Pali High Board of Trustees Discusses Supplemental Learning Grant, Announcements as Academic Year Nears End

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter 

The latest Palisades Charter High School Board of Trustees meeting took place virtually on Tuesday, June 1, to discuss a presentation on an Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant and end-of-the-year announcements.

Chief Business Officer Juan Pablo Herrera explained the ELO Grant is one-time funding that the school is being offered to provide supplemental instruction and support to disadvantaged groups who faced adverse learning circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The intent is to support students who are in need … when the government approved [this], I think they realized the disparities in education in that some students were doing really well in distance learning, others were not,” Herrera said. “So they’re trying to … positively impact some of those students who are demonstrating higher areas of need.”

The school’s allocation is approximately $2.05 million, which is to be used to implement a plan that will enhance learning opportunities and support strategies that the state has outlined. The strategies include extended instructional learning time, staff training, integrative student support and efforts to support credit-deficient students.

Herrera explained Pali High would generally focus on investments in mental health, tutoring, credit recovery, technology needs and support, professional development, intervention and counseling support, nutrition, and more.

The funding will be part of the 2021-22 budget, and support students between now and August 2022.

“This grant money is for our students who have not been as successful during this eLearning period, that’s the primary area and … that’s our focus group: who are our highest needs students and how can we help them get back on track,” Principal Dr. Magee said during the meeting.

Members took a vote and the grant was approved.

Following the presentation, board members said farewell to Pali High senior and student-representative Isabel Gill, who announced it would be her last meeting.

“I’m so grateful, I learned a lot this year,” Gill said about her experience on the board. “I came in last June, a year ago, wanting to make sure students were talking at board meetings, and that I could be as involved in discussions and decisions that I possibly could be, and I feel like I was able to with the help of everyone here.

“I’m so grateful for everyone here and all that I’ve learned from you … and am really excited for Chris [Clausen] to take over for this next year. He’s amazing and I think he’s going to bring his own spin to everything and continue student representation as we really worked on this year.”

Board members praised Gill for her contributions.

“Thank you for being part of the legacy of the Pali board forever … you will carry this with you on your resume and hopefully as a learning experience for the rest of your life,” teacher Brenda Clarke said. “It’s a huge honor to be a part of the school and represent the Board of Trustees, you’ve done it with grace, integrity and maturity beyond your years, and we’re all very grateful we had you this year to speak for the students, which is the most important voice in our school.”

The board’s next meeting is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 22.