SMUSD BOE 05-12-26 - Open Session

The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education held an open session meeting on May 12, 2026. The meeting included recognitions of student achievements and public comments primarily focused on classified employees requesting a 10% raise to address rising living costs. Significant procurement-related discussions centered on the district's Measure M capital improvement projects, with approximately $111 million in requests for proposals (RFPs) underway. The board reviewed progress on facilities master planning, including pre-construction meetings for new classrooms and playground shade structures at Valentine and Carver Elementary Schools. The board also discussed the lease-back contractor selection, recommending Bell Forbatty for three district projects as the best value. Additionally, the board considered the adoption of a new STEM Scopes science curriculum for elementary schools, with a proposed one-time cost of about $490,000 covering materials and professional development for seven years. Funding sources for the curriculum include remaining arts and instructional materials block grants and unrestricted general funds. The board approved the curriculum adoption and other routine items such as the declaration of need for fully qualified educators and renewal of the delinquent tax program, which supports district cash flow and budget stability.