ABC Unified board approves contracts, hears county plan for expelled students

At its May 21 meeting the ABC Unified School District Board of Education approved routine consent items and several procurement and grant-related actions and received a county presentation on services for expelled students.

Among votes taken, trustees approved a district pre-qualification process required by a CalSHAPE-related grant the district received and delegated certain procurement authorities to staff as part of the grant compliance steps. The board also approved awards for Measure BB and capital items, including a lowest-responsive bidder recommendation for Corner Keystone Construction (soft-surface replacement at Whitney High, roughly $388,000) and procurement of a rotary inline filling machine for the central kitchen (Platinum Packaging, low bidder). The board recorded voice votes for these items.

Separately, Dr Lewis presented the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s three-year plan to serve expelled students under AB 922 and Education Code provisions, noting county-identified service gaps: limited local alternative placements and transportation, limited mental-health supports, and transition challenges from district schools to community day schools. The county’s proposals included preventive measures, alternatives to suspension, increased counseling/mental-health supports, and transition coordination with county-operated Community Day Schools.

Board members asked for data about expulsions and outcomes; presenters noted expulsions represented roughly 0.1% of district students last year and that most expelled students do not return to the district without targeted support. Board discussion emphasized prevention, restorative practices and increasing supports to reduce escalations to expulsion.

Ending: The board approved the listed consent and procurement measures and asked staff to continue supporting expelled students through coordination with county services and district mental-health professionals.