REDLANDS, Calif. – The Redlands Unified School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a formal challenge to the King James Version of the Bible, marking the latest development in ongoing debates over instructional materials in local schools.
Trustees will also consider new mental health policies, approve labor agreements that include salary increases, and review a range of facilities, technology and professional development contracts.
Here’s what to know.
Instructional materials challenge hearing – The Holy Bible (9a, 15i)
The board will conduct a public hearing on a challenge to the King James Version of the Bible under the district’s instructional materials complaint process.
Following the hearing, trustees are expected to deliberate and vote on whether the material is appropriate for different grade levels or should be restricted or removed.
If the board determines the material is unsuitable for any level, it must be removed from those schools within five business days.
Employee agreements and compensation increases (17b–e)
Trustees will consider multiple labor agreements and compensation actions affecting certificated, classified and management employees.
Proposed agreements include:
A one-time payment of 2% of base salary for the 2025–26 school year for teachers and many staff
A $2,000 increase to the district’s contribution toward health and welfare benefits beginning July 1, 2026
A similar 2% payment for management and cabinet-level employees
The board will also consider a memorandum of understanding extending the work year of the Redlands Education Support Professionals Association president from 10 months to a full 12-month schedule.
New policies: student devices and mental health (15f–h)
The board will review several new policies on first reading, including:
Trustees will also revisit the district’s recently adopted cellphone policy, with minor revisions returning for a new first reading.
A new board policy and administrative regulation outlining student mental health procedures, including referrals and support protocols
First readings allow trustees to review and provide input before final adoption at a future meeting.
Technology purchase: Chromebook refresh (12a)
On the consent calendar, trustees will consider approving the purchase of 450 Dell Chromebooks at a cost of about $307,600.
The devices will replace aging classroom equipment that will no longer be supported after June 2027 and are intended to maintain access to instructional technology across elementary schools.
Facilities and construction projects (12b–n)
The board will consider a series of facilities-related contracts and project approvals, including:
Asbestos surveying at four middle schools ahead of planned renovations
Engineering and surveying work at Cope and Kimberly elementary schools
Continued work on the Redlands East Valley High School pool project, including additional inspections and change orders
New bids for asphalt, concrete and backflow system work across district sites
Professional development and student support (14b–d)
Trustees will review agreements supporting student services and staff training, including:
Up to $2.5 million over three years for professional development focused on “Professional Learning Communities”
Training and support for a new student wellness and support center model
Instructional coaching for staff at Bryn Mawr Elementary School
Student discipline (15a–e)
The board will consider several student expulsion cases involving violations such as possession of weapons, controlled substances and physical injury.
Other items
The board will also:
Approve meeting dates for the 2026–27 school year
Review quarterly complaint reporting required under the Williams settlement
The board will also discuss a proposed resolution recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary, encouraging schools to incorporate civic education activities and celebrations during the 2026–27 school year.
How to attend or participate
The meeting begins Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at 25 W. Lugonia Ave.
Closed session starts at 3:30 p.m. Open sessions starts at 6:00 p.m.
Public comment format change: The board will now take all public comments—both on agenda items and non-agenda items—during a single comment period near the start of the meeting.
Previously, comments on agendized items and general public comment were held at separate times.
Speakers must submit a registration card before the comment period begins and will be called to the podium to provide remarks, typically limited to three minutes.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the district’s website.
A former broadcast news producer, Stephanie launched CFR in 2023. Originally from Michigan, she’s made Redlands home with her husband and three kids. When she’s not reporting, she’s problem-solving at the climbing gym or trying new local restaurants.
