The Berkeley Unified School District School Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, began by swearing in the newly elected school board director Jen Corn, and current director Ana Vasudeo.
“I would like to give a warm welcome to our new colleague, Jen Corn. I had the pleasure of getting to know (her) throughout the (school board) campaign and know that I have a true ally in protecting our diverse student body including our queer, trans, immigrant, and undocumented students,” Vasudeo said.
Vasudeo was sworn in by Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, a former BUSD director and president, and Corn by Ty Alper, another former BUSD director and president.
Next, BUSD school board president Ka’Dijah Brown was sworn in by former director Laura Babitt. Mike Chang was sworn in as vice-president of the board, and Corn as the board clerk.
Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel then discussed the Holiday Meal on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.
“200 plus volunteers and donors, including many students, stepped up and showed up for members of our unsheltered community. There were over 350 service hours put into this event,” Ford Morthel said. The annual Holiday Meal was held at Berkeley High School, with around 150 guests.
Ford Morthel added, “As we move further into the holiday season I wish each of you members of the Berkeley community all of the things that bring your hearts and souls delight. Lots of love, lots of joy, and lots of community.”
She then briefly mentioned her pride in the progress of the BUSD school board, “(The school board) continues to be enhanced by folks who are equally focused on equity, excellence, enrichment, and engagement.”
The meeting then moved into the public comment section. Tiera Brown, a graduate from Berkeley Technical Academy (BTA), and also the BTA student school board representative in the 2022-23 school year, spoke to advocate for the continuation of funding and support for College Bound, the African-American framework, and the continued support of students at BTA from BUSD.
Next, Sarah Cline, the BHS Jazz Director and Corn’s wife, congratulated Corn and Vasudeo on their election.
“I’m confident that your wisdom, courage, vision, optimism, and dedication to Berkeley students, families, and community will benefit all of us,” Cline said.
Regina Chagolla, the vice president of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, spoke on behalf of BUSD’s educators to welcome Corn into her role. Finally, Tamone Clay, a senior at BHS and a member of the Bridge program shared how the support he received helped him, along with 50 other Bridge students, in applying to universities.
During union comments, Berkeley Council of Classified Employees congratulated Brown, Chang, and Corn on their new positions, and honored a longtime employee of BUSD, Rodney, who has just retired after 41 years.
Afterward, Winta Clark, the BHS Student Representative, celebrated the African Diaspora dance and drum showcase on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 held at BHS. “The performance was absolutely breathtaking. It showcased not just the incredible talent of our dancers, but also the richness and diversity of Afro-Haitian culture. The artistry, hard work, and dedication of everyone involved (was) evident,” said Clarke.