Board passes resolutions recognizing bilingual learners, child abuse prevention, Arab American heritage and Earth Day

The board unanimously approved several resolutions recognizing community observances and local education efforts.

Resolution 26‑11 designates April 2026 as National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, noting that multilingual learners make up approximately 40% of Santa Cruz County students and highlighting COE resources such as the ELAC toolkit, professional development and the world language showcase. The resolution also recognizes youth-led multilingual efforts and the COE’s Seal of Biliteracy work.

Resolution 26‑12 recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month and affirms COE efforts around mandated‑reporting training, cross‑sector partnerships and prevention through education. Resolution 26‑13 recognizes National Arab American Heritage Month and urges education and inclusion efforts to counter bias and stereotyping. Resolution 26‑14 proclaims Earth Day and an associated environmental-education week, citing COE green-classroom initiatives and the Youth for Environmental Action Summit.

All four resolutions passed on roll-call votes during the meeting; trustees voiced support and brief comments about the importance of awareness, family engagement and student leadership tied to each resolution.