GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Joint Union Elementary School District board met Nov. 19 for a packed agenda that featured student performances, academic updates and news of major grant funding.

The meeting opened with holiday music by students from Marengo Ranch and River Oaks elementary schools, followed by routine announcements and public comment. Speakers addressed library book access, student content concerns and district policy implementation before the board moved into reports.

Director of curriculum Stephanie Simonich presented beginning-of-year data from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and i-Ready assessments, reporting that several grade levels across multiple schools have already met or exceeded their winter growth targets.

Administrators from each school noted strong improvement in reading and ongoing intervention efforts designed to support struggling students. Simonich also reported to the board that the district has reviewed its latest state assessment results, which showed 2% growth in both English language arts and math compared to last year.

Next, Superintendent Lois Yount announced two major grants including a $100,000 Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, paired with a $200,000 district match already met through staffing and program costs, that will support the growth of the agriculture science pathway. A separate $500,000 federal COPS School Violence Prevention Program award will be used over the next three years to upgrade campus safety, including classroom door hardware and security cameras.

Board members also heard updates on the new four-classroom building at Valley Oaks Elementary. A ribbon cutting was held Dec. 2, with students expected to move into the new space before winter break.

McCaffrey Middle School reported the launch of its new wrestling program, and several campuses highlighted family literacy nights and student award ceremonies.

The meeting concluded with brief reports on city-school collaboration, including updates on the new city ordinance regulating electric bike and scooter use, which Yount noted has already reduced safety issues near campuses.