Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District continues to draw speakers during public comment; trustees increase substitute pay

 

The public comment portions of the monthly trustee meetings in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District continue to draw speakers with strong opinions on educational issues.

About midway through 2021, the number of speakers increased dramatically from most prior meetings, as the coronavirus pandemic brought out several dozen speakers, who presented opinions both pro and con on school closures and mask requirements.

Beginning with the December 2022 meeting, individual speaker comments were limited to a maximum of three minutes each, down from the previous maximum of five minutes each.

And trustees established a sliding scale of speaking times based on the number of individuals who completed forms prior to the start of the public comment period: one to 10 speakers, three minutes each; 11 to 15 speakers, two minutes each; 16 to 30 speakers, 1.5 minutes each; and 31 or more speakers, one minute each.

So far this year, speakers have ranged from nine in January to 35 at a June 6 session. Others: 13 in February, 17 in March, 25 at four April meetings, 17 in May and 27 at a June 20 meeting, including 10 for a public hearing on a charter school plan (five pro, five con). No July meetings were scheduled.

Topics included a range of issues, with some speakers addressing multiple issues. January and February subjects included arts programs, student health and safety, starting the school year earlier, meeting decorum, censoring books, critical race theory and Black History month.

March and April topics included the district's impacted schedule policy, school library books, needs for wellness counselors and the sudden reassignment of an assistant superintendent.

May's main topic was charter schools, while other subjects included student teachers, racism in schools, El Dorado High School field lighting, mental health and the supervision of students.

In the two June meetings, 21 speakers supported El Dorado science teacher Judy Rehburg, who was placed on administrative leave after parent complaints about sex education subject matter in her physiology class. Five speakers voiced opposition to the teacher's lessons.

Other June meeting concerns: El Dorado field lights, removing inappropriate library books, needs for guidelines for teachers and a library materials policy, support for teachers and appreciation for former Rose Drive principal and assistant superintendent Linda Adamson.

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Sizable pay increases await substitute teachers when district campuses reopen Aug. 29.

To remain competitive with surrounding districts, daily substitute pay jumps to $200, up $50; special education substitute pay increases to $205, up $33.57; and long-term substitute pay increases to $220, up $28.

The district will hold a hiring fair for substitute teachers and special education aides July 25 noon to 4 p.m. at 1301 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Placentia. Aide pay starts at $18.12 per hour.