February 17, 2023

Board Briefs and Updates, Feb 17   
February 17, 2023    

Dear FCUSD Community: Please read today’s Board Briefs and Updates.

Black History Month Recognition, Northern California Buffalo Soldiers

In honor of Black History Month, FCUSD welcomed the Northern California Buffalo Soldiers 10th Cavalry, Company G of Northern California living history group to join us at last night’s Board meeting. Their participation included posting the colors and leading the flag salute. The Board and Superintendent presented the group with a special recognition, thanking them for keeping history alive for our students and community by telling the story of the Buffalo Soldiers' significant contributions to American History.  

We would also like to recognize our very own Gerald Worley, from Kinney High School, who is a lifetime member of the NorCal Buffalo Soldiers and a descendant of one of the original Buffalo Soldiers, Mr. Moses Lucas. Trooper Worley brought the Buffalo Soldiers presentation to Kinney High School where students learned about their rich history and left with the inspiration to pursue both educational and personal goals. 

Visit our Twitter post here to see a picture. Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers by visiting their website HERE.

FCUSD spring Vital Signs data report

Staff presented an update to the Board on programs and strategies to increase student access to learning. Areas of focus included:

•  Attendance, which has improved overall*
• Chronic absenteeism, which has decreased*
• Discipline and student behavior
• Student suspensions have decreased*
• Grades, graduation, and A-G completion rates*
• Restorative practices

 To see staff’s presentation, please click HERE*

*When looking at the data there continues to be disproportionality amongst student groups. FCUSD is committed to providing support, staff, and programs so each and every student will thrive, and school communities will flourish.

Current programs supporting access and achievement for Rancho Cordova students

Community organizations in Rancho Cordova schools have contributed positively to students by providing programs that focus on leadership, life skills, college and career guidance, and positive role models for students. Organizations that currently work with students in our schools include:

• Earth Mama Healing supports African American/Black females ages 12-19
• Improve Your Tomorrow supports African American/Black males  
• Folsom Cordova Community Partnership (FCCP) Restorative Youth Justice Grant and Youth Diversion Program 

Staff shared an update on current programs and provided information for the Sacramento community based 1300 Campaign which is a targeted policy campaign to close the college achievement gap for Young Men of Color (YMOC) in Sacramento county. FCUSD will examine a future partnership with the 1300 Campaign.  

The staff’s presentation can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Update to Board Meetings and teleconferencing

Assembly Bill (AB) 2449 now has relaxed teleconferencing rules when a member of the Board needs to attend a meeting remotely based on emergency circumstances or just cause. Attached, please find a helpful chart to compare guidelines from AB 2449, AB 361, and the Brown Act. Please note that members of the public may continue to participate virtually and in person under AB 2449. 

Folsom High wins the county AcaDeca competition!

Congratulations to Folsom High School (FHS) for winning the Sacramento Academic Decathlon! See the press release and photo of the students HERE. 

The FHS team will advance to the state competition next month. We are also proud to congratulate Vista del Lago’s AcaDeca team for winning 3rd place. We are #FCUSDproud of our schools!

Student voice, SAB newsletter

The Student Advisory Board (SAB) is a leadership group comprised of middle and high school students from schools across the District and serves as a liaison between students and the Board of Education. 

Attached is their newsletter for January/February. Please take a moment to read and learn about students' current projects and discussions. You may also visit their website for more information: www.fcusd.org/SAB