Government Watch

SB 596 would establish a pilot program at four school districts allowing them to establish an intensive preventative mental health plan. By utilizing school and community resources, these districts will seek to identify and treat mental health concerns early so as to prevent students from falling behind, according to Yee’s office.

SB 619 would require the state Department of Education to develop and make available online a civics orientation for state employees. The orientation would provide a basic understanding of the responsibilities and operation of the three branches of government and the importance of civic engagement, improving their ability to serve the public, according to Yee’s office.

Education

• The Millbrae Elementary School District named Maggie O’Rielly as the interim principal for Taylor Middle School to replace Lesley Martin, who recently stepped down from her role.

The school board also approved a contract with Pivot Learning Partners to conduct a school climate survey to increase knowledge of the school’s climate from the perceptive of the Taylor Middle School faculty and staff.

It is aimed to build the organizational capacity of the faculty and staff to achieve the school’s vision and mission. It also strives to build the organizational capacity of the district office to assist school leadership to achieve the school’s vision and mission. The responsibilities and commitments will be performed from Feb. 1-June 30 at a cost not to exceed $9,000.

The data collected from this survey will be compiled, analyzed and communicated in a report to the board. A preliminary report will be completed as soon as possible and no later than March 1. Recommendations will not be part of the preliminary report. The preliminary report can be reviewed by the superintendent, the district governance team and other appropriate staff members to determine strategies for improvement in school climate.