GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Unified High School District Board of Trustees held its regular meeting Nov. 20, highlighting a series of student achievements, safety updates and results from district-wide assessments.

Trustees celebrated a productive season across the district with brief presentations from student board members representing each of the three high schools reporting updates in academics, athletics and community engagement. The board also received updates on state assessment 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores presented by Educational Services Director Linda DeWilde.

Students district-wide English language arts (ELA) scores rose from 53.42% to 64.29% of students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards, with notable gains among Hispanic, White and multi-racial students. Math scores showed modest improvement and science scores exceeded state averages, with strong gains among multi-racial and disadvantaged student groups.

DeWilde highlighted that there are several targeted interventions aimed at helping students who are struggling in specific subject areas, including after-school tutoring, summer programs and specialized support for English learners, students with disabilities and students experiencing homelessness.

Trustee Dennis Richardson, who represents Area 2, followed up with questions about how the district supports disadvantaged students, particularly those facing homelessness. Richardson also asked how the district accounts for transportation needs and conducts home outreach to ensure students live in safe conditions.

Superintendent Anna Trunnell said that measures are already in place to address students’ living situations.

“Beyond anything, we can make sure that they have the ability to take care of themselves, that they’re fed and clothed and that they have a roof over their head,” Trunnell said, adding that the absence of those essentials can hinder a student’s ability to focus and learn. Trunnell noted that this is also why the district provides free meals during the school day.

Trunnell also voiced her support for continued professional development to help teachers strengthen instructional strategies and close achievement gaps. She then shifted to safety updates, explaining that schools have conducted regular emergency drills, including the Great ShakeOut earthquake exercise, and implemented Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (ALICE) training to prepare staff and students for emergencies such as an active shooter incident.

Trunell reported that the district has been working with city and county partners to coordinate preparedness efforts and improve public communication about safety protocols, including proper e-bike and scooter use among youth.

In addition to academic and safety updates, the board recognized community and staff contributions. Athletic coaching trainings, bus safety week and monthly new employee orientations were highlighted as successful initiatives supporting students and staff.

The next Galt Unified High School District Board of Trustees, which will be the board’s annual organization, will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Galt City Hall, 380 Civic Drive.