ReportWire

Tag: BUSD

  • Monterey High School Recognized as a Model School by CCEA Plus

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    Monterey High School, part of the Burbank Unified School District, is proud to announce that it has been recommended for the prestigious Model High School Award by the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) Plus. This distinction honors continuation high schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to academic excellence, innovative programming, student support systems, and equitable pathways to graduation.

    While the official statewide announcement will be made in the coming weeks, CCEA Plus has authorized Monterey High School to begin celebrating this remarkable achievement.

    “This recognition is a powerful validation of the dedication, heart, and hard work that defines Monterey High School,” said Dr. Oscar Macias, Interim Superintendent of Burbank Unified. “Our staff, students, and families have built a community deeply committed to student success, and we are honored that CCEA Plus has acknowledged their excellence.”

    “While it is an honor to receive the Model School designation, it does not surprise me!” said Daniel Di Mundo, the new Principal of Monterey High School. The work of the staff and leadership over the past several years has created a pathway towards high school graduation for students who need more support than offered in a traditional setting. This results in students being able to thrive and experience academic success where they previously had not. It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead Monterey and find even more ways to strengthen our program.”

    CCEA PLUS ANNUAL CONFERENCE — HOSTED IN BURBANK

    As part of the early celebration, Monterey High School is invited to participate in the CCEA Plus Annual Conference, taking place April 30 – May 3, 2026, right here in Burbank, California. This premier event brings together educators from across the state to collaborate, network, and advance best practices in alternative education.

    Statewide, schools that, like Monterey High School, create life‑changing pathways for students.

    A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE & A COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS

    Monterey High School’s recommendation reflects its strong instructional programs, personalized supports, and innovative approaches to student engagement. This recognition showcases:

    • A campus-wide commitment to meeting students where they are
    • Staff who consistently go above and beyond to support academic achievement
    • Programs that prepare students for college, career, and lifelong success
    • A culture centered on belonging, resilience, and empowerment

    ABOUT MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL

    Monterey High School is BUSD’s continuation high school, dedicated to providing flexible, supportive, and rigorous academic pathways for students who benefit from a personalized approach to learning. Monterey empowers students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and successfully transition to college, career, or postsecondary opportunities.

    ABOUT CCEA PLUS

    The California Continuation Education Association Plus promotes high-quality alternative education across California. Each year, it recognizes exemplary continuation high schools that demonstrate innovative programming, strong student outcomes, and exceptional school culture through the Model School Award.

    Congratulations again to Monterey High School on this outstanding achievement!
    Burbank Unified School District is proud to celebrate your excellence and continued commitment to student success.

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  • Khai Nguyen Appointed Director of Fiscal Services for the BUSD

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    Dr. Oscar Macias, Interim Superintendent, today announced he has appointed Khai Nguyen as Director of Fiscal Services for the BUSD. This fills one of the open positions as Macias tries to right the ship amid the financial problems facing the Board of Education.

    He sent the following email out on Friday afternoon:

    Dear Burbank Unified School District Community,

    I am pleased to share some exciting news regarding the growth of our District leadership team. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Khai Nguyen, who is honored and excited to serve the Burbank Unified School District.  He is our new Director of Fiscal Services.

    Mr. Nguyen comes to BUSD with a strong record of leadership and broad operational expertise. Prior to joining us, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District, where he provided executive oversight of Fiscal Services, Maintenance and Operations, Transportation, Child Nutrition, Information Technology, and Risk Management. His extensive background in these critical areas will be a tremendous asset to our District.

    Within Fiscal Services, Mr. Nguyen has deep, hands-on experience in Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Purchasing. Notably, he led a successful joint effort between Fiscal Services and Human Resources to transition from the County’s HRS Financial System to the County’s Human Capital Management (HCM) system—supporting position control, HR, and payroll functions. Drawing on this expertise, he looks forward to guiding Burbank USD through a smooth transition to the County’s HCM system when the opportunity arises.

    Mr. Nguyen holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphases in Information Systems and International Business. He complements this academic background with multiple professional certifications, including:

    • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
    • Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
    • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
    • Chief Business Official (CBO) Certification from the University of Southern California

    Beyond his professional life, Mr. Nguyen resides in Arcadia and enjoys playing tennis, swimming, running, and staying active.

    We are excited to welcome Mr. Nguyen to BUSD and are confident that his expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to service will greatly benefit our students, staff, and community.

    Please join me in welcoming Mr. Nguyen to the Burbank Unified School District.

    In Partnership,
    Dr. Oscar Macias, Interim Superintendent

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  • New Allegations Brought Against Burbank School Board After Email Surfaces

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    On the same night as the Burbank Unified School District’s School Board meets its new overseer from the County of Los Angeles, new allegations have been leveled about the knowledge the Board had about the actions of then Board Member Char Tabet and when they knew it.

    On January 7, 2026, LACOE formally notified the BUSDt that the County Superintendent has designated the district as “Lack of Going Concern” pursuant to Education Code 42127.6. This determination is based on several factors outlined in the linked letter below, including leadership vacancies and ongoing investigations related to fiscal operations. During the meeting, the Fiscal Expert appointed by the County was introduced, and Board Members were surprised that they were going to have to pay 75% of his salary through June of 2026.

    He sat through oral communications and listened to the public as they brought up an email that was sent back in the early morning of June 4, 2025, regarding former Board Member Char Tabet.

    On June 4, 2025, the Burbank Police Department was contacted by personnel from the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) regarding possible embezzlement of public funds. District staff reported concerns about a contract awarded in September 2024 to Specialized Support Services, LLC, for up to $90,000 to complete a 2-year backlog of board meeting minutes.  

    From December 2024 to May 2025, BUSD paid $93,000 to the vendor; however, limited work had been completed. 

    The investigation revealed the company was registered under the name of a relative of Board Member Charlene Tabet, and evidence indicated Ms. Tabet signed documents and endorsed checks in her relative’s name, depositing the payments into her own bank account.  

    Tabet resigned from the Board in September and was later charged by the The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and filed one count of having a financial interest in a contract or purchase made in an official capacity, Government Code 1090(a), a felony.

    It was brought to light at the January 15 School Board meeting that an email was allegedly written by School Board member Abigail Pontzer Kamkar to both Andrew Cantwell and Emily Weisberg on June 4, 2025, where she talked about the clerical contract and the ethics involved.

    The Board had previously told the public that it knew nothing about Tabet’s involvement, even though they all voted to approve the contract originally the year before. When a member of the public commented that he had filed a records request for emails about the subject, he was given over 1,200 emails, yet this one was not included.

    There is also a question of a Brown Act violation with one Board Member emailing another about pending Board business.

    Here is a copy of the email, taken from Facebook:

    In response, Interim Superintendent Dr. Oscar Macias, who was appointed to the position in June of 2025, put out the following statement on Monday night:

    Good evening members of the Burbank Unified School District Community,

    At the January 15, 2026, Board of Education meeting, a member of the public referenced a June 4, 2025, email involving members of the Board and District staff. An image of this email has since circulated publicly.

    Consistent with prior disclosures, the District acknowledges that this communication has raised questions regarding the Specialized Support Services agreement, including what information may have been known, when it may have been known, and by whom. The District understands the community’s interest in transparency, accuracy, and accountability.

    As previously reported, and at the direction of the Board, which I fully supported, the District engaged an independent third‑party investigator to conduct a comprehensive and ongoing review related to the Specialized Support Services agreement. 

    The District will ensure, to the extent not previously done, that the referenced email, along with any related communications, is provided and available to the third-party investigator. 

    The Board of Education and I have emphasized the need for the investigation to reach a complete, independent, and timely conclusion, and for the work to move forward as efficiently as possible without compromising thoroughness, fairness, or due process. Prolonged uncertainty is not in the best interest of the District, and bringing this review to a responsible conclusion is essential so the District can absorb the findings, address any identified issues, and move forward constructively.

    To protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure fairness to all involved, the District will not comment on the substance of materials under review while the investigation remains active.

    Since my appointment as Interim Superintendent, my focus has been on ensuring that the District responds to the issues surrounding the Specialized Support Services agreement in a manner that is lawful, thorough, and aligned with District policy. It is essential that I exercise appropriate due diligence so that any decisions made, and any recommendations I bring to the Board, are fully informed and responsibly grounded. This includes careful consideration of all relevant facts and communications that may shape the District’s conclusions and next steps. 

    The Board asked me to step into this role during a particularly challenging moment for the District, and I accepted that responsibility with a clear understanding of the work ahead. I did so because I believe deeply in this community and in our collective ability to address difficult issues with integrity and resolve.

    I remain focused on my duty and steadfast in my mission: to ensure the District is operationally sound, ethically led, and relentlessly centered on supporting teaching and learning for our students.

    As this work continues, I am committed to providing the community with clear, direct updates as information becomes available and when disclosure is appropriate and legally permitted. My goal is to communicate with clarity so the community understands both what is known and what remains under review. Through timely, factual communication, I aim to support greater understanding and help rebuild trust as this process moves forward.

    In partnership,

    Dr. Oscar Macias
    Interim Superintendent

    Dr. Macias has been working to try to bring trust in the finances to the public. He announced back in September of 2025, the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC). This committee will serve as a collaborative advisory group to help review, understand, and provide input on the District’s budget priorities and financial decision-making.

    It was also alleged at the meeting by a member of the public that close to $30 million of the bond money approved by voters last year has been spent, even though a State-Mandated Oversight Board was not formed to approve the expenditures. 

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  • County Assigns Fiscal Overseer to BUSD After Designating the District “Lack of Going Concern”

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    The following letter was sent out the community on Wednesday after the Los Angeles County Office of Education designated the Burbank Unified School District “Lack of Growing Concern”:

    Dear Burbank Unified School District Community,

    We are writing to share important information recently received from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). On January 7, 2026, LACOE formally notified the Burbank Unified School District that the County Superintendent has designated the district as “Lack of Going Concern” pursuant to Education Code 42127.6. This determination is based on several factors outlined in the linked letter below, including leadership vacancies and ongoing investigations related to fiscal operations.

    We want to address this designation openly, directly, and with full clarity.

    First and most importantly: BUSD is not cash insolvent.

    We continue to meet all of our financial obligations, including payroll, vendor payments, and contractual commitments. While the concerns identified by LACOE are serious, they do not reflect a district that is unable to function financially.  Again, BUSD is fully paying its employees and paying its vendors.

    Second: LACOE is not taking over the District.

    This notification does not trigger a state or county takeover, nor does it remove local control from the Board of Education. Instead, it initiates an additional layer of fiscal oversight and support, which districts across the state experience periodically.

    Third: Our First Interim Report will confirm a positive certification.

    We expect our First Interim financial report to demonstrate that BUSD will continue to meet its financial obligations this year and in the subsequent two years, criteria required for a positive certification. This is an important indicator of our fiscal stability moving forward.

    We view this moment not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity to strengthen our systems, reinforce and satisfy our financial commitments, and move forward with budgetary clarity and purpose. Leadership vacancies are actively being addressed, including our public search and recruitment process for the next Superintendent of Burbank Unified. BUSD just hired a new Director of Fiscal Services and is working towards hiring an Assistant Superintendent for Business Services.  These positions are essential for long‑term stability and organizational strength.

    One step that the District has taken is with the formation of the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, which reflects our commitment to collaborative problem‑solving and shared responsibility for fiscal stewardship. We are grateful for the time, expertise, and partnership of our community members who are participating in this work.  In an upcoming communication we will share more about the work of the Advisory Committee.

    LACOE has also assigned a Fiscal Expert to partner with BUSD, and we welcome this support. Together, we will stabilize operations, strengthen internal controls, and ensure the District remains on a responsible and sustainable financial path. This collaboration will include a deeper review of fiscal practices and coordinated planning with the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee.

    Despite the challenges before us, we remain confident in the strength and resilience of this community. Burbank Unified is filled with dedicated educators, committed families, and remarkable students who inspire our work every day. Together, we will move through this period with integrity, clarity, and determination.

    We will rebuild trust, reinforce our systems, and ensure BUSD remains a District where students learn, grow, and thrive.  We are an educational institution and to that end we want to assure you that our educational systems are strong and work towards the betterment of students academically, socially, and emotionally.

    We encourage you to review the LACOE BUSD Lack of Going Concern Letter for full details. This letter will also be posted on the BUSD website.  LACOE officials will be in attendance for the January 15, 2026 Board of Education meeting and will speak to this designation and support during Superintendent Comments.  

    We will continue to provide updates as this process moves forward.

    Our path ahead requires collective effort, but we believe deeply in what we will accomplish together.

    In Partnership,

    Ms. Abigail Pontzer Kamkar, President, Board of Education

    Oscar Macias, Ed.D., Interim Superintendent
    Burbank Unified School District

    Here is a copy of the letter sent to the District:

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  • Statement From BUSD Regarding the Death of Burbank Police K-9 “Spike”

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    It is with heartfelt sorrow that we share the passing of K9 Spike, a brave and cherished member of the Burbank Police Department. Spike gave his life in the line of duty after being struck by gunfire during a critical incident involving an armed suspect.

    K9 Spike was far more than a service animal, he was a loyal partner and a symbol of courage. Known for his gentle nature off duty and his steadfast determination while serving, Spike embodied the highest ideals of dedication and protection. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

    On behalf of the Burbank Unified School District, we extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to Spike’s handler, his family, and the entire Burbank Police Department. We stand united with our law enforcement partners during this time of profound loss and honor Spike’s ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding our community.

    Our schools and district community join together in gratitude for Spike’s service and reaffirm our commitment to working closely with Burbank PD to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, support staff, administrators, and families.

    In Partnership,

    Dr. Oscar Macias
    Interim Superintendent

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  • BUSD: Success Reflected in the 2025 California School Dashboard

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    The November release of the 2025 California School Dashboard provides a broad look at Burbank Unified School District’s (BUSD) progress across key measures of student success and achievement. This online tool uses easy-to-read color-coded ratings (see below) to give parents, staff, and the community a clear picture of our strengths and opportunities for growth. 

    • We are proud to report that half (46%) of all BUSD student group performance indicators are rated Green or Blue, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, students, and families. 
    • BUSD achieved 100% Green or Blue ratings across all student groups for the Graduation Rate indicator, which BUSD’s overall graduation rate of 97.4% significantly outpaces the overall state graduation rate of 87.5%.
    • Our Suspension Rate indicator also shows exceptional performance with over two-thirds (67.1%) of student groups rated Blue or Green, affirming our commitment to safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments that keep students in the classroom and align with our Instructional Goals for Equity and Excellence.

    The Dashboard is most valuable to BUSD as a tool for equity and targeted improvement. Our analysis highlights two key areas for focused attention. First, Chronic Absenteeism (students missing 10% or more of instructional days) is an area where a majority (over 72.5%) of our student subgroups are rated Yellow or Orange. Ensuring every student is present and engaged is the vital first step for learning and improving our Academic Indicators (English Language Arts and Mathematics). Second, and most critically, is performance for our Students with Disabilities (SWD), where over half (58.8%) of their indicators are rated Orange or Red. This disproportionality is a high-equity priority, enacting a comprehensive review of our instructional and support models. Additionally, we will concentrate efforts on elevating our performance in College/Career Readiness to ensure comprehensive student readiness for post-secondary life.

    Understanding these results is the first, vital step in our continuous improvement process. The color ratings give us the information needed to refine our instructional programs, particularly in delivering “Targeted Student Support & Equity” and “Data-Driven & Effective Teaching,” which are key to meeting our BUSD Instructional Goals. The data also guides the strategic allocation of resources through our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). We are confident that by leveraging the strengths of our dedicated staff and engaged community, we will see measurable gains in these targeted areas for the next Dashboard release. Your voice and partnership are essential to this mission, and we invite all parents and community members to explore the full data and join us in ensuring excellence for every student.

    Resources for Deeper Understanding

    • The California School Dashboard: https://www.caschooldashboard.org/ (Search for “Burbank Unified” or your school’s name to view a full report).
    • Understanding the Indicators: Refer to the Getting to Know the State Measures document for clear explanations of what is measured by Graduation Rate, Chronic Absenteeism, and other indicators.
    • Local Control and Accountability Plan: Review the BUSD LCAP, which outlines how the Dashboard data is driving our planning and resource decisions for the coming year.
    • Instructional Goals: Review our Instructional Goals, which outline our strategic vision for the 2025-2026 school year, focused on student success, future-ready learning, and our commitment to Equity and Excellence.
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  • School District Announces Process to Fill Empty School Board Seat

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    The following was sent by BUSD Superintendent Dr. Oscar Macias:

    Dear Burbank Unified Community,

    We are writing to inform you that a vacancy has occurred on the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education due to the resignation of Trustee Charlene Tabet, effective September 4, 2025. Trustee Tabet’s term was set to expire in 2026.  

    In accordance with California Education Code, the Board of Education intends to fill this vacancy through a provisional appointment, with the goal of drawing from the widest and most diverse pool of qualified candidates. The appointment is scheduled to be made at the Board’s public meeting on October 9, 2025.

    Application Process

    We invite interested and eligible community members to apply. Applicants must:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Reside within the boundaries of the Burbank Unified School District
    • Be a registered voter
    • Not be legally disqualified from holding civil office
    • An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district’s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. [EC § 35107] 

    Applications are available on our website at www.burbankusd.org or can be picked up at the District Office: 1900 W. Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506

    Completed applications, along with proof of residency, must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 3, 2025. Applications may be emailed to cindyquiterio@burbankusd.org or hand-delivered to the Superintendent’s Office.

    Public Interview & Appointment

    • October 7, 2025: Public interviews will be conducted at a Special Board Meeting @ 6 p.m. at the Burbank Unified School District Board Room.
    • October 9, 2025: The Board will make a provisional appointment during a public meeting at the Burbank Unified School District Board Room.  

    The appointed trustee will serve until the results of the November 3, 2026 General Election are certified and a newly elected trustee is sworn in, likely in December 2026.

    Important to note then when the November 3, 2026 General Election is held, the board seat will be Trustee Area No.3. 

    More information can be found here : Burbank Unified School District Trustee Area Map

    To explore the interactive map or search your address, click here.

    Our Commitment to Equity

    As a district, we remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and who are committed to serving all students with integrity, compassion, and a focus on educational excellence.

    For more information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (818) 729-4400.

    Thank you for your continued support of Burbank Unified.

    In partnership,

    Dr. Oscar Macias
    Interim Superintendent
    Burbank Unified School District

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  • Dr. Oscar Macias, Hard-Working, Dedicated, Driven

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    Dr. Oscar Macias (second from right) with California junior Senator Adam Schiff and others. (Photo courtesy Dr. Oscar Macias)

    By Rick Assad

    Known for his distinctive bow ties, Dr. Oscar Macias, who was appointed in June 2025 as interim Superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District, has been giving back to the community for two and a half decades.

    In some way, Macias, who began his career in public education in 1992 as a campus supervisor in the Los Angeles Unified School District at George K. Porter Middle School, feels a sense of obligation to serve people.

    “My guiding principle is to over serve the underserved,” he said. “I believe in leading with authenticity, equity, and humanity – always putting students and people before policies.”

    For the last few years, there has been upheaval at the BUSD.

    “Rebuilding trust requires authenticity, consistency, and genuine collaboration. I aim to strengthen community partnerships and foster a culture of belonging and accountability across the district,” said Macias, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from California State University, Northridge, a Master’s in Education from National University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC’s Rossier School of Education, started his teaching career at Porter.

    It’s almost impossible to see Macias, whose career in Burbank commenced in 2000 when he taught at-promise students at Community Day School, without his bow ties.

    Dr. Oscar Macias (upper left) with his two brothers and parents Enrique and Bertha. (Photo courtesy Dr. Oscar Macias)

    “Yes – my bow tie is a tribute to my mentor, Dr. Pedro Garcia, a former superintendent and professor at USC. He taught me that any role in the profession of public education is about humanity and service,” he stated. “Wearing a bow tie reminds me daily of the responsibility and privilege of being a public educator and leader.”

    Still, the bow tie is so much more, and like FOX sports baseball reporter and The Athletic senior writer, Ken Rosental, who also wears bow ties to bring attention to important causes.

    “It is also in honor of my parents who sacrificed so much for their three sons to have the opportunities they did not have,” explained Macias, who in 2007 became assistant principal at Burroughs High and in 2015 was appointed principal at Luther Burbank Middle School.

    Macias paid tribute to his father and mother.

    “My parents, Enrique and Bertha Macias, are my heroes. Immigrants from Mexico, they taught me the value of hard work, humility, and love,” he said. “Their sacrifices shaped my drive and my commitment to education and equity.”

    Macias then added. “Lastly, the bow tie is a symbol of my commitment to public education and serving in a leadership role,” he stated.

    Macias, who joined the Glendale Unified School District as Equity, Access and Family Engagement in 2022 before returning to BUSD in 2024 as Director of Secondary Education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, receives pleasure tying his tie.

    “I only wear self-tie bow ties,” he said. “The process of tying it every morning calibrates me to have the right mindset for each and every day of service.”

    Interim Superintendent isn’t an easy job but it was a calling.

    “Navigating complex systems while ensuring every student, every teacher, support staff member, administrator and BUSD community member feels seen, supported, and empowered,” Macias stressed. “Also, balancing the needs of diverse communities is challenging – but it’s also deeply rewarding.”

    Mentors are critical and Macias had his.

    USC professor Dr. Pedro Garcia and Dr. Oscar Macias. (Photo courtesy Oscar Macias)

    “Dr. Garcia profoundly influenced my career and philosophy. He was a professor at USC at the Rossier School of Education. His legacy of leadership and advocacy for underserved communities continues to guide me,” he explained. He was my mentor and friend and I miss him dearly.”

    Education is near and dear to Macias but it wasn’t what he envisioned as a career.

    “I originally planned to become a lawyer to advocate for the underrepresented,” he said. “But a chance opportunity to teach revealed my true calling. Education became my platform for advocacy, equity, and transformation.”

    Having been involved in education for more than three decades, it has been revealed to Macias that education is working with people and helping them find their space and calling, and includes students.

    “Students today face more complex social and emotional challenges, but their resilience and potential remain constant,” he offered. “They need connection, support, and high expectations – just like we did.”

    Lessons are learned every day and everywhere, including the athletic fields and stadiums.

    “Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and leadership,” Macias said. “My own experience in baseball taught me life lessons that shaped my character and perspective.”

    It seems that Macias is an educational force of nature and in some sense that’s true but he also finds time to be with loved ones.

    “I enjoy spending time with my family, attending USC football games, L.A. Kings games, L.A. Dodger games, and community events, and yes – adding to my bow tie collection,” he said. “We also have a tripawd chocolate retriever named Maddie. She is a bone cancer survivor and is a rear leg amputee, and a reminder of how to adapt and overcome challenges with spirit and fight.”

    Always the teacher, Macias loves knowledge and the ability to share it.

    “I also enjoy mentoring and connecting with others through shared stories and experiences,” he said.

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  • BUSD: Member Charlene Tabet Submits Letter Of Resignation

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    Early on during Thursday’s more than five-hour Burbank Unified School Board meeting at city hall, it was revealed that member Charlene Tabet, who has been censured by the board, turned in her letter of resignation the day before, and that it had been accepted.

    Tabet, who wasn’t present and hasn’t been present since June, has been under criminal investigation after a conflict-of-interest involving her adult daughter, BreeAnn Weist, who was awarded a $93,000 clerical contract.

    Tabet formed Specialized Support Services LLC on the day the district made the initial payment.

    Interim Superintendent Dr. Oscar Macias said, “This is a time for us to move forward.”

    It’s known that Macias wants the title of superintendent, but first there is going to be an open search, and Macias will be in the running.

    The district counsel has advised the board that engaging a third‐party search consultant is common and a best practice to ensure an open, competitive process.

    The search consultant fees are generally in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 according to Vice President Abby Pontzer Kamkar.

    Additionally, the board’s bylaw requires open‐session discussion and vote to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for search services.

    There will be an open-session discussion with public participation to establish broad leadership priorities and skills for the next superintendent.

    These skills are essential and include instructional leadership, community engagement and fiscal acumen.

    The proposal and statement of qualifications will take about three to four weeks and will be posted on the BUSD website.

    Proposals will be ready in early December and in mid-January at the board meeting, a consultant will be picked to assist in finding the next superintendent.

    The high school A-G rate which are the percentage of students who have completed the specific college-predatory course requirements for admission into the University of California or the California State University systems are as follows district wide: 45 percent in 2020-2021, 50 percent in 2021-2022, 48 percent in 2022-2023, 47.1 percent in 2023-2024 and 50.5 percent project for 2024-2025.

    For Burroughs High, the projected rate for 2024-2025 is 56.4 percent and for Burbank it’s 54.2 percent.

    Dr. Peter Knapik, the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, addressed the board and presented a slide show.

    “We’re on the right track,” he said. “This is good growth, but it’s not where we want to be as a district.”

    The graduation class of 2025 at Burroughs was 98.7 percent, for Burbank it’s 98.7 percent and for Monterey it’s 93.1 percent.

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  • Interim Superintendent Macias Gives Update on School Facilities Oversight Committee Selections

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    (Photo By Ross Benson)

    The Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) leadership team acknowledges that we did not meet the statutory deadline to establish and appoint the School Facilities Oversight Committee as required under California Education Code Section 15278. Specifically, the District was obligated to form this committee within 60 days of entering the November 2024 election results into the official record at a Board meeting.

    While the Board formally recognized the passage of Bond Measure ABC on January 16, 2025, and initial outreach to interested applicants began on April 15, 2025, the process regrettably stalled thereafter. This delay does not reflect the level of professionalism, openness, or responsiveness our community deserves, and for that, we offer our sincere apologies.

    We extend a heartfelt apology to the Burbank community and to our Board of Education members. We recognize the importance of timely and accountable governance, especially when it comes to oversight of public funds and facilities planning. Corrective actions have now been implemented to ensure this process moves forward with integrity and urgency.  

    To that end, we are reopening the application period for the School Facilities Oversight Committee, beginning Monday, August 25, 2025, and closing on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. All previous applicants will be automatically included in the new applicant pool, unless we are notified otherwise.  Updated application information and selection process will be shared publicly on Monday, August 25th through our District website and communication channels.

    We remain committed to rebuilding trust and ensuring that our community has a strong voice in the stewardship of our school facilities. 

    Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.

    In partnership,

    Dr. Macias
    Interim Superintendent

    1. What is the Measure ABC Oversight Committee?

    The Oversight Committee is a citizen-led advisory group established by the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education to monitor the expenditure of bond funds approved under Measure ABC. Its purpose is to ensure public accountability and fiscal responsibility in the use of those funds.

    2. Why was the committee created?

    The committee was formed in accordance with Proposition 39 and California Education Code Sections 15278–15282. It serves to:

    • Represent community interests in school construction and renovation
    • Ensure bond proceeds are used appropriately
    • Issue annual reports to the public

    3. What are the committee’s main responsibilities?

    • Review monthly expenditure reports
    • Monitor progress and timelines of bond-funded projects
    • Present interim and annual reports to the Board
    • Ensure no bond funds are used for salaries or operating expenses
    • Promote transparency through public records and website updates

    4. Who can serve on the committee?

    Members must:

    • Be at least 18 years old and a California resident
    • Not be a BUSD employee, vendor, contractor, or consultant
    • Represent specific stakeholder groups, including:
      • Business organizations
      • Senior citizens’ groups
      • Taxpayer organizations
      • Parents and PTA members
      • General community members

    5. How many members are on the committee?

    The committee must have at least seven voting members. The Board may also appoint up to:

    • 10 Alternates (non-voting)
    • 9 Ex-Officio Members (non-voting observers)

    6. How are members selected?

    The Board appoints members after a public nomination process. Vacancies are filled through the same process, with attention to maintaining representation across stakeholder categories.

    7. How long do members serve?

    Terms are typically two or three years, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Members may be removed for cause, including non-attendance or failure to meet eligibility requirements.

    8. Are committee members paid?

    No. All committee members serve voluntarily and are not compensated.

    9. How often does the committee meet?

    Regular meetings are held at least monthly, including an annual organizational meeting in June. All meetings are open to the public and follow the Brown Act.

    10. What support does the District provide?

    BUSD provides:

    • Meeting space and materials
    • Technical and administrative support
    • Access to financial and project reports
    • Public posting of minutes and reports

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