Principal Mr. Jeff Smith and Sowers student leaders provided an engaging presentation highlighting “The ISMS Way,” a model rooted in purpose, connection, and school pride. Students shared how they create belonging through spirit days, lunchtime activities, and a variety of campus clubs including ceramics, surf, and gardening while also supporting service projects such as food and clothing drives and kindness initiatives.

They also emphasized the leadership and collaboration that shape their school culture, from Disneyland Leadership Training and PBIS rewards to welcoming staff at the District’s Welcome Back Breakfast with Dwyer ASB. Through daily announcements, ASB videos, yearbook, and student social media ambassador roles, students elevate authentic student voice across campus. The Board expressed appreciation for the Sowers team’s commitment to a positive, inclusive, and spirited school environment.

Staff provided an overview of the District’s facilities use processes governed by the Civic Center Act, which ensures public access to school facilities and establishes guidelines for how districts may charge users based on their classification. The presentation outlined the distinction between direct-cost and fair-rental-value groups, the wide range of community users who access HBCSD spaces, and the District’s responsibility to maintain equitable access while recovering operational costs associated with labor, utilities, and maintenance.

Following this overview, the Board approved an updated fee schedule for the use of exterior fields. The new schedule maintains the established seasonal structure while gradually phasing in increases aligned with rising labor and material costs, as recommended in the May 2024 facilities fee study and in response to input from current field users. The updated fees support long-term field maintenance and ensure that HBCSD continues to provide safe, high-quality outdoor spaces for both students and the community.

The Board approved a contract with DLR Group to begin development of a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that will guide long-term capital planning, maintenance priorities, and modernization needs across all District sites. Initial work will include process planning, forecasting, and campus assessments, coordinated through the Operations Department.

The contract, not to exceed $50,000 and funded by Fund 25 – Developer Fees, will provide the foundational analysis needed to support efficient capital investments and long-term stewardship of District facilities.

The Board approved a Joint Use Agreement with the Ocean View School District (OVSD) to share OVSD’s transportation facility located at Newland and Warner. This partnership provides a long-term, cost-effective solution for bus storage and transportation operations, strengthening collaboration between neighboring districts and maximizing the use of existing public facilities.

Under the five-year agreement, with two optional five-year extensions, HBCSD will invest $2.5 million in capital improvements at the site in lieu of lease payments during the initial term. Ongoing operational costs will be shared annually based on staffing levels. Student transportation services will continue without interruption, with buses remaining at the Gothard Street location until the joint-use facility is ready for use.