Special Joint Meeting Between FCUSD, City of Rancho Cordova, and City of Folsom
04/29/2026 05:30 PM
Open Session: 5:30 p.m.
Education Services Center, Boardroom / 1965 Birkmont Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
www.fcusd.org
1 2
AGENDA
FCUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION
MEMBERS
Jennifer Laret, President
YK Chalamcherla, Vice President
David Reid, Clerk
Chris Clark, Board Member
Kara Lofthouse, Board Member
Addie Luong, Student Board Member
Eveleen Lopez Patraca, Student Board
Member
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Garrett Gatewood, Mayor
Linda Budge, Vice Mayor
David M. Sander, PH.D., Council
Member
Joe Little, Council Member
Siri Pulipati, Council Member
CITY OF FOLSOM
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Justin Raithel, Mayor
Anna Rohrbough, Vice Mayor
Sarah Aquino, Council Member
Mike Kozlowski, Council Member
Barbara Leary, Council Member
Scan the above QR code with your phone to view this meeting agenda on your phone.
FCUSD VISION:
Empowering all students to thrive through educational excellence.
FCUSD MISSION:
FCUSD is committed to providing excellence in educational programs that carry high expectations for each student's success. In collaboration with our community, the mission of FCUSD is to ensure all students demonstrate high levels of learning through our commitment to continuous cycles of improvement, transformative social emotional learning, and engaging, culturally responsive instruction.
Protocol for Agenda Items:
(published agenda times are approximate and subject to change) 1 .
Staff Presentation
2 .
Board Questions of Staff
3 .
Comments from Public
4 .
Board Final Comments and Direction
For information, contact Rochelle Dagnall, Administrative Assistant @ 916-294-9000 ext 104412 I.
5:30 PM OPEN SESSION
5 a.
Call to Order
6 Special
Joint
Meeting
Between
FCUSD,
City
of
Rancho Cordova, and City of Folsom
04/29/2026 - 05:30 PM
Open Session: 5:30 p.m.
Education
Services
Center,
Boardroom
/
1965
Birkmont
Dr.,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
www.fcusd.org
Printed: 04/24/2026 03:51 PM
3 b.
Land Acknowledgement and Pledge of Allegiance
7 c.
Roll Call
8 II.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
9 III.
RECESS/RECEPTION
10 IV.
6:00 PM RESUME OPEN SESSION
11 a.
Call Back to Order
12 V.
DISCUSSION
13 a.
Career Technical Education (CTE) in FCUSD
14 b.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our Region
24 c.
Early Literacy
30 VI.
INFORMATION
40 a.
Community Service Days
41 VII.
7:00 PM ADJOURNMENT
42 Disability Information
If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the public meeting, contact the Superintendent's Office at (916) 294-9025 at least 48 hours before the scheduled Board meeting so that we may make every reasonable effort to accommodate you. [Government Code § 54953.2; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,§ 202 (42 U.S.c. §12132).] -- Writings that are public records, part of this regular meeting's Open Session, and distributed to all or a majority of the Governing Board less than 72 hours prior to this meeting will be made available to the public during regular business hours at the Superintendent's office, 1965 Birkmont Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA, and may be posted on the District's website at www.fcusd.org. 4 Quick Summary / Abstract
(Held in Boardroom)
I. 5:30 PM OPEN SESSION
5 I. a. Call to Order
6 I. b. Land Acknowledgement and Pledge of Allegiance
7 I. c. Roll Call
8 II. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
9 III. RECESS/RECEPTION
10 IV. 6:00 PM RESUME OPEN SESSION
11 IV. a. Call Back to Order
12 V. DISCUSSION
13 Speaker
Shanan Spears, Coordinator of Career Technical Education Rationale
Career Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in preparing students for success in college, career, and life by connecting academic learning to real-world application. As workforce demands continue to evolve, high-quality CTE programs provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways, develop technical and employability skills, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
This presentation is designed to build a shared understanding of CTE, including its purpose, structure, and impact both nationally and within California. It will also provide an overview of the current state of CTE in FCUSD, highlighting existing programs, student access, and areas of strength.
In addition, the presentation will outline opportunities for continued growth and expansion of CTE programming within the district, with a focus on aligning pathways to regional workforce needs and increasing access for all students.
With members of our City Councils in attendance, this discussion is also intended to strengthen collaboration and partnership between the district and local municipalities. By building awareness and alignment, we can collectively support the development of programs that prepare students for the local economy while contributing to the long-term vitality of our community.
Supporting Documents
CTE in FCUSD Presentation
V. a. Career Technical Education (CTE) in FCUSD
14
15 Evolution of Vocational Education to CTE
The Foundation
Vocational Education has evolved into Career Technical Education (CTE), expanding beyond traditional shop-based programs such as auto mechanics, woodworking, welding, agriculture, home economics, and business.
Modern Structure
Today, CTE in California is organized into 15 statewide industry sectors and 58 instructional pathways, providing structured career preparation that leads to high-demand industries, apprenticeships and trades programs, or college.
Strategic Alignment
CTE programs now align classroom learning with college and career readiness by incorporating local industry needs, labor market demand, and building direct connections to community college certifications and CSU/UC programs.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 Speaker
Erik Swanson, Superintendent
JP Morgan, Chief Innovation Officer, HMCI
Rationale
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and learn. As this technology becomes increasingly integrated into nearly every sector of the economy, there is a growing responsibility for school systems to ensure students are prepared to navigate, utilize, and critically engage with AI in meaningful and responsible ways.
This presentation is designed to build a shared understanding of AI, including what it is, how it is currently being used, and why it matters in the context of K–12 education. It will highlight emerging trends and initiatives within our region, providing insight into how educational institutions, industry partners, and neighboring systems are beginning to incorporate AI into teaching, learning, and workforce development.
Additionally, the presentation will outline the current state of AI-related efforts within FCUSD, as well as opportunities for thoughtful expansion. This includes preparing students with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-enabled world, while also supporting educators in integrating these tools in ways that enhance learning and maintain strong ethical and instructional practices.
With members of our City Councils in attendance, this discussion is intended to elevate awareness and strengthen alignment around what is quickly becoming a defining opportunity for our region. The integration of AI into education and workforce pathways has the potential to significantly impact our students, families, and local economy.
Supporting Documents
AI in our Region Presentation^HMCI-FCUSD
V. b. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our Region
24 5×5×5 Regional Meeting · April 29, 2026
Leading Together
FCUSD's AI Exploration and the Regional Pathway It's Building Folsom-Cordova Unified School District · City of Rancho Cordova · City of Folsom FCUSD Leads. Partners Align. Students Benefit.
25 What FCUSD Is Exploring in AI
A thoughtful, student-centered approach — led by board leadership and an AI advisory group Early Literacy & Learning
AI supports foundational reading, comprehension, and curiosity Responsible AI Exploration
The board's AI advisory group guides thoughtful, ethical adoption Robotics & Computer Science
Hands-on pathways building technical fluency from the ground up Teaching & Learning Support
Tools that reduce friction for educators and enrich instruction Regional Collaboration
Connecting with HMCI, NVIDIA, StudyFetch, and civic partners Future & Workforce Readiness
Linking classroom experience to real career pathways
26 From AI Exploration to a K-Career Vision
The goal is progression, not isolated exposure.
K – 3
Early Literacy
AI supports foundational
reading
Comprehension and
curiosity building
Technology as a learning
tool
4 – 8
CS & Digital Skills
Computer science
fundamentals
Coding basics in context
AI concepts made age-
appropriate
9 – 12
CTE & Robotics
Career Technical Education
Robotics labs and applied AI
Real-world problem solving
Post
Workforce & Career
College and certification
pathways
Apprenticeships and direct
entry
AI-adjacent roles across
sectors
HMCI supports FCUSD in connecting these stages — aligning education, civic, and industry perspectives across the full pathway.
27 Preparing Students for Diverse Career Paths
Every career path has value. Students deserve to see themselves in all of them.
Mind Work Pathways
Mind Work
AI & Data Science roles
Software engineering
Product & UX design
Research and education
Policy and AI governance
Hands Work Pathways
Hands Work
Robotics technicians & operators
Smart manufacturing & logistics
AI-assisted construction & trades
Apprenticeships & certifications
Precision agriculture & energy tech
+
28 What Regional Partnership Makes Possible
FCUSD
Leads
District vision, board leadership, and the AI
advisory group set the direction
Educators
Make It Real
Teachers and staff turn strategy into daily
learning experiences
Cities
Align Civically
Rancho Cordova and Folsom connect
education to economic development goals
HMCI
Orchestrates
Supports connections across partners,
systems, and regional strategy
NVIDIA & StudyFetch
Contribute Perspective
Industry partners bring tools, ideas, and
workforce alignment
Students
Benefit
Stronger pathways, real skills, and futures
worth building toward
FCUSD Leads. Partners Align. Students Benefit.
29 Speaker
Channa Pitt, Ph. D., Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Rationale
Early literacy, particularly reading proficiency by the end of third grade, is one of the most critical predictors of a student’s long-term academic success and life outcomes. Research consistently demonstrates that third grade represents a pivotal transition point, from “learning to read” to “reading to learn”, where students begin using literacy skills to access all areas of the curriculum.
Students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade face significantly greater challenges in later grades. Studies show they are more likely to struggle academically, experience ongoing learning gaps, and are up to four times more likely to not graduate from high school.
Furthermore, third grade reading levels have been shown to be strong predictors of future outcomes, including high school graduation, college attendance, and long-term economic stability.
This presentation is designed to provide an overview of Early Literacy efforts within FCUSD, highlighting the comprehensive work underway both inside and outside the classroom. This includes instructional practices, targeted interventions, family engagement strategies, and community partnerships, all aligned to our performance target of third grade literacy.
In addition, the presentation will emphasize the importance of an “all hands on deck” approach.
Improving early literacy outcomes requires coordinated effort across schools, families, and the broader community. With members of our City Councils in attendance, this discussion is intended to strengthen alignment and partnership, recognizing that investments in early literacy directly impact the future success of our students and the long-term vitality of our communities.
The presentation will conclude by identifying opportunities for our city partners to support and amplify this work. A shared commitment to literacy will not only improve educational outcomes, but also shape the future workforce, economic health, and quality of life for our region.
Supporting Documents
Early Literacy Presentation
V. c. Early Literacy
30 Folsom Cordova
READS
Literacy for All. Literacy for Life.
April 29, 2026
31 Our Why
Purpose of Folsom Cordova READS:
● Align system wide efforts around
evidence-based literacy practices
● Accelerate student achievement and close
opportunity gaps
● Engage families and community organizations
to amplify and partner in this work
What Success Looks Like:
●
A community where reading is visible, valued,
and supported everywhere
●
Families equipped to support literacy at home
● Every student on a path to reading success
32 ELA CAASPP: FCUSD x County x State
33 ELA CAASPP by Student Group
34 ELA CAASPP by Race
35 Strong Foundation in Our Schools
● High-quality core instruction across
classrooms
● Ongoing professional learning for
teachers and leaders
● Implementation of a literacy plan
grounded in the Science of Reading
●
Targeted supports and interventions
for students
● Cross-content literacy development
(not just ELA)
36 This is Bigger than Schools Alone
Your Role in Folsom Cordova READS:
● Champion literacy as a community priority ,
especially for children ages birth-5 years
● Help expand awareness and public
messaging
● Support partnerships with local
organizations and nonprofits
● Advocate for resources and opportunities
for students and families
This is not just a school initiative—it’s a
community movement.
37 Current Non-Profit Partners
38 Community Readers
The FCUSD Community Readers program is
designed to provide additional reading
support for students in grades 1–3, while
nurturing their confidence and enthusiasm for
reading.
● WHAT: Volunteers spend 30 minutes once
a week, reading with a student and
listening to them read aloud.
● WHEN: Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays,
4:30–5:00 p.m.
● WHERE: All Elementary ASES Sites –
Cordova Gardens Academy of Arts &
Sciences, Cordova Meadows, Cordova
Villa, Peter J. Shields, Rancho Cordova,
White Rock, and Williamson.
Click Here to Watch the Video
39 VI. INFORMATION
40 VI. a. Community Service Days
41 Quick Summary / Abstract
a
.
Adjournment
VII. 7:00 PM ADJOURNMENT
42