Pandemic, critical race theory resolutions pass on split votes in Placentia-Yorba Linda school district

 

Only four of the 31 resolutions adopted by the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District's board of trustees since the beginning of last year have passed by less-than-unanimous votes.

That's because most of the resolutions related to routine, non-controversial matters, such as celebrating teacher and classified employees appreciation weeks, recognizing mental health month, approving developer fees and noting the availability of a sufficient number of textbooks.

The four resolutions adopted on 3-2 and 4-1 votes dealt with pandemic-related matters and, the latest, which was passed 3-2 on April 5, adopted the ban on teaching critical race theory.

The pandemic resolutions included a request the state health department revise guidance on face coverings, a request the governor reconsider or rescind a covid-19 mandate for students and staff and modification of the county health agency's self-isolation and quarantine orders.

The April 5 resolution, with 12 “whereas” paragraphs and four “resolve” paragraphs, states that the district “will not include critical race theory as a framework in any course offerings.”

One of the “resolves” says the state's ethnic studies model curriculum defines critical race theory “as a practice of interrogating race and racism in society” and “recognizes that race is not biologically real but is socially constructed and socially significant.”

he resolve states the model curriculum definition “acknowledges that racism is embedded within systems and institutions that replicate racial inequality – codified in law, embedded in structures and woven into public policy.”

A second resolve notes the district “honors the experiences of all students by encouraging instruction that explores the history, philosophy and structures that comprise the American experience.”

That resolve states the board “seeks to support the teaching of respectful communication, empathy and understanding by allowing students to see themselves and each other as part of the narrative.”

A third resolve says the district “supports efforts in education to promote equity, respect, diversity; celebrate the contributions of all; and encourage culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices, but will not allow the use of critical race theory as a framework to guide such efforts.”

The resolution also says the district “will not tolerate racism, racist conduct, bigotry or anything that constitutes hate crimes;” notes the resolution “has to do with how topics of race will be taught...not what topics will be taught;” and “nothing in this resolution shall be construed to restrict academic freedom or student speech.”

The 3-2 votes pitted trustees elected in 2020, Marilyn Anderson, Leandra Blades and Shawn Youngblood, against board veterans Carrie Buck and Karin Freeman. Freeman was opposed in a 4-1 vote.

All 2021-22 resolutions can be viewed at pylusd.org (click on “board” and “board resolutions”).

Yorba Linda accepts federal funding for residential rehabilitation, senior nutrition, ADA compliance

 

Residential rehabilitation, senior citizen nutrition and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations will benefit with Yorba Linda's acceptance of federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant program for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

A unanimous City Council vote at an April 5 meeting outlined the proposed expenditures for an anticipated $258,530 in funds from the program that is administered through the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Some $90,000 in rehabilitation grants will go to qualified homeowners for general property improvements and repairs to meet local codes, standards and ordinances under the city's Neighborhood Improvement Program.

Applications for grants are available at the city's Community Preservation Division counter at City Hall. More information on homeowner qualification is available by calling 714-961-7181.

Another $38,779, or the 15% maximum public service allocation allowed by grant guidelines, will go to pay some of the operational costs of the city's senior lunch program now operating as a frozen meal pick-up offering of a week's worth of meals at the Community Center.

Distribution is currently scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon at the center, although days and times are subject to change (call 714-961-7181 for more information and to verify days and times). Suggested donation is $3 for ages 60 and above and $5 for others.

The Americans with Disabilities Act improvements involve public property. Senior Community Preservation Officer Mary Lewis reported to the council that several curb ramps are not up-to-date with ADA requirements, and $78,045 will help offset the compliance costs.

And 20% of the total grant monies will go to administrative tasks, such as development, management, coordination and monitoring. This $51,706 will be split evenly between the city and the county.

The city has used some $5 million in funds from the federal program since 2003. The grant program was developed in the Nixon administration and implemented during the Ford term.

If Yorba Linda decided to not participate in the program, the funds that the city would have received would have gone to the county, which would distribute them to other county cities using a competitive process, according to the report from Lewis.

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The City Council plans to consider a resolution opposing an initiative currently in the state-wide signature-gathering stage regarding the establishment of local taxes and the revenue collected by cities for municipal operations, with action currently scheduled for an April 19 session.

Well-financed supporters of the Taxpayer and Government Accountability Act are seeking signatures for the initiative to appear on the Nov. 8 mid-term election ballot. The La Habra, La Palma and Cypress councils already have adopted resolutions in opposition.