A key highlight was the Superintendent’s report on the establishment of a committee to draft an acceptable use policy for generative AI. This initiative aims to create guidelines for the appropriate use of AI within the district, with a focus on ensuring that it enhances educational outcomes without compromising student privacy or academic integrity. The committee met recently to discuss the framework and intends to present a draft to the policy committee for review in the coming weeks.

During the public comment segment, Andrew Guzman, a rising eighth grader at Kis Middle School, shared his personal experience of feeling unsupported after his suspension and removal from his student president position. Guzman expressed the emotional toll this disciplinary action took on his mental health, stating, “I was devastated and I had a very hard time dealing with my mental health.” He criticized the limited follow-up support provided by the district, noting he only received one check-in from his counselor. Guzman proposed that the board adopt a policy requiring counselors to meet with suspended students and their families at least three times post-suspension to foster positive change.

The meeting also delved into the structure and effectiveness of the board’s committee meetings. One member noted that in the seven months since joining the board, there had only been one report on finance and curriculum, with frequent cancellations and rescheduling of policy meetings. This member suggested shifting to a “committee as a whole” format to facilitate increased dialogue among board members, arguing that a single working meeting each month could reduce the overall time commitment by eliminating the need for separate policy meetings.

Another board member expressed concerns about the potential for lengthy meetings if all topics were addressed in one session. They emphasized that the current committee structure allows for focused discussions among fewer members, which can then be brought back to the board for broader input. The conversation highlighted the challenges of managing a committee of the whole, particularly in keeping discussions organized and focused.

In addition to structural concerns, the board discussed issues related to public participation. One member pointed out that audience members often struggled to be heard due to microphone issues. This technical aspect was addressed with plans to enhance the sound system.

Another topic was the placement of special education students in a US History course for freshmen. Concerns were raised about the structure of the class, which consisted entirely of 12 special education students with a general education teacher but no in-class support. The rationale for this arrangement was to transition students from a resource room setting to a less restrictive environment, deemed necessary for their educational progress. However, the absence of general education students in the class led to questions about the appropriateness of the setting, with one participant commenting, “This class sounds like it’s kind of a hybrid if you will.” The board discussed the importance of moving toward a more inclusive educational setting year after year.

The discussion also emphasized the necessity of clear parental communication regarding the structure and intent of the class. It was acknowledged that families needed to be fully informed about the recommendations and what the course would entail.

Other updates included the introduction of a new teacher orientation program, welcoming approximately 55 new certificated staff members to the district. The orientation aimed to integrate new staff into the district’s culture, expectations, and resources, including a bus tour to familiarize them with the community.

The Superintendent provided updates on summer construction projects at G&R School, including upgrades to classrooms and infrastructure. These improvements are part of a four-year plan, with recent upgrades involving new flooring, lighting, and HVAC systems. The meeting also highlighted the initiation of a middle school football program and the expansion of a volleyball program into an interscholastic sport at the high school level.