REDLANDS, Calif. – The Redlands Unified School District board meets Tuesday for its annual reorganization and to hold three public hearings, including appeals on two challenged books (The Bluest Eye and Push). Trustees will also review the district’s First Interim Financial Report and consider compensation changes under a new state law.
Here’s what to know.
Public hearings on two challenged books (9a; 1-2)
Under the district’s instructional materials policy, the board will hear appeals of the book review committee decisions for The Bluest Eye and Push. After public comment and deliberation, trustees must decide whether to:
maintain access with possible grade-level restrictions
or remove the books from district libraries
If removed, the books must be pulled from schools within five business days.
Each December, the board selects new officers for the coming year. Trustees will elect:
Board President (vacated by Michele Rendler)
Vice President (vacated by Patty Holohan)
Clerk (vacated by Jeannette Wilson)
They will also reaffirm the superintendent as board secretary, appoint representatives to regional committees, adopt a board governance handbook and set meeting dates for 2026.
Public hearing on development fees report (9A; 3)
The board will hold a hearing on its annual and five-year report detailing how school facility fees were collected and spent in 2024–25. State law requires annual reporting on these fees, which support school construction tied to new housing.
First Interim Financial Report (12A)
The district will present its First Interim Financial Report, which updates the adopted 2025–26 budget to reflect changes since July. Trustees must certify the district’s financial condition by Dec. 15, as required by state law.
Board member compensation adjustment (18F)
A new state law (AB 1390) increased allowable compensation for school board members based on district size. Redlands Unified (ADA 10,000–25,000) may now compensate trustees up to $2,000 per month. The board will vote on raising its compensation from the current amount to the new $2,000 monthly rate effective Jan. 1.
Other Items
The board will also consider:
settlement agreements in several legal claims
revisions to the district’s inventory policy
travel and field trip approvals
two stipulated expulsions
personnel appointments, job descriptions, and MOUs
The consent calendar also includes routine facilities updates, including roofing repairs at Crafton and Redlands East Valley high schools, a new gas line at Redlands High School, and project completions at Mentone and several elementary school playgrounds.
How to attend or participate
The meeting begins Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at 25 W. Lugonia Ave.
