The Latin program was not the only topic that captured the committee’s attention. This comes after concerns were raised about civility in public comments and the impact of personal attacks against school personnel.

In addition to these discussions, the committee engaged in a comprehensive conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The report presented highlighted instances of gender bias and intolerance within the district, prompting the committee to recognize the need for continued efforts in addressing these issues. Plans for revising incident protocols, incorporating community input, and transparently communicating response procedures were outlined.

The district’s investments in curriculum development were also deliberated, with a focus on social studies and English language arts and the aim of centering diverse voices and authors. Efforts to communicate the curriculum to families and the need for a review framework that closely examines biases were discussed. Furthermore, the district’s participation in a state program to investigate history was noted.

Staff diversity emerged as another topic, with discussions on the need for staff to reflect the student body’s increasing diversity. The district is seeking to diversify the teacher population by posting job opportunities in non-traditional places and considering a completely blind hiring process.

The implementation of survey tools to measure progress in equity, inclusion, and belonging was mentioned, with Panorama Education being used to create quarterly surveys for data collection. Additionally, improvements in communication with families through ParentSquare and the district’s website were noted.

Restorative practices were discussed in the context of the Middle High School level, where restorative circles are being piloted. The committee considered the development of mentoring and advising programs to strengthen relationships between students and staff.

The proposed policy on student-owned technology devices sparked debate, with a focus on the policy’s impact on student well-being and educational needs. Parents and caregivers raised concerns, particularly regarding access to audiobooks or music for study purposes. The “Wait Until 8th” initiative was also discussed, highlighting the campaign’s goals and potential effects on mental health and social interactions.

Regarding administrative matters, the committee addressed the planning of an in-person retreat for the upcoming superintendent search and the scheduling of future committee meetings. They also addressed the appointments and contracts for the Director of Special Education Services and the interim superintendent.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss negotiation strategies and contracts with non-union personnel. Following the executive session, the committee returned to open session to proceed with appointments and contracts.