The Burbank Unified School Board met for nearly three hours on Thursday evening at City Hall.

Minus member Sterve Ferguson, who submitted his letter of resignation a week ago, was praised for his hard work and dedication over the past eight and a half years.

At the beginning, Superintendent Dr. John Paramo gave a speech and expressed his thanks.

“I’ve known Steve Ferguson for a long time,” he said. “He’s a passionate and compassionate man and has done a lot of great work.”

President Dr. Emily Weisberg also praised Ferguson’s hard work and concern for all students.

“Everyone in this room recognizes the work he has done,” she said.

Annie Markarian, who has announced her candidacy for Administrative Area 5 of the Burbank Board of Education, was one of the five-minute speakers and expressed similar views.

“Steve Ferguson was about equality and inclusion for all students,” she said. “He was a trailblazer. He deserves the recognition of this board.”

Longtime Burbank resident Joel Schlossman also gave a five-minute speech, carrying a handwritten sign that read: No need for bonds. Vote no!

Schlossman also praised Ferguson’s commitment to the job and the students.

“I applaud Steve Ferguson and wish him all the best for his eight years of service,” he said.

Vice President Dr. Armond Aghakhanian was also present and followed suit by offering words of praise for Ferguson.

“We were elected together. People will remember him for all he did,” he said. “We all have our own lives to live and he will be greatly missed. He took care of the children and the district.”

Matt Benson also gave a five-minute speech, thanking everyone who helped install a permanent bench at Bret Harte Elementary School, named in honor of longtime kindergarten teacher Karyn Lombardo, who lost her life in May. He also thanked his wife, Sam, who came up with the idea and is chair of the PTA’s fundraiser this year.

The bench in honor of Lombardo was approved by the members unanimously with a vote of 4:0.

SkillsUSA, a local, state and national competition, was also discussed.

It has been found that student opportunities to succeed in Career Technical Education (CTE) courses and programs are increasing, dual enrollment courses are increasing at our community college partners, and career pathways leading to employment and/or further education are being expanded and strengthened.

In addition, the District Career Technical Education Program supports student and teacher participation in SkillsUSA’s annual regional, state and national competitions.

In the 2023-2024 school year, 52 students from Burbank High and Burroughs competed at the local and state levels in the culinary arts, photography, construction and health sciences industries.

Recent Burroughs graduate Ryan Boyle was recognized by BUSD after taking first place in the state’s SkillsUSA construction competition before representing California at the national level in Atlanta, Georgia last month.

Boyle was accompanied by Gerardo Mendez, a lecturer in engineering and construction at Burroughs.