Residents urge clearer immigration‑safety guidance, press for bus heat fixes and trade classes

Several residents used the Jan. 21 public comment period to press the Lodi School District on safety and program issues affecting immigrant families, student transportation and career education.

Omar Lopez told trustees that many district families fear immigration enforcement actions and requested that the district more proactively publicize existing policies and hotlines, and consider partnering with local rapid‑response groups. "I feel like we need to publicize those policies more to ensure that all the parents, all the students, and all the faculty are... aware of these policies," Lopez said, adding that Lodi’s large Hispanic and immigrant population increases the urgency of clear communications.

Another speaker, Kyle Cruciali, said he had trouble finding policy information on the district website and urged better visibility for rights and resources; he also called for higher teacher pay in light of a reported $31 million surplus. Parent Laura Castellano described a persistent lack of heat on a morning bus that carries a shared‑time high‑school student to Bergen Tech, saying the bus company had intermittently replaced buses but the problem recurred and left students cold: "By the time they arrive to Bergen Tech, their toes are feeling numb," she said. The superintendent acknowledged the complaint and said district staff had contacted the bus company owner.

A resident, Jimeno Ochoa, asked about availability of trade (vocational) classes. Administration said the district already offers construction technology and other career‑based options and that county vocational programs are combined with Lodi core courses; the district is considering additional programming and has a committee reviewing possibilities.

Trustees thanked speakers and said staff would follow up on transportation, communication of resources and program expansion possibilities.