HYA presented a comprehensive strategy involving four key phases: engage, recruit, select, and transition. The engage phase, set for October and November, will include deep community involvement through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The goal is to identify the district’s strengths and challenges while defining the desired characteristics of the next superintendent. The committee highlighted the importance of community feedback, with plans for an anonymous online survey available in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity.

In addition to the superintendent search, the meeting covered a range of topics related to school safety and student support. A presentation by Jariel Bernay on safe and supportive schools captured attention, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), culturally affirming practices, and mental health strategies. Bernay stressed the importance of adapting these elements to meet the unique needs of each school, fostering an environment focused on sustainability and collaborative efforts.

The committee also discussed the impact of reduced funding on ongoing initiatives. A grant supporting various student engagement and mental health programs was slashed by over 60%, raising concerns about sustaining these efforts. Despite the budgetary constraints, the district remains committed to maintaining a positive school climate, with a focus on professional development and the integration of social-emotional learning into the curriculum.

The meeting addressed strides in reducing chronic absenteeism, which dropped by 6.2% over two years, thanks to collaborative efforts and data-driven interventions. The committee acknowledged disparities in attendance rates, particularly among English learners and high-need students, and outlined ongoing support strategies.

Special education services were also a focal point, with discussions on the rise in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to 20.4% of students, aligning with state averages. The district is evaluating its educational strategies to accommodate this increase, emphasizing inclusive settings and the importance of addressing specific learning disabilities and ADHD. Collaboration with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) and renewed membership with the Federation for Children were noted as positive steps in enhancing support for students with disabilities.