The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education, at a special meeting Feb. 27, approved changes to the district's physical education staffing that will reduce the number of physical activity specialists to comply with federal program oversight requirements. .
Board members passed a resolution to reduce certain types of classified services by a 5-2 vote. In this case, the company would eliminate 6.75 full-time equivalent physical activity specialist positions, or 9 employees. Another part of the resolution, the elimination of the media services coordinator position held by Bill Wishart, was initially separated as a standalone measure and deferred for consideration until the board's regular meeting scheduled for Thursday. , district staff said Tuesday the board would not act. Proceed with the item. Board members Maria Leon Vazquez and Alicia Mignano voted against the physical activity experts' resolution.
Deputy District Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly explained why this resolution was presented to the board and stated that during the last comprehensive review of the federal program in which the district receives title funds, the district will change its elementary education policy. He said he was notified of the violation. This is because physical education (PE) programs are not run by certified teachers in the field.
The California Department of Education's Federal Program Oversight Report for the 2023-24 school year, dated September 29, 2023, states that after reviewing teacher qualifications, staff interviews, and observing physical education classes at McKinley Elementary School, “individuals are ” offered no educational qualifications or training specific to physical education or developmentally appropriate activities for elementary school students. ”
To correct this failure, districts would need to hire physical education teachers with single-subject certifications or authorize elementary school teachers to teach physical education to their own students, and district officials recommend the former option. ing. Mr Kelly said this was a “difficult” decision, recognizing that experts had been running the PE program for several years.
“We recognize and appreciate the dedication of our (physical activity specialists),” Kelly said. “We need to comply with the program. This is a directive from the state and the government continues to monitor us.”
For the 2024-25 school year, the district plans to fill five elementary school physical education vacancies and hire seven physical activity specialists to assist with implementation, with hiring plans still in development. . District officials said this will impact all elementary school facilities in some way. Kelly said the district does not anticipate reducing physical education time at the elementary level because that time coincides with teachers preparing in the classroom for about 125 minutes a week. It pointed out.
Thursday's board meeting agenda includes a notice of recommendation not to rehire classified employees for the 2024-25 school year, a required communication step in the classified termination process. . However, district officials told the Daily Press that each employee has met or plans to meet with the district's human resources committee to discuss other future opportunities. Kelly mentioned the paraeducator 3 position as a potential role because it is in the same salary range as a physical activity specialist.
Board member John Keene said he values his employees and asked Kelly about pursuing a single-subject PE certification as a specialist or taking a different path within the district. Kelly responded by saying the district does not have the authority to issue certifications and that professionals must enroll in a certification program through the Los Angeles County Department of Education or attend classes at a local university. Ta. The certification, which can be earned through a bachelor's degree and an additional five years of study in a certification program, provides affected employees with options and contacts on how to plan their certification process, Kelly added.
Fabian Leon Reyes, a physical activity expert at Edison Language Academy, said in public comment that he was “surprised” by the resolution, citing the lack of communication with local stakeholders about the cuts. I had doubts.
“I don't know what type of program we're going to run if (the board) decides to fire (us), but I'm not sure what type of program we'll be running (in the Los Angeles Unified School District) without a coach. I've worked at…If you guys are so concerned about what kind of programs we run here as physical activity professionals, why are you firing us? Is that so?'' Reyes said.
Several members of the Edison Parent Teacher Association, including president Kimberly Barholomew, said the physical education profession is not “plug and play,” and that physical education itself is necessary for its social-emotional learning benefits. Supported by experts. Edison PTA Treasurer Heidi Vega Aimonetti also supported her, stating that having a bilingual coach is important to her athletic program.
Many of the public comments also supported Wishart and his contributions to the district, including his role leading Samohi's student group Running with Speakers, which handles technology for school events. Ta. Several members of the “Running with Speakers” club said they were inspired by both Wishart's technical advice and creating a safe and inclusive environment. Mr. Wishart himself took to the stage during public comment and stated that he was touched by his support and that his position is valuable to SMMUSD regarding the increasing demand for online event streaming.
“(Running With Speakers) has saved the district thousands of dollars thanks to the hard work of Samohi students…It has been my privilege to work with and teach these wonderful young people. …I don't plan to stay in the district forever, and neither does anyone, but I want to facilitate the transition for the students in my care and help them gain real-world, work-based experience in a supportive and fun environment. We want to continue to have the opportunity to continue,” Wishart said, as the group in the room erupted in applause. after his statement.
Thursday's board meeting also discussed approval of an employment agreement between the district and the assistant superintendent for educational services, which will see district evaluation director Dr. Stacey Williamson officially transferred to the position. The board will also read several resolutions, including recognizing March as Women's History Month, National Intermediate Education Month and School Arts and Music Month.
thomas@smdp.com