GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Joint Union Elementary School District Board of Education received updates on nutrition, safety and its facilities, and heard extensive public comment during its March 18 meeting, with speakers focusing on concerns about potential staffing changes.

The meeting opened with student presentations, including a performance of “Yonder Come Day” by Valley Oaks Elementary Choir students led by music teacher Omar Anzaldua. The board also recognized student Lucas Plascencia, recipient of the Derivi Castellanos Architects student technology award, who was presented with an iPad for demonstrating his passion for technology in school.

Public comment centered on potential staffing changes for the 2026-27 school year, with 10 speaker cards and one online comment submitted. Parents, teachers and community members raised concerns about a proposed schedule that could require physical education and music teachers to split time across multiple campuses in lieu of hiring new staff to fill vacancies.

Although the topic was not an item on the agenda, speakers brought forth the issue based on conversations that have happened in the district and urged trustees to consider it as they prepare 

 for budget revisions, typically adopted in June.

Malia Anderson, a parent and Marengo Ranch Parent Teacher Kids Club president, said the potential reassignment of a longtime teacher would significantly affect campus culture at Marengo Ranch Elementary.

“He’s deeply involved in our school and gives a lot of his time and support to our students, and not only our students, but our staff, beyond his job description,” Anderson said. “Teachers like Mr. Jumper… are not easily replaced.”

Valley Oaks Elementary third grade teacher Christie Burnau highlighted the broader role of physical education staff at elementary schools, noting their physical educator has helped to address and resolve behavioral issues.

“It is so much more than just someone who teaches P.E. for 30 minutes a day,” she said. “Every issue she solves out there is an issue that I don’t have to solve in the classroom.”

One parent said the changes could be harmful for children with anxiety or medical needs who rely on the stability of consistent, familiar educators.

“Children who are experiencing anxiety, especially those on the spectrum, they thrive in a stable environment where they feel safe and supported with familiar people,” Becky Bryce said.

McCaffrey Middle School music teacher Arianne Aguilera, who has worked in the district since 2003, said the proposed changes could strain the music program. She noted she previously split time between elementary and middle school campuses for 12 years, but the new schedule would be more demanding.

“The schedule that they’re proposing for me for next year is a lot harder than any of my previous schedules,” Aguilera said. “I already have a minimum of 45 hours a week and that’s not counting performances… I’m not going to work more hours and give up time with my family and risk my health and stress.”

Cheri Webster said rotating educators or utilizing substitute teachers would be less effective for students’ learning.

“It would be very difficult for a rotating teacher to learn the rhythm of a school environment or each child’s uniqueness,” Webster said.

“The best solution is to just replace the teacher,” one speaker said. “Not reshuffle effective programs.”

As the board did not present or discuss the topic, Board President Katherine Harper thanked 

 speakers for sharing their perspectives. After the meeting, in response to a social media post from one of the speakers concerned about the potential loss of choir and band classes, Harper confirmed that the district will not be eliminating either program.

Following public comment, district staff presented several reports. Curriculum Director Stephanie Simonich shared winter reading assessment results from the end of the second trimester, showing gains in early literacy and progress toward end-of-year goals.

A facilities update, known as the Williams Review Report, highlighted positive inspection results at two campuses, with no deficiencies in instructional materials or building conditions. Superintendent Lois Yount said the sites received an “exceptional report,” with “exemplary conditions” observed.

The district’s food and nutrition services department also provided an update on efforts to expand scratch cooking and reduce processed foods. Food and Nutrition Supervisor Nick Svoboda emphasized food quality and listening to student feedback.

“If I wouldn’t eat it… I’m not going to feed it to your students,” Svoboda said, adding that meals must be “student approved” to be successful.

Safety updates were presented by Educational Services Director Kuljeet Nijjar, who reviewed strengthened campus access controls, emergency drills and coordination with local law enforcement. She also highlighted a monitored, anonymous tip hotline implemented at McCaffrey Middle School called WeTip, with plans to expand it districtwide, allowing community members to provide safety-related information.

Galt Police school resource officer Matthew Walters also addressed the board and cited building trust with students as a huge priority.

“Students need to see… if they see something, they can trust us and say something, and that can end a lot of things,” Walters said.

Financial updates showed the district remains fiscally stable but is facing declining enrollment and reduced revenue projections. District officials said enrollment has dropped by more than 200 students, which could affect future budgets and staffing decisions.

The board also approved routine items, including the district’s transportation plan, financial reports, infrastructure upgrades for electric bus charging stations and completion of facility improvement projects funded through grants.

The next scheduled board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at Galt City Hall, 380 Civic Drive.