During the citizen input segment, several parents expressed grievances regarding the district’s policies and communication practices. David Olivea criticized the superintendent’s performance. Olivea emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly in an election year, and urged the committee to address the concerns raised by parents.

Transportation issues were a prominent theme, as Andrea Pimento shared her frustration over her daughter’s transfer to Green Elementary School without eligibility for bus transportation. Pimento highlighted the dangers faced by her six-year-old daughter, who was required to walk to school, calling the situation a bureaucratic failure. The need for safe and adequate transportation for students was a recurring concern among parents.

Alexa Taylor, another parent, detailed the challenges her son faced due to a lack of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which resulted in an unwanted school transfer. Taylor criticized the district’s inaccessibility and lack of timely communication, emphasizing the need for effective solutions that consider the human impact of such decisions.

The committee also heard from Miss Cardoza, who, via Zoom, expressed dissatisfaction with the ESY program. Cardoza critiqued the program’s schedule and called for a survey to gather feedback from parents and teachers. Lori Obenchain, assistant superintendent of special education, acknowledged Cardoza’s concerns and suggested engaging with the Council for Parent Advocacy and Collaboration (CPAC) to address broader issues.

In response to the parental concerns, a committee member suggested following up with the parents who raised issues about placement and transportation. The committee’s discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication and gathering feedback through surveys to better understand parental perspectives. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of lengthy surveys, leading to a proposal for a more streamlined survey process.

The committee also deliberated on the role of social media and public engagement, particularly the decision to disable comments on the district’s Facebook page. This decision was made to shield the district from negative commentary and misinformation. However, some members argued that disabling comments could hinder public engagement and suggested hiring a public relations specialist to manage the district’s narrative more effectively.

This discussion sparked a debate over the need for a dedicated PR role versus investing in cybersecurity. While some members advocated for a PR position to counter negative narratives, others emphasized the importance of strengthening security measures. The superintendent expressed concerns about misinformation on social media.

The meeting also touched upon the rebranding initiatives for the Residential Program for Academics (RPA) and Stone School. A committee member highlighted the importance of community involvement and collaboration to enhance the therapeutic resources available to students. The focus was on shifting perceptions and increasing public awareness of the schools’ programs.

Additionally, concerns about student attendance and transportation were addressed, with discussions on ensuring access to necessary transportation services, particularly for students with IEPs. The committee expressed a commitment to providing comprehensive support systems to help students succeed in their educational paths.