Date: May 13, 2025
Location: 5112 Arnold Ave., McClellan, CA | Boardroom
Board Members Present: Lillie Campbell, Bruce Mangerich, Harry Block, Jack Turner (Mark Anderson – Absent)

 

 

Superintendent Jason Sample shared updates on key initiatives and recent events:

• Spring School Visits: Superintendent Sample visited all schools to give his annual spring presentations, which included legislative updates, political developments, and information on GCC’s strategic initiatives.
  
  
• Community Schools Deep Dive: GCC hosted a visit from UCLA and state education representatives to learn more about its community schools work.
  
  
• 2nd Annual Innovators Fair: Held May 3 at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, the event was attended by over 400 families, including 200 non-GCC families.
  
  
• SAVA CTE Showcase: On May 7, students demonstrated their learning through CTE projects and skills demonstrations. Board members highlighted this as a standout example of hands-on education.
  
  
• Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) Celebration: On May 9, the council held its end-of-year celebration, recognizing student leaders and presenting board-approved resolutions celebrating their work.
  
  
• California State Seal of Biliteracy: 35 graduating seniors earned the prestigious Seal, demonstrating high proficiency in English and another language.
  
  
• Cultural Graduation Celebrations:  On May 10, GCC held its first Chicanx/Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and African American Kente graduation celebrations to honor students’ cultural heritage and academic achievements. Keynote speakers included Sacramento Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes, Dr. Nikki Khamsouksay from the Office of the President at Sacramento State, and Mr. Michael Norrise from SAVA Elk Grove.

AI Mavericks Recognition 

The board recognized the AI Mavericks, a dedicated team of educators and staff advancing AI literacy and responsible integration across the district. Now completing their second year, the Mavericks developed AI use guidelines and led professional development sessions. Plans for Year 3 include full student implementation and a continued focus on responsible AI use. The GCC Foundation generously sponsored the t-shirts for this initiative.

 

 

During the study session, students and their from SAVA Power Inn shared reflections on their first-ever trip to Washington, D.C. The students described how visiting historical sites like the Smithsonian’s Hall of Democracy, the African American History Museum, and seeing the Star-Spangled Banner in person brought their classroom lessons to life. One student shared how the experience inspired them to travel more and see the world.

 

 

Principal Vicente Luevano presented Futures High School’s annual report, highlighting a year of academic growth and expanded opportunities:

• Academic Growth: Significant improvements in English, Math, and Science, especially among English Learners.
  
  
• Dual Enrollment Success: 110 students participated in dual enrollment this year, with 11 juniors graduating early thanks to college credits earned.
  
  
• Seal of Civic Engagement: Futures launched a new program to help students develop leadership skills and give back to the community.
  
  
• Expanded Supports: Added reading and math intervention classes, increased mental health support, and implemented new attendance campaigns resulting in a 62% reduction in tardies and 77% fewer class cuts.
  
  
• Leadership Development: Expanded leadership opportunities for students and staff, including the launch of a Black Student Union.
  
  
• College and Career Readiness: Continued growth in the Biomedical Pathway and strong participation in AP and dual enrollment courses.
  
  
• Early College Program Plans: Futures is working with Superintendent Sample to develop an early college program to further expand college access for students.

Board Approvals and Actions
The board approved:

• Field trips for the 2025-26 school year, including Futures High School’s trip to Georgia for the National Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge and CCCS Shakespeare Festival trip.
  
  
• Personnel updates, including updated job descriptions, revised salary schedules, and new positions for the 2025-26 school year.
  
  
• Continued Capturing Kids’ Hearts training as an organization priority.
  
  
• Lease renewals and expansions for GCC facilities, including additional space at SAVA Elk Grove.
  
  
• Purchases over $30,000 and approval for the disposal of surplus technology.
  
  
• Revised Independent Study policy and a Memorandum of Understanding with Twin Rivers Unified School District for facilities modernization.
  
  
• Approval of the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators.

Next Meeting
The next regular board meeting will take place on June 10, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.
To watch the full recording of the April 8 board meeting, visit our YouTube channel.

 

• Expanding student leadership opportunities, especially at non-traditional campuses.
• Thoughtfully preparing for California’s Phone-Free Schools Act, which goes into effect in 2026.
• Strengthening school communities through family engagement and support services.

• Significant growth in math and English Language Arts, especially among English learners.
• Continued success as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School.
• Innovative career exploration efforts, including STEM field trips and VR simulations.
• Integrated IB instruction and a positive school climate driven by community support.

• Most schools reduced chronic absenteeism, thanks to improved outreach and family support.
• GCC continues to outperform state averages in key subgroups, including English learners and Latino students.
• New dashboard indicators—such as science proficiency and long-term English learner progress—are now part of annual reviews.

• Updated curriculum for SAVA for the 2025-26 school year
• Property purchase agreement for COA Middle School
• Memorandum of Understanding with Twin Rivers Unified School District for facilities modernization
• Revised Independent Study policy
• Updated salary schedule and new positions for the 2025–26 school year