By Staci Baird

Three Things to Know

1. Board approves special education settlement in closed session
The board unanimously approved a final settlement between a student’s parents and the district in case No. 002-2627. The district agreed to fund and provide educational services to the student, while the parents released their claims against the district. The settlement amount was not stated.

2. Board certifies compliance on instructional materials
Following a public hearing, the board adopted Resolution 2027-08 without opposition, certifying that students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade have the required textbooks and instructional materials.

Staff said school administrators confirmed students have appropriate written and digital materials. The certification is required under the Instructional Materials Funding Realignment Program, which stems from the Williams lawsuit.

3. Student representative reports Bonita High’s top academic ranking
Student representative Luca Rosselli reported that Bonita High School ranked first in math, English and science among 43 high schools in the Mt. SAC area—a first for the school.

Three student representatives also took the oath of office for the 2026-27 school year.

Next regular board meeting: Nov. 4.

Other Topics

• Consent agenda: The board approved the agenda’s order and content, then approved the consent agenda without opposition. Consent items included extended and overnight field trips; an amendment to an agreement with San Antonio ROP; professional service agreements; an agreement with Big Brothers Big Sisters; payments, purchase orders and budget transfers; the Williams lawsuit quarterly report and facility inspections report; personnel items and conference attendance; athletic coach certification; agreements with universities; and acceptance of a Roku streaming stick donation. The board also adopted resolutions recognizing Red Ribbon Week, National School Lunch Week and the Week of the School Administrator.
• Battery fire response: Superintendent Matt Wien thanked La Verne Police Chief Sam Gonzalez, Fire Chief Brandon Coatney and City Manager Ken Domer, and recognized district staff members James Foster, Edna McKenna, Dane Curtis, Bob Ford, and Deb Brownlee for their response to the Metropolitan Water District battery fire.
• Electric school buses: Elliot reported on a ribbon-cutting for new electric school bus charging infrastructure developed through a partnership between the district and Southern California Edison.

Upcoming Dates to Note

MONDAY Oct. 19 & TUESDAY, Oct. 20
7 p.m. Ramona Middle School Fall Choir Concert · Bonita Center for the Arts · Get tickets

TUESDAY, Oct. 20 through SUNDAY, Oct. 25
Times vary San Dimas High School Fall Play: The Edgar Allen Poe Afterlife Radio Show · 800 W Covina Blvd., San Dimas · Get tickets

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4
6 p.m. School Board Meeting · 115 W. Allen Ave., San Dimas · Agenda will be posted here