heard from three executive search firms on the hiring of a permanent superintendent. They then returned to Closed session and at 4:53 p.m. Boad Chair and District 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez called the meeting back to open session. He said, “We do have a reportable action from Closed Session, the board voted in a vote of 4-1, with President Hernandez, Vice President Rocha, Trustee Colbos-Smith and Trustee Brown voting ‘yes’ and Trustee Dr. Lathan voting ‘no” to see, to appoint Matt Wayne as the interim superintendent for the Antioch Unified School District.” (See 3:54:00 mark of the meeting video)

His contract is for six months, and he will be paid $1,500 per weekday.

The board’s action followed the request by then-Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez to return to his position as the District’s Human Resources Office after Hernandez withdrew the item from their Dec. 18, 2024, board meeting agenda. The district official issued a letter to the community on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 explaining his decision:

Dear Antioch Unified School District School Community,

It has been an honor and privilege to have served the students, staff, and broader Antioch Unified School District Community as “Acting Superintendent” and Chief Human Resources Officer since May of 2024. During my tenure as “Acting Superintendent”, I was able to confirm thousands of students with their High School Diplomas, welcome back over 15,000 students to our schools and programs in the fall of 2024, and I was able to initiate and oversee the Governing Board’s selection of McPherson and Jacobson as the search firm to assist the District with finding a long-term superintendent. I have also continued to oversee and manage both the Classified and Certificated Human Resources Departments as we have strived to fill many positions in the District. One of my primary focus areas has been to ensure that all our scholars were able to attend school every day in educational environments where they are welcomed, feel safe and secure, and where they can continue to excel in their academic and developmental pursuits and grow in peace.

“In December of 2024, I strongly urged the Antioch Unified School District Governing Board to formally place me into the Interim Superintendent position for the remainder of this academic year. However, the Board chose to not formally appoint me into that position, and pulled the agenda item from the December 18, 2024, Board meeting without any formal public discussion. Since that time, after numerous attempts to communicate with the Board, with minimal returned responses, or limited direct communication from the Board members, I decided that the Antioch School Community might be better served if I were to step back into my Human Resources role alone, and away from the ‘Acting Superintendent’ position.

“The betterment of the school community and how our scholars are impacted on a daily basis has and will always be my main focus, and it is with this thought in mind that I hope that the new Interim Superintendent will have more success with communicating with the Board, receiving clear direction and goals from the Board, and in receiving input from the Board with regards to the difficult budget decisions that lay ahead. Hence, I advised the Board on January 10, 2025, that effective on February 1, 2025, I would return solely to my initial contractual position as the District’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

“On Friday, January 24, 2025, the AUSD Governing Board announced that they would be appointing Mr. Matthew Wayne as Interim Superintendent. It is anticipated that a formal contract for Mr. Wayne will be presented to the Board for review and potential approval at the January 29, 2025, Governing Board Meeting.

“Respectfully submitted, with care for students, and thoughtful consideration of all,

Dr. Robert A. Martinez,
Acting Superintendent / Chief Human Resources Officer
Antioch Unified School District”

Controversy Surrounding Wayne

According to an October 17, 2024, report by Mission Local, Wayne agreed to resign due to his controversial “school closure and consolidation plan. The long-running mishandling of this effort — culminating in Wayne releasing a list of potential school closures and transfer sites on Oct. 8 that differed from what the mayor’s office, her school stabilization team and the Board of Education anticipated he’d release — appears to have been the final straw that will curtail Wayne’s two-year tenure. He has two years remaining on his contract.”

The news report further offered, “Mayor London Breed…called for an immediate halt to the closure plan, and expressed a loss of confidence in the superintendent. That sentiment was, demonstrably, shared by the Board of Education — and parents and students at schools slated for closure.”

According to an SFGate news report, “Wayne inherited the district in a chaotic state, including troubling payroll system issues, a massive budget deficit, teacher recruitment and retention challenges, and a declining number of students. Since taking the superintendent role, Wayne has been accused of poor management, as the district’s issues have only gotten worse.”

In his message to the “SFUSD Community” on Oct. 18, 2024, Wayne wrote, “I am writing to share the difficult decision to leave the San Francisco Unified School District as of October 18, 2024. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served SFUSD and proud of all that has been accomplished during my almost two-and-a-half years leading the District.

“I am an educator first and foremost. During the last two years under my leadership, the District has established clear outcomes for student learning, implemented districtwide standards-based assessments, adopted a new literacy curriculum, expanded instructional coaching to all elementary schools, is piloting a new math curriculum, now offers Algebra in the 8th grade, and has expanded career pathway opportunities, reduced chronic absenteeism and increased early literacy rates, particularly for African-American and Pacific Islander students.

“With a new Board of Education being seated soon as well as our ongoing significant fiscal issues, I believe the time is right for new leadership in the District. From day one, every decision I have made has been to benefit the students, families, and staff of SFUSD, including this one. I appreciate the opportunity to have served this community during such challenging times.”

About Dr. Wayne

According to a San Francisco Standard news report and information from his LinkedIn profile, Wayne began his position with SFUSD in July 2022. Prior to that role he had served as superintendent of the Hayward Unified School District.

According to Transparent California, his total pay with benefits in 2019 was more than $333,000 but in 2022 it was a little over $230,000. Wayne’s total pay and benefits in 2023 was over $417,300.

According to a May 25, 2022, SFUSD press release, he worked as the HUSD superintendent for six years and, “served as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services in the district. Prior to his tenure in Hayward, Dr. Wayne was an Executive Director of Elementary Schools in SFUSD for two years.” At that time, HUSD had 18,000 students enrolled.

He “is fluent in Spanish, began as an English Language Arts teacher in 1997 at The Riis Upper School at PS 126 in New York City. In addition to serving five years as a teacher in New York City, Dr. Wayne served as an assistant principal and an elementary principal in West Contra Costa USD in San Pablo, CA before beginning his role as Executive Director in SFUSD in 2010.”

Finally, the press release shared, “Dr. Wayne earned an undergraduate degree in rhetoric and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley. He also earned a Masters of Arts in English Education and a Masters of Education in Public School Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.” He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric from U.C. Berkeley in 1995.

According to SFUSD, it “is the seventh largest school district in California, educating over 52,000 PreK-12 students every year.”

From 2011 to 2015, Wayne worked as “A lecturer in UC Berkeley’s Leadership for Educational Equity Program, supporting doctoral students in their development of their dissertation topics.”

Trustees Explain Process

When reached for comment about the appointment process of the new interim superintendent and not appointing Martinez, Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha said, “What he says is that he was on the agenda to be appointed all the way to the end of the school year. There was a change of interest which is why it was pulled. It went forward to consider other candidates, so we would have choices.”

Asked if what Martinez said about the lack of communication from the Board, Rocha responded, “That was up to the chair. It’s the chair’s responsibility to be the contact person. The chair is also the contact person for the attorney. It’s always been that way. He’s the spokesperson.”

“The attorney brought it to the chair, Antonio reviewed them and of the five candidates, we were given a couple of people to review that he brought to us before the meeting. During the review we interviewed the two candidates, and we settled on Mr. Wayne. We were supposed to see all five,” she added. “The other trustees seemed to know about the other three candidates.”

However, when reached for comment Area 4 Trustee Olga Colbos-Smith refuted that responding with, “As you know, it is inappropriate to discuss closed session. But what I can tell you is we all were given the same information to review. After reviewing all five of the candidates’ CV’s (curriculum vitaes or resumes) and interviewing Dr. Wayne, I am fully committed to my affirmative vote.”

An effort to reach Area 2 Trustee Dr. Lathan asking why she voted against Wayne was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Antioch School Board to hold special Friday afternoon meeting to discuss superintendent

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025
New Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith (Left) and Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown (Right) joined Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, Board President and Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and Board Vice President and Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha during their first meeting together on Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Hiring interim and search firm for permanent position

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch School Board has called a special meeting for Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025, to discuss two matters related to the superintendent. First, during Closed Session beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Board will discuss Public Employment of an Interim Superintendent. Then, during open session beginning at 2:30 p.m., the Board will discuss Superintendent Search Services and Goal Development Consultation Services.

According to the staff report, the District solicited proposals for search firm services for the position of District Superintendent and/or consultation services to assist the Board of Trustees with goal development. Three responsive firms selected by the Board during the December 18, 2024, Regular Board of Education meeting will present their proposals.
Education Leadership ServicesELS proposal
Leadership AssociatesLA proposal
McPherson JacobsonMJ proposal

Meeting Details

The meeting will begin and the open session will be held in the District Office Board Room, 510 G Street in Antioch’s historic downtown. It can be viewed livestream on the District’s website and on the District’s YouTube channel.

Deer Valley High Educational Foundation Dinner April 12

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025

Sponsorships available

Download the form here.

Federal judge defends teachers right to say ‘no’ to California’s gender secrecy policy

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA — In a pivotal ruling for parental rights, U.S. District Court Judge Roger T. Benitez refused to dismiss a class-action lawsuit against California’s controversial policies requiring educators to keep parents uninformed when their children express gender confusion or request to change their names and pronouns at school. The decision, handed down on January 7, 2025, denies the motions filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Department of Education to throw out the case by arguing that gender secrecy policies were “just a suggestion,” and not mandated on school districts. Now the suit can move forward toward potentially overturning the state’s ban parent notification policies with the passage of AB 1955 last year.

Teachers Not Required to Keep Secrets from Parents
In a powerful statement addressing the rights of educators, Judge Benitez clarified that teachers are under no obligation to follow policies that compel them to deceive or withhold information from parents. Judge Benitez emphasized that “teachers do not completely forfeit their First Amendment rights in exchange for public school employment.” He noted that while teachers may be required to deliver specific curricula, the government cannot force them to act unlawfully or infringe on parental rights. Benitez agreed with the plaintiffs that state policies compel them to act in ways that are “intentionally deceptive and unlawful,” violating the teachers’ First Amendment rights.

Upholding Parents’ Constitutional Rights
Judge Benitez also emphasized long-standing constitutional protections for parents in the upbringing and health decisions of their children. “Parents’ rights to make decisions concerning the care, custody, control, and medical care of their children is one of the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests that Americans enjoy,” he wrote, rebuking the state’s argument that parents have no fundamental right to be informed of their child’s gender identity at school. “However, under California state policy and EUSD policy, if a school student expresses words or actions during class that are visible signs that the child is dealing with gender incongruity or possibly gender dysphoria, teachers are ordered not to inform the parents.”

Ultimately, the judge denied the state’s efforts to dismiss the case, stating, “There are no controlling decisions that would compel this Court to limit or infringe parental rights, notwithstanding the State’s laudable goals of protecting children.”

The ruling directly challenges California’s “Parental Exclusion Policies,” which have allowed schools to hide critical gender identity information from families under the guise of student privacy. Judge Benitez concluded that parents have a constitutional right to know about their child’s gender incongruity, especially when such conditions could lead to significant mental health issues like depression or suicidal ideation.

Broad Implications for State Policy
The lawsuit is now free to move forward, and if successful, it could dismantle policies statewide that currently compel educators to bypass parents on sensitive matters concerning gender identity. This would represent a significant victory for parental rights advocates who argue that these policies infringe on the fundamental rights of families and erode trust between parents and schools.

Legal Counsel Speaks Out
Paul Jonna, Special Counsel for the Thomas More Society, Partner LiMandri & Jonna LLP, and a lead attorney on the case, hailed the decision as a milestone moment for parental rights. “We are incredibly pleased that the Court has denied all attempts to throw out our landmark challenge to California’s parental exclusion and gender secrecy regime,” Jonna said in a press release. “Judge Benitez’s order rightly highlights the sacrosanct importance of parents’ rights in our constitutional order and the First Amendment protections afforded to parents and teachers.”

Jonna emphasized the broader goal of achieving statewide relief for all parents and teachers affected by the secrecy policies, adding, “We look forward to continuing to prosecute this case against California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the other defendants, to put this issue to rest once and for all—by obtaining class-wide relief on behalf of all teachers and parents.”

Reaction from California Family Council
Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council, praised the ruling for upholding parental rights. “This decision is a critical step toward restoring the sacred bond between parents and children,” Burt stated. “When government policies force schools to keep secrets from families, they cross a dangerous line. Judge Benitez’s ruling reaffirms that parental rights are not a secondary concern but a cornerstone of our constitutional freedoms.”

A Collision of Rights
Judge Benitez also addressed the tension between a child’s right to privacy and parents’ right to be informed. While acknowledging the competing interests, he concluded, “In a collision of rights as between parents and child, the long-recognized federal constitutional rights of parents must eclipse the state rights of the child.” This statement sets a clear precedent favoring parental oversight in matters of health and education.

Looking Ahead
As Mirabelli v. Olson proceeds, the case is likely to garner increased attention, setting the stage for a broader examination of how states balance student privacy with parental rights. The outcome could redefine policies across California and potentially influence similar debates nationwide.

About California Family Council
California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

City of Antioch to hold MLK Day of Service Jan. 20

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

3 projects to choose from

Join us this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as we spend “a day on, not a day off,” encouraging all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Let’s work together to build a stronger Antioch!

This Year’s Services Include:
• Senior Day of Engagement – Antioch Senior Center | 415 W 2nd Street
• Antioch Community Park Revitalization Project | 801 James Donlon Blvd.
• Fremont Elementary School Community Project | 1413 F Street

Register to get involved at antiochca.gov/mlk-day.

Antioch High School to host Warm for the Holidays giveaway Friday, Dec. 20

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

Drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19

By Trine Gallegos

In its 9th year, Antioch High will host a giveaway on Dec. 20 for AUSD students in need. Some 200 families are helped each with 100+ AHS student volunteers who sort, set and help run the event. This is one of the school’s biggest community project. Click here for the Amazon Wish List.

Donation drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19.

This is one of the best things Antioch High does … host a holiday giveaway for our district’s students in need. If you’re an area business and want to do a drive, email TrineGallegos@antiochschools.net. Thanks in advance to all!

Antioch School Board to swear in new, re-elected members, elected new leaders Wednesday

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024
New Antioch School Board Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith, and re-elected Trustee Antonio Hernandez will take their oaths of office Wednesday night, Dec. 18, 2024. Photos from their respective campaigns.

Will discuss extending interim superintendent’s contract, hire search firm for permanent position, consider School Plans for Student Achievement, racial equity policy

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, the Antioch School Board’s new Trustees Dee Smith and Olga Cobos-Smith, who were elected in November to represent Areas 3 and 4, respectively, along with re-elected Area 1 Trustee and current Board President Antonio Hernandez, who ran unopposed, will be sworn in. In addition, the board will also elect a new president, vice president and Board Member Liaison to the Contra Costa County School Boards Association.

The oaths of office will occur at 6:00 p.m. prior to the board’s Closed Session in which they will discuss the extending Interim Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez’s contract for six months and a Tentative Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the California Schools Employee Association #85 – both of which will be voted on later during Open Session, plus legal matters, a Public Employee: Discipline/Dismissal/Release and re-entry of a student who was expelled.

New Trustees Thank Voters

In comments on Facebook, the newly elected board members announced their victories. On Nov. 25th, Brown shared a graphic with the message, “Thank you for your votes and faith in me to lead a positive change in our Antioch schools.”

She also wrote, “I am thankful to my family, campaign manager, media person, volunteers, sponsors, voters of AUSD Area 3, and everyone who encouraged me and prayed for me.

I am also thankful to my opponent, Principal Scott Bergerhouse, for his congratulatory message when he conceded his race. He has many years of education and has been there for countless families, something that I will never deem, but instead, I congratulate him for his many years of service, and the students he impacted.

Since the beginning of this process, I have told myself that slowing down and quitting is not an option. Although I knew I was not only experienced with having a seat at the table, I also deserved to be there.

For those who know me and know what I stand for and those who said she is just ‘A Mom who must have found her voice,’ I’ve always had a voice, and my voice is even louder as the mother of a beautiful daughter who is currently in TK, who will continue to excel, and reach for however many stars as she pleases.

I’m ready to work with ALL students, dedicated teachers, classified workers, school administrators, parents, and most importantly, our current Trustee Board Members.

There is a saying that says, “It takes a village.” I am honored to be part of a village that can help meet our children’s needs.

I will share more later, but for now, THANK YOU! Now, the real work begins.

~ Trustee Elect Dee Brown”

On Nov. 8 Cobos-Smith shared a screenshot of the election result and wrote simply, “Thank you Area 4 voters!!! One more tally on the 13th, but I think it’s safe to say that I will be the new trustee for area 4 on the Antioch school board.”

She already took action during last Tuesday’s city council meeting at which she spoke during public comments on the Council Committee Assignments objecting to District 3 Councilman Don Freitas being appointed to the City-School Committee instead of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. Cobos-Smith cited the violence in that council district which is affecting students in the school district. Freitas then asked to be removed from consideration and to appoint his council colleague. That was agreed to as part of the motion to approve all the appointments which was approved on a 5-0 vote by the council.

Asked why she requeste that, the newly-elected trustee said, “I had a member of the community inform me that there was a young student who was attending a school, here in Antioch, and was related to one of the young men who was killed. When that parent reached out to the principal of that school and asked if there wer any resources to help that student, nothing happened. That really concerned me. There’s been a lot of sensationalism about the violence in the Sycamore area. But there are real children who are living in these homes.”

Asked if more AUSD students living in City Council District 1 experienced more violence than other parts of the city, Cobos-Smith replied, “No. In particular, it’s the gun violence that’s been happening. All the kids have been talking about it. I have some specific goals for the school district that I want to work on.”

Interim Superintendent & Search Firm Selection

Under Action Item 11.J., the board will vote on extending the current contract for Interim Superintendent Dr. Robert Martinez through June 2025. The proposed contract for Martinez includes a base annual salary of $353,045.

Following a solicitation of proposals and receiving four, under item 12.A. the trustees will also vote to select a search firm for hiring a permanent district superintendent and/or for consultation services to assist the Board of Trustees with goal development. 

School Plans for Student Achievement

In addition, under Action Item 11.G., according to district staff, the board will vote on School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) for sites in receipt of federal categorical funding as presented.

As per District Board Policy 0420, each district school shall establish a school site council to develop, approve, and annually review and update a School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for schools that participate in state and federal categorical programs. The Board shall, at a regularly scheduled Board meeting, review and approve each school’s SPSA.

Each of the following schools participates in a federal categorical program(s) and is designated as a school-wide program (SWP). SWP schools are not required to identify specific students as eligible to participate in programming, nor are they required to ensure that Title I services are supplementary. This flexibility allows schools to maximize the impact of federal investment in support of all students that align with school and district goals outlined in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Title I-designated schools received a portion of unused funds from the previous fiscal year. This extra allocation of funds is included in the updated SPSA, which received original Board approval in June 2024. All plans for the following schools were approved by their elected School Site Councils. District staff reviewed the plans to ensure that funding is used appropriately to support student achievement as required by the California Education Code. SPSAs are included for all District schools.

Racial Equity Policy

Under Item 17.A. the trustee will consider adopting new Board Policy 0415.1 Racial Equity.

According to the staff report, “The Governing Board of the Antioch Unified School District believes that meeting the needs of all students requires a commitment to racial equity in both the learning environment and opportunities provided, focusing on equitable outcomes for all. The historical and persistent opportunity gaps between racial and ethnic groups in AUSD are unacceptable and have significant consequences, representing an unfulfilled promise to our students.

Acknowledging the complex historical and societal factors that contribute to these disparities, the Board affirms it is a moral imperative to overcome these inequities so that race is no longer a predictor of achievement, school experience, or success. To address and eliminate institutional racism, barriers to achievement, and implicit biases, the District will actively identify and work to remedy practices, policies, and institutional systems that negatively impact learning, perpetuate opportunity gaps, and limit equal access for all students.”

The Board meetings are held in the District Office Board Room at 510 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown with the Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the Open Session at 7:00 p.m. The meeting can be viewed live on the AUSD YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@AntiochUnifiedSchoolDistrict.

See the complete board meeting agenda at  https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ausd/Board.nsf/Public.