BUSD Board Meeting 12/18/2025

The Benicia Unified School District Board held a meeting on December 18, 2025, which included extensive public comment primarily focused on the controversial dismissal of a beloved teacher and coach, referred to as Coach T. Community members, students, and parents passionately advocated for his reinstatement, citing his significant positive impact on students' academic and emotional well-being. The meeting also covered routine board business including approval of the 2025-2026 meeting calendar, appointments to various committees, and several procurement and contract awards. Notably, the board approved a $525,000 contract with CWS Construction for high school concrete hardscaping and Z building upgrades, and a $14.125 million contract with Jaywalt Construction for high school fields improvements. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved multiple tentative agreements with employee unions, including salary schedules and benefits for the 2025-2026 school year. A resolution was passed to reduce classified employee positions due to lack of work or funds, with discussions acknowledging the impact on student services and the district's financial challenges. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding to provide preschool teachers with training stipends and reviewed the annual developer fee report and the first interim financial report for fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting concluded with closed session actions including acceptance of an employee resignation and student readmission after expulsion.