District highlights nutrition changes, curriculum pilots, and staff recognition

At the April 8 meeting, Buckeye Union School District staff presented operational and instructional updates including nutrition services, curriculum pilots, and staff recognition.

Laura Knight, Director of Food Services, reported on nutrition operations, including the introduction of fresh, locally sourced foods and farm-to-school partnerships, expanded menu options with student taste-testing, and plans to eliminate artificial dyes to comply with upcoming legislation. Board members thanked Knight for the focus on student health and menu innovation.

Rachelle Ball, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, summarized the March 16 I-day professional learning, describing site-based collaboration on state assessment preparation and instructional planning. She outlined current curriculum pilots: two middle-school English Language Arts programs and the Magnetic Literacy program at the elementary level, and shared a timeline for pilot completion, committee review, public review, and a May Board recommendation.

Principal Debbie Bowers and Assistant Principal Sean Gallagher reported Rolling Hills Middle School’s strong academic growth, engagement programs and the school’s recognition as a California Distinguished School. Silva Valley Elementary’s Classified Employee of the Year (Caitlin Brooks) and Certificated Employee of the Year (Cori Alameda) were recognized by Principal Brandon Beadle and Superintendent David Roth.

Board members commended the instructional work, student engagement efforts and staff contributions. Staff indicated additional support requests from teachers for behavior strategies, writing instruction, and the use of artificial intelligence in education as next steps to inform district planning.