Student representatives from High School East and High School West voiced concerns regarding the handling of the emergency situation. They criticized the delayed evacuation process, which was executed an hour after the initial shelter-in-place order. This delay, they argued, was unnecessary given the nature of the threat, and led to a chaotic spread of misinformation as students resorted to social media for updates due to the lack of timely communication from school authorities. In an unsettling revelation, students found that their parents were receiving more detailed information via email than the teachers themselves, further amplifying confusion and anxiety.

The students described the evacuation to High School West as disorganized, with no roll call or bag checks conducted. They were kept in various locations such as the auditorium, gyms, and cafeteria, where limited internet connectivity hindered their ability to communicate with families about their safety, exacerbating the situation.

The board members listened attentively to the students’ grievances, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the incident and expressing gratitude for the students’ input. They committed to taking the feedback seriously to improve safety protocols and communication strategies. The Superintendent explained that the district follows guidelines designed by security experts, emphasizing that the priority was to ensure physical safety, which was achieved, despite the emotional toll on the students. The incident, as discussed, underscored the essential need for better-prepared protocols for such emergency situations, including the establishment of reunification sites.

During the public comments segment, additional concerns were raised about the safety protocols during the student relocation. A speaker pointed out the chaos during the move to a second location, where students wandered through fields without teacher guidance, leading to heightened anxiety and panic attacks among some of the students. Questions were posed about the absence of bag checks and the implications of carrying items into a crowded building.

Addressing these concerns, a board member emphasized the importance of student safety and suggested that certain details of safety protocols should not be discussed publicly to maintain security. They reassured the audience that the feedback would be used to refine safety processes.

The meeting also delved into the ongoing efforts to improve the district’s harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIV) process. Presentations highlighted feedback from a recent survey, which revealed dissatisfaction among families with the communication and handling of HIB incidents. A significant portion of the respondents felt uninformed and unsupported throughout the process. The presenters outlined plans to enhance training for staff and improve communication strategies to ensure better alignment with family expectations. There was a collective recognition of the need for empathy and effective communication.

The board also discussed infrastructure projects, with updates on ongoing construction at various school sites. The Kingston school project was noted for its progress, and the board expressed optimism about the completion timeline for various renovations, including the installation of Temporary Classroom Units at Carusi Middle School and preschool additions at Malburg and Kilmer. Future projects were also outlined, such as renovations at Beck Middle School and high school auditoriums, along with critical HVAC upgrades.

In a lighter moment, a student named Jenna Taylor requested a day off for the Super Bowl parade, reflecting on past instances of low school attendance during such events. The board also heard from speakers about broader educational concerns, including curriculum changes and funding issues.