In the workshop, participants underscored the importance of addressing vaping, a prevalent issue among students. It was suggested that student-led public service announcements (PSAs) could serve as a more relatable medium for conveying the dangers of vaping. The idea of incorporating younger speakers to engage with students directly was also proposed, with the hope that real-life peer experiences would resonate more effectively than traditional lectures from adults. The board considered the potential involvement of the district’s media production programs to create these PSAs, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle the issue.

Additionally, the board discussed the need for improved monitoring of specific areas within schools where students might engage in vaping, such as restrooms. Students highlighted that while schools conduct presentations on the dangers of vaping, these efforts might lack the impact needed to deter students effectively. To combat this, it was suggested that educational initiatives begin earlier, ideally in middle school, to prevent vaping from becoming a habit.

Beyond vaping, the board’s agenda covered the condition of school facilities, with students voicing concerns about inadequate Wi-Fi connectivity, outdated technology, and poor maintenance of physical education equipment. Several students pointed out that unreliable internet service hindered their academic performance, prompting calls for prioritizing improvements in this area. The board acknowledged these concerns and recognized the need for funding and resources to address them adequately.

The discussion also touched on the implementation of a new facility rental system, Facilitron, designed to streamline the process of renting school facilities. This system aims to enhance transparency regarding facility availability, reduce inquiries, and ensure compliance with district policies. The board emphasized the importance of integrating internal school schedules into Facilitron to improve data accuracy and community access.

Furthermore, the meeting included a dialogue about mental health support within schools. Students expressed a need for additional counselors to address the growing demand for mental health services, with some highlighting the long waiting times for counseling appointments. The board recognized the critical gap in the counseling system and discussed potential solutions, such as peer counseling programs and expanded mentorship structures.

Legislative priorities were also a topic of discussion, with the board considering a streamlined approach to advocacy efforts. The need for a concise set of priorities to effectively advocate for the district’s interests at the state and federal levels was emphasized. Board members debated the inclusion of funding for paid family leave and the regulation of artificial intelligence in educational settings as part of the legislative platform.

Additionally, the board examined proposed school calendar options for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years. The survey results revealed mixed preferences among parents and students, with board members discussing the implications of different start dates and semester configurations. The importance of aligning the school calendar with community needs and ensuring sufficient instructional time was highlighted.