Agenda packet — Appointments Committee, February 9, 2026

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www.modestogov.com
AGENDA
City of Modesto

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE

COUNCIL WORKSHOP
2001-40 Del Puerto Room.

Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th Street
Modesto, California
Monday, February 09, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Roll Call: Jeremiah Williams, Chair
David Wright, Vice-Chair
Eric Alvarez, Member
Alternates: Nick Bavaro, Rosa Escutia-Braaton, Chris Ricci, Sue Zwahlen Council has not delegated directive or final approval authority to the Committees.

Committee actions are recommendations to the full City Council, not final decisions on an issue. * Public Comment will only be in person. Members of the public who wish to address the Committee, by providing public comment, during the meeting must do so in-person in the 2001-40 Del Puerto Room. As an alternative, members of the public may also provide written public comment submitted via email as indicated in the Submitting Comments by Email instructions on this agenda. Zoom will still be available for viewing and Wordly translation. * Members of the public will be allowed to provide public comment through Zoom if a Councilmember is participating remotely pursuant to the provisions of California Government Code section 54953.8.3.
*If a technical issue arises with Zoom or the phone dial-in option, the Council meeting will continue unless the meeting is being held pursuant to the provisions of Senate Bill 707, California Government Code section 54953.8.3. Alternative viewing options are listed below, and the meeting is physically open to the public.
“Wordly” can translate into 25+ different languages! To access written translation during the meeting, please scan the QR Code or click this link https://attend.wordly.ai/join/RJDY-6364.
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"Wordly" puede traducir a más de 25 idiomas diferentes! Para acceder a la traducción durante la reunión, por favor escanee el código QR o haga clic en el enlace https://attend.wordly.ai/join/RJDY-6364.

You may observe a livestream of the meeting at http://media.modestogov.com. You may also view or listen to the meeting as indicated below.

THE MEETING CAN BE VIEWED BY ZOOM VIDEO

CONFERENCING OR TELEPHONE
Joining the Committee meeting via Zoom
The City of Modesto is now offering the ability to view Committee meetings via telephonic conferencing via “Zoom” video conferencing computer technology. The meeting may be accessed through the use of Zoom using the following options:
 Enter the following link into an Internet Browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95895497651
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 Passcode: 84326
To use Zoom, please visit: https://zoom.us/ and either sign-up for a free Zoom account or continue as a guest. Once you have downloaded the app onto your mobile device, joined from your web browser, or downloaded the Zoom software on your computer you will be ready for the upcoming Committee meeting.

Joining the Committee meeting via Telephone
If you don’t have a smart phone or computer to access the meeting via Zoom, you can listen by phone, by calling 1-877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 958 9549 7651 Passcode: 84326

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Three-minute time limit per speaker.

Only interested persons in the audience may present these matters. Under State law, Committee Members may respond to matters being presented under this item only as follows:
a. Briefly respond to statements made or questions raised. b. Ask a question for clarification.
c. Provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information. d. Request staff to report back at a subsequent meeting. e. Finally, a Committee Member or the Committee itself may take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS BY E-MAIL
Written comments may be submitted via email to: [email protected] (include Agenda Item Number in the subject line). All comments will be shared with the - 2 -
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Committee Members and placed in the record but will not be read aloud during the meeting.

Written comments must be received two hours before the meeting.

This Agenda is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, Sixth Floor, 10th Street Place, Posting Board at entry of 10th Street Place, and is available on the City’s Web site at www.modestogov.com.

Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the Clerk’s office during normal business hours. Such documents are also available online, subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting, at the following website www.modestogov.com/councilmeetings.

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) of 1990, the Fair Employment & Housing Act (“FEHA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), Government Code section 11135 and other applicable codes, the City of Modesto (“City”) will not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability in the City’s services, programs, or activities. For more information, please visit the City of Modesto website at https://www.modestogov.com/865/Americans-with-Disabilities-Act-ADA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (209) 577-5396. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting
Any and all of the following agenda items are subject to action by the Modesto City Council.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Consider an appointment to fill one unexpired vacancy on the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission with a term end date of December 31, 2028, and forwarding to Council for approval. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
 Motion recommending the appointment of one applicant to serve an unexpired term with a term end date of December 31, 2028 and forwarding to Council for approval.

CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected]

ADJOURNMENT
Posted pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2 on the bulletin board at Tenth Street Place on at by
date time signature
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2/9/2026

CITY OF MODESTO

COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
DATE OF MEETING:

February 9, 2026
Date: February 3, 2026
TO: Appointments Committee
Jeremiah Williams, Chair
David Wright, Vice Chair
Eric Alvarez, Member
THROUGH: Joseph P. Lopez, City Manager
FROM: Diane Nayares-Perez, CMC, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission Appointment CONTACT: Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk, [email protected], 209-577-5396
DESCRIPTION:

Consider an appointment to fill one (1) unexpired vacancy on the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission with a term end date of December 31, 2028, and forwarding to Council for approval. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
STRATEGIC PLAN ELEMENT:

This recommended action supports the City’s 2025-2026 Strategic Commitment, “Build Community trust in City Government through Responsive, Transparent and Efficient Service Delivery. Goal I. Promote Trust and Engagement between the Community and the City.” BACKGROUND:

In the Fall of 2005, the Council initiated a review of the Charter and, in February 2006, established a Charter Review Commission. The work of this Commission resulted in two measures being placed on the voter ballot in the February 5, 2008, election.

On February 5, 2008, voters approved Measures M (Accountability in City Hall) and N (Elections by District) as amendments to the City’s Charter. Measure M called for the establishment of a Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission to consider and make recommendations regarding the Mayor and Council salaries. This is a five-member Commission whose composition is strongly recommended to include:
- A retired Stanislaus County judge to serve as chairperson; - One member of a bona fide local taxpayer’s association with tax exempt status under relevant IRS code;
- One member from a bona fide local non-partisan political organization with taxexempt status under IRS Section 501 (c)(3), dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government;
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Appointments Committee, February 9, 2026
Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission Appointment

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- One member from a former civil grand jury who has served in that role within the last five years;
- Additional members who have demonstrated civic involvement and a capacity to serve in an honest, independent, and impartial fashion.

Pursuant to the City of Modesto’s Charter, Section 703(a), the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission convenes in March through April of even-numbered years. The Commission consists of five members and will meet this year.

There is currently one (1) unexpired vacancy on Citizen’s Salary Setting Commission, due to the resignation of Abimael Chavez-Hernandez, who served as a member with the qualifications of civic involvement.

DISCUSSION:

The Citizens Salary Setting Commission currently has one unexpired vacancy. A total of 3 applications have been received for this position. The term for the unexpired vacancy will end on December 31, 2028.

According to Section 1105 of the City of Modesto’s Charter, if a vacancy occurs with time remaining in the term, any appointment made to fill this vacancy shall be for the remainder of that term.

Efforts to recruit candidates included sending letters to the Superior Court of Stanislaus County in an attempt to recruit a retired judge. Additionally, a letter was sent to the local taxpayers’ association with tax-exempt status under the relevant IRS code. An advertisement was also posted by the Media Department on the City’s social media page and website.

Below is a table detailing the qualifications and number of applications received per category:

A retired Stanislaus County judge to serve as
chairperson; No Applicants
One member of a bona fide local taxpayer’s
association with tax exempt status under relevant IRS
code
1 Applicant – Seth Simas
One member from a bona fide local non-partisan
political organization with tax-exempt status under
IRS Section 501 (c)(3), dedicated to encouraging
informed and active participation in government;
No Applicants
Currently filled by one (1) member term end date
12/31/2026
One member from a former civil grand jury who has
served in that role within the last five years;
No Applicants
Currently filled by one (1) member term end date
12/31/2028
Additional members who have demonstrated civic
involvement and a capacity to serve in an honest,
independent, and impartial fashion.
2 Applicants – John Casselberry
Joan Clendenin
Currently filled by two (2) members with term end
dates of 12/31/2026 and 12/31/2028
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Appointments Committee, February 9, 2026
Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission Appointment

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FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDED COMMITTEE ACTION:

Staff Recommendations:

Motion recommending the appointment of one applicant to serve an unexpired term with a term end date of December 31, 2028 and forwarding to Council for approval.

Approved by:

Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk
Joseph P. Lopez, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Redacted Applications (3)

2. Bylaws

3. Matrix
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Boards, Commissions and Committees Application
11/05/2025 3:50 AM (PST)
Advisory Boards and Commissions Application
City of Modesto

Salary Setting Commission
The function of the Citizen's Salary Setting Commission is to recommend compensation for the Mayor and members of the City Council, pursuant to Modesto Municipal Code Section 703(b).

Please note that this committee requires a financial disclosure statement (Statement of Economic Interests - Form 700) under State of California laws.

Membership Requirements: Qualified electors residing within the City of Modesto. See Modesto Municipal Code, Section 703(b).

Read full ByLaws, membership requirements and view current members and vacancies.

Any vacancy
No
No

No
Submission ID: 639ab47a-6bae-4597-943c-2612d4220280 Page 1/6 #1..
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Applicant Information & Background
John
Casselberry
Public Safety Dispatcher III
Modesto
California
B.A. International Affairs/History - John Cabot University M.A. Public Administration - Columbia Southern University Document Uploads
You may upload a cover letter and resume to outline your educational, work and community service experiences.

Submission ID: 639ab47a-6bae-4597-943c-2612d4220280 Page 2/6 #1..
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Qualifications
Yes

School Board Trustee - Stanislaus Union School District (2022-Present)

From Councilmember Rosa Escutia-Braaton

I am an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the Stanislaus Union School District representing Area 5 and currently serve as the Board Clerk. I'm very active with our Parents Clubs at all of our school sites. I'm also a member of the Stanislaus County Latino Chamber of Commerce and a chapter officer of SEIU Local 521.

I believe it is important for all public servants, appointed and elected, to be compensated fairly and ensure that all people, regardless of their financial status are able to serve. Public service takes work, effort and sacrifice and the working class must be able to afford to serve on a governing board.

I'm a public servant, employed by two different cities over my 8 year career. I understand public service and the public sector. I'm also a former Planning Commissioner for the City of Simi Valley and currently elected as a School Board Trustee. I also served on the Neighborhood Council #4 Executive Board in the City of Simi Valley, so I'm very familiar the requirements of the Brown Act and governmental bodies.

No
Submission ID: 639ab47a-6bae-4597-943c-2612d4220280 Page 4/6 #1..
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Questionnaire

Other (Please specify)
City Councilmember Rosa Escutia-Braaton
Submission ID: 639ab47a-6bae-4597-943c-2612d4220280 Page 5/6 #1..
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Signature Agreement
11/05/2025
Application Disclosure
Members of the City Advisory Groups must disclose financial interests, including investments, businesses, and rental properties. Members are required to file Statements of Economic Interest when they assume office, annually, and upon leaving office.

Please confirm that you acknowledge the above responsibilities and understand that your application is a public document and may be disclosed.

Yes, I confirm and acknowledge the above responsibilities and understand that my application is a public document and may be disclosed upon request.

Thank you for providing this information. After clicking ‘Submit’ you will receive a Submission ID number that can be retained for future reference.

You will be updated by our staff as your submission is processed.

Have a great day!
Submission ID: 639ab47a-6bae-4597-943c-2612d4220280 Page 6/6 #1..
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Boards, Commissions and Committees Application
11/09/2025 4:45 PM (PST)
Advisory Boards and Commissions Application
City of Modesto

Please note that this committee requires a financial disclosure statement (Statement of Economic Interests - Form 700) under State of California laws.

Membership Requirements: Qualified electors residing within the City of Modesto. See Modesto Municipal Code, Section 703(b).

Read full ByLaws, membership requirements and view current members and vacancies.

Vacant seat (expires Dec, 2026) or any new vacancy with a long-term term.

No
No

Yes

Citizens Districting Commission
09/28/2021
03/08/2022
Submission ID: 86cc4553-a875-4bff-bcea-702838026591 Page 1/6 #1..
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Qualifications
Yes

Modesto City Schools - History / Social Sciences Teacher, August 2014 to present University of California, Merced - Teacher Preparation Program, August 2023 to present

I am the board secretary for the Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association. The board president forwarded this information about the vacancy to all board members.

I am the board secretary for the Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association. In this role, I contribute to topics of discussion, specifically how we want to pursue taxpayer issues we find in the community. Additionally, I contribute ideas for the association to educate the local taxpayers.

I volunteer almost monthly with Operation 9-2-99 by clearing trash and debris along the Tuolumne River.

I am a board member for a local board of the Selective Service System (since 2009) - in this role, I am trained and ready to guide a potential draft for our local community and this country.

I believe that local taxpayer's dollars need oversight and salaries are an important topic in any community. I want to make sure that salaries are fairly recommended, as stated in my cover letter.

I have sat on various committees with Modesto City Schools as well as in the community. I understand the legal process and Robert's Rule of Law. I have an analytical lens when looking at data and providing thoughtful and critical thinking questions to consider when recommending action.

Yes

No
Submission ID: 86cc4553-a875-4bff-bcea-702838026591 Page 4/6 #1..
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Questionnaire

Other (Please specify)
Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association President
Submission ID: 86cc4553-a875-4bff-bcea-702838026591 Page 5/6 #1..
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Signature Agreement
11/09/2025
Application Disclosure
Members of the City Advisory Groups must disclose financial interests, including investments, businesses, and rental properties. Members are required to file Statements of Economic Interest when they assume office, annually, and upon leaving office.

Please confirm that you acknowledge the above responsibilities and understand that your application is a public document and may be disclosed.

Yes, I confirm and acknowledge the above responsibilities and understand that my application is a public document and may be disclosed upon request.

Thank you for providing this information. After clicking ‘Submit’ you will receive a Submission ID number that can be retained for future reference.

You will be updated by our staff as your submission is processed.

Have a great day!
Submission ID: 86cc4553-a875-4bff-bcea-702838026591 Page 6/6 #1..
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SET H K. SIMAS

EDUCATION

California State University, Stanislaus
 Doctorate, Educational Leadership (Ed.D), May 2020
 Master’s in Education, School Administration, December 2014  Multiple Subjects Credential, December 2013
 Social Sciences Credential, December 2011
 BA in Social Sciences, December 2010

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Certificated Teacher
Modesto City Schools, Modesto, CA
 Permanent 100% (History / Social Sciences) at Peter Johansen High School (Aug. 2016- present)
 Probationary 100% (History / Social Sciences & English) at Evelyn Hanshaw Middle School (Aug. 2014-May 2016)
 Temporary 80% (History / Social Sciences & English) at Joseph Gregori High School (January 2014- May 2014)
 Substitute Teacher – Long Term at El Vista Elementary, 4th grade (Spring 2013) and Joseph Gregori High School (Fall 2013).
 Student Teacher, Thomas Downey High School (2011)
 Ongoing collaboration with fellow teachers on instructional strategies, state standards and learning objectives, common formal assessments & activities, and discussion on intentional and systematic intervention.
 Formative assessments of student learning including homework, essays, projects, and checks for understandings.
 Incorporate differentiated instruction in lesson plans and promote critical inquiry through document-based questions and analysis of primary sources  Adapt instruction for English Language Learners, students with IEPs and 504 plans, and at-risk students.
 Other duties have included Extended Summer School and Summer School.  Courses taught: 12th grade College Prep Government & Economics, 11th grade College Prep U.S. history, 10th grade College Prep World History, 9th grade AP Human Geography, 9th grade World Geography and World Religions, Freshman Seminar, 8th grade U.S. history, 8th grade English/Language-Arts, 7th grade World history
 Club advisor: Joho 4 Change Sustainability Club, Class of 2020 leadership advisor, Class of 2024 leadership advisor, Class of 2028 leadership advisor.

College Instructor
University of California, Merced; Merced, CA
 Part-Time, Teacher Preparation Program (August 2023 to present)  Provide college-level instruction to students in the teacher preparation program.
 Plan and implement lessons on topics relevant to course including #1..
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research and equity mindset.
 Provide ongoing feedback on research presentations and papers.  Provide instructional and social-emotional strategies for new teachers.  Courses taught: Research Methods in Education (EDUC X400), Secondary Reading for Understanding (EDUC X314), Single Subject Methods: History and Social Sciences (EDUC X316)
 Course developer / author
 Develop three modified course outlines (in-person, live synchronous online, and asynchronous online) for EDUC X316 Single Subject Methods – History & Social Science.
 Develop course materials, including assignments, rubrics, course modules, and Canvas (learning management system) course shells for each of the three modified courses.
 Complete and submit Academic Senate Course Proposal and Online approval requests with required documentation.

RELATED EXPERIENCES
Professional Growth Opportunities and Committee Assignments Modesto City Schools
 Induction Mentor (2016/17 to 2023/2024) – mentor and support new history/social science teachers through the induction process and their 2-year probationary process.  Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) committee / curricular team (2023/2024 to 2024/2025) – formed as the result of implementation of an intervention time slot for the 2023-2024 school year. The main objectives include creating and modifying schoolwide expectations curriculum for the beginning of the school year and to acquire and report feedback on the intervention time slot.  Curriculum Adoption Committee – evaluated and implemented different curriculum platforms during adoption trial; decided on the publisher to adopt: U.S. history (2019) and AP Human Geography (2022)
 Connecting Grading Reform through the PLC Process (2022-2023) – selected by the principal to attend a series of professional development to discuss the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process, grading practices, and equity, and answering the third PLC question, “How will we respond when some students do not learn?”  School Site Council, Johansen High School, staff representative (2017/18 to 2020/2021; 2023/24 to 2024/2025) – discussed and developed a SSPA and use of federal Title I funds (two 1-year terms & two 2-year terms).  Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) (2023-2024) – attended 4 trainings for an overview on the SIOP model and how to incorporate strategies into the classroom to assist English Language Learners in their acquisition of necessary skills.

Learned about the ELPAC test including the type of questions that are asked.  Advanced Placement (AP) Reader (2024-2025) – through College Board, participated in training and alignment, read assigned caseloads of student responses for the AP Human Geography Test. Experience provided me with insight on how the responses are scored and how rubrics are developed and used. Attended daily meetings with assigned group to discuss rubrics and issues during the reading and scoring.  Ed Tech Site Liaison, Johansen High School (2024/2025 to present) – attend trainer monthly meetings and host professional development opportunities for certificated staff at Johansen. These trainings include how to access data programs, use educational-related technology in the classroom, and answer questions teachers have. #1..
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Stanislaus County Office of Education
 Region 6 HSS Virtual Lesson Study (2021) – collaborated with two other teachers in Modesto City Schools on state standards for 10th grade World History. Through collaboration and use of the CLIC Focus Framework, we developed and delivered a lesson on fascism ideology as a lesson leading into the rise of totalitarianism while connecting it to the end of World War I. Since we were all using the distance learning format, we recorded and shared our lesson delivery with each other. Then we discussed through reflection what went well and where could improvements be made.

Civic engagement
 City of Modesto Districting Commission (October 2021 – March 2022) – met and discussed with representatives from the different council districts on revisions to the city’s voting district map. After meeting with and acquiring feedback from stakeholders in different voting districts, and looking at data from the 2020 census, the commission created and recommended a revised district map to the City of Modesto city council.  Local Board Member, Selective Service System (June 30, 2009 – present) – trained on the law regarding the Selective Service System and the roles and responsibilities of a local board member. Appointed to serve Stanislaus County in the event of a draft and hear appeals from citizens and residents who may be drafted.  Joho 4 Change Sustainability Club / Sustainability Committee (2023 – present) – appointed as site sustainability coordinator; began a sustainability club with former AP Human Geography students leading the way; volunteer in the community – cleaning and beautifying the Johansen campus, spreading awareness of environmental issues, planting native plant gardens, and helping Operation 9-2-99 with their monthly clean-ups along the Tuolumne River. Member of MCS Sustainability Committee – helped develop action plan for school district to adopt sustainability principles.
 Stanislaus County Taxpayer Association (2025 – present) – approved in the role as Secretary. In this role, agendas and minutes are created. As a board member, offers ideas to educate local taxpayers.

Past work experience
 Recreation Leader II
City of Modesto-Parks, Recreation, & Neighborhood (2009 - 2014)  Worked directly with children 1st to 8th grade in After School Programs  Collaborated with other After School Program staff in planning.  Implemented grade appropriate and enriching activities.  Planned and worked day camps during school breaks.
 Director/Program Head
Hidden Villa Summer Camp (Summers 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)  Supervised Leadership Team and contributed to Leadership Team training; collaborated with other directors (2015)
 Managed Day Camp (2009), Tipi Camp (2010), Youth Leadership (2012, 2013) and Kinder Camp (2014) programs; seasonal director of summer camp programs (2015)  Collaborated and planned inaugural Kinder Camp program.  Collaborated with a co-program head (2009, 2010)
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 Trained and developed an intentional program for Assistant Counselors in Training  Supervised counseling staff and all campers
 Served as part of the all-camp management staff.
 Created and led camp activities (Camp Counselor, 2006-2008, 2011)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
 Simas, S. K. (2014). The Impact of Attrition of Principals on Student Academic Achievement (Master’s Thesis, California State University Stanislaus).  Simas, S. K. (2020). Teacher Induction Policy: A Case Study of Implementation in a County Office of Education (Doctoral dissertation, California State University, Stanislaus).  Simas.S. & Mayer. A. (2021) Leveraging Expertise: Local Implementation of California’s Teacher Induction Policy. AERA Annual Meeting, Division L, Paper Session, April 9-11, 2021.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SKILLS, AND SERVICE

Credentials
 Certificate of Eligibility, Administrative Services Credential  Social Sciences Single Subject with CLAD (clear)
 English Single-Subject Added Authorization (clear)
 Multiple Subjects (clear)
Certifications
 DBQ Project Lead – trained to help other teachers incorporate document-based question units with instruction and use online platform.  Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 49 (2006).

Technology Skills
 Microsoft Innovated Educator (MIE)—Office 365—Word, Excel, Power Point, Sway, One Note
 Schoology (Learning Management System), Nearpod, Kahoot, Kami  Google Apps: Drive, Word, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Jamboard #1..
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CITIZENS’ SALARY SETTING COMMISSION
BYLAWS
Article I
Definitions
Section 1 There is created a Committee to be known and designated as the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission.

Section 2 As used in these Bylaws, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

A. "Member" shall mean a member of the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission.

B. "Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission" and "Commission" shall mean the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission.

Article II
Objectives
Section 1 The function of the Commission shall be to recommend the compensation it deems appropriate for the Mayor and members of the Council, subject to this guidance:

A. The salary of the Mayor shall not be more than fifty percent (50%) of the salary for a Superior Court Judge in Stanislaus County.

B. The salary of a Councilmember shall not be more than fifty percent (50%) of the median family income for the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area as reported by the United States Census Bureau. The salary of all Councilmembers shall be the same.

Article III
Membership
Section 1 The Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission shall consist of 5 qualified electors.

Section 2 The Members of the Commission shall reside within the city limits of the City of Modesto at the time of appointment and must maintain residence within the City at all times during their service on the Commission.

Section 3 No member of the Commission shall be an employee of the City, nor any bargaining unit for employees of the City, nor a person who receives Revised February 27, 2024 by Resolution No. 2024-051 #1.. - 31 -
compensation from the City or from bargaining units of the City in any manner, including retirement benefits.

Section 4 Strong consideration shall be given to composing the Commission of:
 A retired Stanislaus County judge as chairperson;
 One member from a bona fide local taxpayer’s association with taxexempt status under the relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code;
 One member from a bona fide local non-partisan political organization with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government;
 One member from a former Civil Grand Jury who has served in that role within the previous five years;
 Additional members who have demonstrated civic involvement and a capacity to serve in an honest, independent, and impartial fashion.

Section 5 All appointments shall be approved by a majority vote of the City Council.

Section 6 No member of the Commission shall be a lobbyist or other person with business before the City that represents an economic interest in excess of the limit for material financial effect as established by local ordinance for the time periods established by local ordinance.

Section 7 No member of the Commission shall be a relative by blood or marriage within the third degree of the Mayor, Councilmember, Charter Officer, or any department director or deputy department director.

Article IV
Terms of Office
Section 1 The initial five Members of the Commission shall be appointed during the month of March 2008.

Section 2 Of the initial five Members, two shall be appointed for a term expiring on December 31, 2010 and three Members, including the initial chairperson, shall be appointed for a term expiring on December 31, 2012.

Section 3 Commencing December 2010, new appointments shall be made during the month of December of each even-numbered year to fill the offices of the members whose terms are expiring as the end of such even-numbered years.

Section 4 Such appointments shall be for regular terms of four years commencing on the January 1 of the following odd-numbered year and expiring on December 31 of the second even-numbered year thereafter.

Section 5 Members may be re-appointed after their initial term, but in no event shall any person who has served two consecutive terms on the Commission be eligible for re-appointment to the Commission.
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Section 6 Serving any portion of an unexpired term shall not be counted as service of one term. Members not eligible for re-appointment may continue to serve until their successors are appointed and meet all of the qualifications outlined in Article III Membership of these bylaws. No member shall serve more than eight consecutive years, with the exception of those who are serving until their successors are appointed.

Section 7 The Members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for the performance of their official duties
Section 8 Appointments to fill vacancies on the Commission shall be handled in the same manner as original appointments. When a vacancy occurs during a term, the appointment to fill such vacancy shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 9 Members of the Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the City Council after a recommendation by the Commission chairperson for the following reasons:

A. Misconduct, inefficiency, or willful neglect in the performance of their duties providing the Council first states in writing the reasons for such removal and gives the member the opportunity to be heard before the Council in their own defense.

B. Refusal to resign from the Commission when no longer a resident of the City of Modesto.

Article V
Attendance at Meetings
Section 1 It shall be the responsibility of each Member to know the dates and times of all meetings of the Commission. If a Member knows he or she will not be able to attend a regularly scheduled meeting, it shall be his or her responsibility to notify the Commission Chair at least forty-eight hours before the meeting, in order for the absence to be recorded as an excused absence.

Section 2 The minutes of each meeting will list those Members in attendance, those who are excused and those who are unexcused.

Section 3 Timely attendance at meetings is expected and necessary to carry out the mission of the Commission.

Article VI
Officers and Their Duties
Section 1 Officers shall consist of Chair, which shall be a retired Stanislaus County Judge, and Vice-chair, elected by a majority vote of the Members of the Commission. Officers shall serve a four-year term.
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Section 2 If a retired Stanislaus County judge is not on the Commission, the Chair shall be elected by a Majority vote of the Members of the Commission.

Section 3 All officers shall exercise all privileges of membership, including the making of motions, seconding and debate.

Section 4 The Chair shall not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms.

The Vice-chair shall not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms.

Section 5 The Chair shall preside at all meetings, shall appoint all ad-hoc committees, and shall ensure that the bylaws, rules and regulations as adopted by the Commission are properly enforced.

Section 6 The Vice-chair shall assist the Chair in his/her duties and in the absence of the Chair shall perform all duties usually performed by the Chair.

Section 7 The Office of the City Clerk shall provide a staff member to serve as secretary.

He/she shall keep a record of the minutes of all meetings and such other duties as are usually performed by a secretary. He/she shall supply the Members of the Commission with copies of all records taken within three days after a meeting takes place. He/she shall also assist in publicity releases concerning Commission activities. In the absence of both the Chair and ViceChair, the secretary may call a meeting to order, whereupon a temporary chair shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members of the Commission present at the meeting.

Article VII
Meetings
Section 1 The Commission shall conduct sufficient number of meetings during the months of March and April in even-numbered years to assure the Objectives as outlined in Article II are achieved.

Section 2 Special meetings shall be called by the Chair as necessary.

Section 3 Notices of all meetings, including an agenda, shall be given to all members of the Commission, to the City Clerk, to the City Manager, and to all others as provided by law. All such notices shall be furnished to the Commission in writing at least seventy-two hours prior to the time of such meeting.

Section 4 All meeting agendas will be posted at Tenth Street Place and will be available at the following public facilities: Tenth Street Place and at the Main Branch of the Stanislaus County Free Library.

Section 5 All meetings shall comply with the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act.

Section 6 A quorum is necessary for the Commission to transact any business. A quorum shall be defined as a simple majority of active Commission members.

Section 7 All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public and shall be held at #1..
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a public facility, which is accessible in accordance with the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Article VIII
Order of Proceedings
Section 1 Section 2-1.10 “Procedural Rules for Council Meetings” of Title 2 “Administration,” of Chapter 1 “City Council Organization and Procedure” of the Modesto Municipal Code shall be the guide for parliamentary procedures in the conduct of Commission meetings.

Section 2 The order of proceedings of all meetings shall be as follows, subject to majority vote of the Members present:

1. Call to order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Written Communications

4. Old Business

5. New Business

6. Oral Communications

7. Matters Too Late for the Agenda

8. Adjournment
Section 3 Members of the public shall not speak unless recognized by the Chair and shall state their names and addresses before making any statement, which shall become a part of the public record. The Chair may remove any person who refuses to follow these rules or the decision of the Chair.

Article IX
Report to the City
Section 1 The Commission’s recommendation will be made to the City Council by April 30 of every even-numbered year to be effective for a two-year period commencing not before July 1 of that even-numbered year.

Section 2 Failure of the Commission to make a recommendation in any even-numbered year within the prescribed time shall be deemed to be a recommendation that no change be made to existing compensation levels.

Article X
Amendments
Section 1 The Bylaws and any future amendments shall be subject to the final approval of the City Council and shall not and are not intended to go beyond any of the #1..
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powers and duties given to the Commission by the City Council. #1..
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SALARY SETTING COMM JOHN CASSELBERRY SETH SIMAS JOAN CLENDENIN District 1 3 5
Occupation Public Safety Dispatcher Teacher Joan Clendenin Education
B.A. International Affairs/History - John Cabot UniversityM.A. Public Administration - Columbia Southern University
CSU - Doctorate, Educational Leadership (Ed.D), May 2020; Master’s in Education, School Administration, December 2014; Multiple Subjects Credential, December 2013; Social Sciences Credential, December 2011; and BA in Social Sciences, December 2010
Retired
Resident of Modesto? Yes Yes Yes
Resistered Voter? Yes Yes Yes
Registered in Modesto? Yes Yes Yes
Previous Board or Commission Served on? No Citizens Districting Commission Landmark Preservation 2024-Present Measure
M Modesto 2008 - 2008
Relevant experience
School Board Trustee - Stanislaus Union School District (2022- Present)
Modesto City Schools - History / Social Sciences Teacher, August 2014 to present; University of California, Merced - Teacher Preparation Program, August 2023 to present
Social Worker III Staoslaus County GSA 67-92;
Deputy Public Guardian, Stanislaus County
DHHS; Altrenate Retiree Members, StanCERA
2011-2017
Community Invovlement
I am an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the Stanislaus Union School District representing Area 5 and currently serve as the Board Clerk. I'm very active with our Parents Clubs at all of our school sites. I'm also a member of the Stanislaus County Latino Chamber of Commerce and a chapter officer of SEIU Local 521.

Board secretary for the Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association. In this role, I contribute to topics of discussion, specifically how we want to pursue taxpayer issues we find in the community. Additionally, I contribute ideas for the association to educate the local taxpayers. I volunteer almost monthly with Operation 9-2-99 by clearing trash and debris along the Tuolumne River. I am a board member for a local board of the Selective Service System (since 2009) - in this role, I am trained and ready to guide a potential draft for our local community and this country.

Served on numerous city and county boards
and commissions; Modesto Chamber
Of Commerce BOD, Grand Jury 1991-2, Civil
Grand Jury 2023-5
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What about this position interests you?
I believe it is important for all public servants, appointed and elected, to be compensated fairly and ensure that all people, regardless of their financial status are able to serve. Public service takes work, effort and sacrifice and the working class must be able to afford to serve on a governing board.

I believe that local taxpayer's dollars need oversight and salaries are an important topic in any community. I want to make sure that salaries are fairly recommended, as stated in my cover letter.

It's an important commission. Active for a
specific period of time [not
interests you? continuous]. Have worked on
county budgets, negotiated salaries at CSA.

What qualities, experience, andexpertise
would you bring to theBoard, Commission
orCommittee?
I'm a public servant, employed by two different cities over my 8 year career. I understand public service and the public sector. I'm also a former Planning Commissioner for the City of Simi Valley and currently elected as a School Board Trustee. I also served on the Neighborhood Council #4 Executive Board in the City of Simi Valley, so I'm very familiar the requirements of the Brown Act and governmental bodies.

Vast knowledge of the community and the
players therein. Previous
involvement in salary setting for CSA
employees.

Salary Setting Commission - Criteria
Qualfications
Additional members who have demonstrated civic involvement and a capacity to serve in an honest, independent, and impartial fashion.

Member from a bonafide local taxpayer's association with tax exempt status under therelevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Member from a former Civil Grand Jury who
has served in that role within the previous five
years
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Appointments CommitteeFebruary 9, 2026

Appointments Committee
February 9, 2026