by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Claremont Unified School District’s Board of Education directed staff to draft a proposed new academic calendar for a mid-August start date and heard an update to its local control accountability plan at its April 17 meeting.

Debate continues on moving first day of school

The board heard the results of a March survey of seventh to 12th grade students, staff, and parents on their preferences regarding a proposed start date shift from the last Wednesday in August to mid-August. Of the 3,706 responses, 1,634 were in support of the shift, 1,464 were not, and 608 had no preference.

Supporters of the change cite better syncopation with colleges, college course enrollment, and summer internship application periods, having the first semester end before winter break, and  increased Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate course instruction time.

Arguments against include a shorter summer recess in the transition year and logistical hurdles for elementary school families. During public comment, Sycamore Elementary teacher Lydia Hernandez said teachers and students would see increased time in classrooms during the hottest month of the year, adding to overall stress.

“I respectfully request that we pause, do a little bit more outreach about the very real concerns of elementary school [staff and students] before kind of moving swiftly on this item because I feel like it’s really being underplayed,” Hernandez said.

The board directed CUSD staff to draft academic calendars for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 with mid-August start dates and present them at the May 1 meeting.

LCAP update

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Julie Olesniewicz delivered an update to the district’s 2024-27 local control accountability plan, a component of the local control funding formula, which outlines annual goals for students in the district.

CUSD gave its you are the commitment award to Scott Turner, center, executive director of East San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area, at its April 17 meeting. From left to right are student board member Eli George, board Vice President Richard O’Neill, President Kathryn Dunn, member Kathy Archer, Turner, Superintendent Jim Elsasser, member Cheryl Fiello, and Clerk Alex McDonald. Photo/courtesy of CUSD

Olesniewicz reported results from recent surveys of CUSD students, staff and educational partners, which received 6,494 responses:

• Of the 1,229 fourth through sixth-grade students surveyed, 83% said they enjoyed attending school; 17% disagreed. They noted fatigue, campus safety, and cleanliness as areas of concern.
• Of the 2,925 seventh through 12^th grade students who responded, 88% agreed they are receiving strong academic instruction and 12% disagreed. Concerns including bullying, campus safety, cell phone access, and the quality of school lunches.
• Of the 306 staff respondents, 92% agreed they felt a sense of belonging at CUSD and 8% disagreed. Eighty percent of respondents agreed with the statement, “CUSD makes decisions based on the needs of our students,” with 20% disagreeing. Concerns included additional preparation time during the workday and better Wi-Fi.
• Concerns raised by 2,031 parents and community members included school campuses being too easily accessible, bullying, more communication needed from CUSD, and added academic support needed in and outside school. Some 89% said they felt campuses were safe, that schools respond to parent inquires in a timely fashion, and that their child is able to get help when needed at school, and 11% disagreed; and 83% agreed CUSD addresses bullying, 17% disagreed.

CUSD staff will revise the LCAP with the new data and post an updated draft by May 23 at cusd.claremont.edu/page/lcff-lcap. An updated LCAP presentation and public hearing is set for June 19.

Honorees

The board honored Scott Turner, executive director of the East San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area, which includes CUSD, with its You are the Commitment award.

“Tonight, we honor what Dr. Turner has achieved and the profound and lasting difference he has made in our district and beyond,” CUSD Superintendent Jim Elsasser said. “Scott, your work inspires all of us to serve with purpose and compassion.”

The board also recognized district volunteers of the year: Julie Bernard of Chaparral Elementary; Paula Moreno, Condit; Ivoire White, Mountain View; Erin Muir, Oakmont; Katie Wheatley, Sumner Danbury; Jessica MacLachlan, Sycamore; Kevin O’Reilly, Vista del Valle; Valarie Jimenez, El Roble Intermediate; Sandy Lopez, CHS; Marisela Zuniga, San Antonio High; and Darlene Berg and Gloria Clark for CUSD as a whole.

The next CUSD Board of Education meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at 170 W. San Jose Ave., Claremont.