Dr. Balch, a finalist for the superintendent role, delivered an introductory statement focusing on her leadership philosophy, which centers on fostering belonging and recognizing the unique contributions of each student. She emphasized the significance of creating safe and welcoming educational environments and underscored the importance of inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of all students. Her approach advocates for innovation and adaptation rather than strict adherence to traditional methods.

In the structured question-and-answer segment, Dr. Balch identified the district’s strengths, such as the pre-K to 8 school model and the high school’s course catalog and extracurricular offerings, which she found indicative of a supportive educational environment. However, she noted challenges in post-pandemic recovery, especially concerning the district’s English Language Arts (ELA) data. She stressed the necessity of high-quality instructional materials and experienced educators to address these challenges effectively. Dr. Balch also discussed potential improvements at various educational levels.

The discussion on graduation rates was equally significant, with the committee examining the current rate of 88%, representing 331 students. There was a collective emphasis on improving this rate to 100% by addressing the underlying reasons for student dropouts and enhancing programming to prevent students from being overlooked.

Community engagement played a role in the meeting, with a focus on the district’s “portrait of a graduate” initiative. This effort involved gathering input from approximately 2,500 stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, and community members, to define a vision for graduates. The initiative was described as transformative.

The integration of student voice in district decision-making was another key topic. The committee organized student summits to gather authentic feedback on educational experiences, mental health, and grading perceptions. The summits led to adjustments in district priorities.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on conflict management within school management. The committee recognized that conflict is inherent in educational settings and emphasized the importance of listening and gathering information before rushing to conclusions. Transparent communication was deemed essential in resolving conflicts, with examples provided of how misaligned priorities with a long-standing partner organization led to a reevaluation and eventual dissolution of the partnership.

The strategic use of assessment data and technology in education was also discussed. The integration of technology was highlighted, with initiatives like CSforall aiming to incorporate digital literacy and computer science standards into various subjects. There was an emphasis on teaching students to be good digital citizens and drafting clear policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Budget management within the district was another focal point, with discussions emphasizing the importance of aligning budgetary decisions with district priorities and values. The superintendent stressed the need for community input in the budgeting process, sharing experiences from previous districts where community feedback influenced financial decisions. The complexities of grant funding were acknowledged, particularly regarding sustainability and the necessity of thoughtful grant applications.