October 13 Board Meeting Highlights

Dwyer Middle School principal Mr. Dave Okamoto presented a report on the school’s balanced approach to technology in teaching and learning, built around the message “Technology is the tool, teachers teach.” The presentation tied this work to the HBCSD Learner Profile and the school’s “Better Each Day” focus. It also shared September data showing that Dwyer’s 834 students averaged 113 minutes of daily screen time on district-issued Chromebooks, about 36 percent of instructional minutes. Classroom examples included sixth graders capturing images of their own cheek cells with digital microscopes, STEM students coding robots and flying drones, and eighth graders using Google Maps to tell distance from displacement. One class also participated in “Thoughtful Thursdays,” which pairs online reflection with handwritten notes of kindness. Students shared that tools such as DeltaMath, ALEKS, and Edpuzzle help them work through problems and learn more efficiently.

Superintendent Dr. Winston and District leadership presented the annual State of the District report under the 2026-27 theme “Grounded & Growing,” Marking the final year of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and the start of work on the next one. The presentation reviewed the district’s five focus areas, which are expected to carry into the next plan, and this year’s priority goals. Those goals include an AI Working Group, math critical concepts, implementation of the Standard Reunification Method, family involvement, and strengthening the district’s financial position.

As of September 28, HBCSD enrolled 2,690 elementary and 1,626 middle school students, plus 120 preschoolers. Enrollment was down about 127 students from last year, which is close to projections and consistent with the decline across Orange County. Preschool enrollment grew by 40 students.

Spring 2026 CAASPP results showed HBCSD continuing to outperform county and state averages. In English Language Arts, 70.7 percent of students met or exceeded standards, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students gained 9.5 points over five years. In math, 64.3 percent met or exceeded standards, up 3.2 points over five years. Standout gains included 13.1 points in eighth grade math and 9.3 points for socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Science proficiency held steady at 57.6 percent, with eighth grade up 4.6 points from last year. Reclassified English learners continued to outperform the district overall. Staff identified English learners and students with disabilities in math as areas needing more attention. The district’s 2026-27 instructional plans include critical concepts in literacy and math, the Science of Reading, argumentative writing, and support for long-term English learners, backed by 74 days of professional learning.

To support safe, supportive schools, the district will focus this year on identifying the root causes of classroom behavior challenges and strengthening Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The district piloted the Standard Reunification Method, a process for safely reuniting students with families after an emergency, at Smith Elementary last spring and is rolling it out districtwide. Site investigations for the Facilities Master Plan are complete, and work continues on a prioritized roadmap for each site’s long-term needs.

To engage the community, the district plans to build a shared definition of family involvement and baseline participation data. It also launched a community-wide survey to begin developing the 2027-2032 Strategic Plan. Focus groups will follow, and the plan will come to the Board for input and approval in the spring.

On the fiscal side, staff reported that the district:

Summer projects included HVAC installation at Dwyer Middle and Smith Elementary, asphalt replacement at Hawes, Eader, and the shared transportation facility, and districtwide turf and irrigation repairs.

Human Resources welcomed 40 new employees, including 10 teachers and eight management staff. It also added 41 substitutes. Leadership development will center on data-informed decision-making through coaching and professional learning communities. That work included Evolve leadership training for more than 100 student leaders from Dwyer and Sowers.

The Board approved the renewal of Kinetic Academy Charter School, a K–8 charter school that has served families in our community since 2016. The renewal grants a five-year term, running from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2032.

Kinetic Academy submitted its renewal petition this summer, requesting a seven-year term. The approval came after a thorough review process that gave the community two opportunities to weigh in. That process included two public hearings, a published staff report of findings and recommendations, and presentations to the Board from both District and Kinetic Academy staff. Following that review, District staff recommended a five-year term, which the Board adopted.

The Board also approved several next steps for the District’s new Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Building. This facility will support the teams who keep our schools safe, clean, and running smoothly every day.

The project is currently in preconstruction while City approvals continue. To keep it moving, the Board approved the following:

The architectural and engineering work will be funded through the District’s Special Reserve Fund for Capital Projects, which is set aside specifically for facilities projects. The Board will receive construction details, the final project cost, and the construction schedule for approval once City approvals are complete.

Together, these actions reflect the District’s focus on Responsible Use of Resources: planning carefully, investing wisely, and keeping the community informed every step of the way.