Weekly Superintendent Update 9.4.26

Sierra Unified Community,

This year, California enacted Senate Bill 848, a new law that expands who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in our schools, and Sierra Unified has already taken several key steps to put it into practice.

Historically, “mandated reporters” have primarily meant teachers, administrators, and school staff. SB 848 broadens that definition to include school volunteers, contractors who work directly with students, and our Governing Board members. It also requires everyone in these roles to complete annual training covering mandated reporting duties, abuse and sexual abuse prevention, and professional boundaries between students and adults.

For our district, that means a more structured process for volunteers: anyone who interacts with students outside the direct supervision of a parent or staff member- think classroom helpers, field trip chaperones, or coaches’ aides- ALL will need to complete a short training and have their fingerprinting clearance before they begin service, and MUST repeat the training annually for continued participation. Our Governing Board adopted a formal written policy on professional boundaries (Board Policy 4119.24) in May, and we’ve also updated our school safety plans to reflect the new requirements. The remaining step is the training: we’re grateful for our incredible volunteer community’s patience as we roll out a short, free training over the coming weeks. If you volunteer at a Sierra Unified school, please complete the form below. And email it to volunteers@sierrausd.org.

SUSD Volunteer Application

This law formalizes something we already believe: every adult on a Sierra Unified campus, employee, board member, or volunteer, shares responsibility for keeping our students safe. We’re proud of the work already done and committed to finishing the job.

Please direct questions about SB 848 or the district’s implementation timeline to the District Office (Kari Collins, Director of Personnel.)

Measure U Update

• Cafeteria pad is scheduled to be poured Friday prior to school starting. followed by the unit being set in on the 9th. 
• Interior Ducting is painted in the Large gym, outside ducting is on-site and ready for installation
• The first job walk for phase 3 went well with several contractors of each trade. There will be another Job walk on the 8th at 2PM.  
• The final schedule is currently  showing construction to begin this November.
• The District is working on the next bond issuance to finance the rest of phase 3

Thank you for the continued support of our students and schools.

Warmly,

Dr. Lori Grace

Superintendent, Sierra Unified School District