The conversation on student participation was led by Superintendent David Law and another representative, who emphasized the importance of including student perspectives in educational decisions. The district currently engages students through various advisory committees, such as the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee, which involves approximately 40 students offering insights on curriculum matters. High school initiatives further include innovation teams and a myriad of clubs designed to support student feedback.

Three students shared their experiences during the meeting. One student, Rory Shown, detailed his involvement with the Student Teaching and Learning Advisory Board and his participation in a recent student forum. Shania Gibson, who is active in the Student Belonging Committee, and Charlie Welch, from the Principal Advisory Council, echoed the significance of diverse student voices being heard. They also discussed gathering peer feedback through informal conversations and suggested a structured process to ensure genuine representation.

The board explored the feasibility of establishing a structured student voice initiative, where nominated students would regularly meet to review upcoming board topics and provide feedback. There was a consensus on the potential benefits of such involvement, although concerns were raised about the practicalities, such as the time commitment required from students and the administrative workload involved in preparing them.

One board member suggested that a pragmatic approach would be to start with a small-scale implementation of the student panel concept and assess its effectiveness before expanding. The board discussed utilizing social media and other outreach methods to inform students about board agendas and encourage their input.

In addition to student involvement, the meeting also touched upon the district’s nutrition services. Updates included the introduction of new menu items, such as plant-based options, and initiatives like “Try It Tuesday” to encourage students to explore diverse food choices. The nutrition services director emphasized communication improvements through a new Instagram account and a revamped website, aimed at better engaging with the community.

The board also reviewed the school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year. The committee recommended several adjustments to avoid extending the school year due to a late Labor Day. These included pausing the day off before Thanksgiving and removing late starts and early releases. The draft calendar proposed starting the school year on September 8th and ending on June 11th.