0:28The committee delved deeply into the results of the school climate survey, which only garnered responses from 805 parents out of a possible 7,000 students in the district. This low participation rate raised concerns about the survey’s ability to accurately reflect the views of the broader school community. Superintendent Brandi Kwong presented the survey data, which was developed by Panorama in collaboration with Dr. Gelbach from Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on school safety, engagement, and climate.

Committee member Kristen Maxwell voiced dissatisfaction with the response rate, noting that only about 200 parents participated, which she found inadequate. Maxwell questioned the survey’s effectiveness, particularly due to the lack of a comment section, which she believed could have provided additional insights. The committee acknowledged the need to better engage with parents.

The survey highlighted various insights into family engagement and perceptions of school climate. It was revealed that email is the predominant source of information for families, followed by talking points and social media. Attendance at open houses and parent conferences was described as fair, yet several parents reported rarely discussing their child’s school experiences with other parents.

The survey results also explored students’ enjoyment of school, with responses varying based on school levels. Parents’ views on classroom motivation and grading fairness were also examined, with a notable trend showing that parents felt teachers had more respect for students than students had for teachers. Additionally, the survey addressed the ease with which students could receive help if bullied and the sense of belonging felt by students. Most parents believed their children were being adequately prepared for the next academic year, but concerns about students’ comfort in seeking help from adults and alignment between teaching and learning styles were noted.

27:55The committee discussed the discrepancies in survey responses, particularly the varying levels of student motivation at different schools. This raised questions about the differences in educational experiences across the district. Additionally, the committee considered including specific groups in future surveys, such as those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, to assess how well accommodations for students with special needs were being met.

43:25In parallel, the meeting addressed the policy regarding staff access to student information, specifically the JRA staff access policy. The policy aimed to clarify and ensure adequate access to necessary student information for staff involved in extracurricular activities, such as health concerns and accommodations. While unrestricted access to all student records was not granted, the policy adjustments were necessary to address previous issues where extracurricular staff lacked access to vital student accommodations.

The committee expressed concerns over student confidentiality and privacy laws. They discussed integrating legal references into the policy language and committed to consulting the district’s legal counsel for guidance.

The meeting also briefly touched on the strategic plan and the superintendent’s evaluation process. Superintendent Kwong presented evidence of accomplishments related to the strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of ongoing updates to avoid overwhelming the committee with information. The superintendent’s presentation included data sheets cleared of confidential student information.

Further discussion involved the importance of training for all staff, including non-employee coaches, regarding student safety and health issues. The committee reiterated the need for comprehensive training to ensure that all staff, whether full-time or seasonal, were adequately informed and prepared.