One notable issue at the meeting was the consideration of revising school policies to accommodate non-gendered language. The debate centered around the potential workload for administrators, the implications of customizing policies to align with legal updates, and the impact on the community. The discussion extended to the inclusion of religious preferences in the language of the policies, and the balance between respecting individual identities and maintaining grammatical correctness.

One member of the public questioned the necessity of the policy change, expressing skepticism about the state’s push for non-gendered pronouns. The debate revealed differing perspectives on the policy’s implications, with some board members in favor of the inclusive approach, while others were concerned about the time, effort, and potential legal ramifications involved in the process. The superintendent acknowledged that keeping up with the updates would require significant effort.

A member suggested that educational achievement should remain the board’s primary focus instead of dedicating time to language revisions. The debate then shifted to whether it was essential to change all existing policies or to concentrate on future ones. A compromise to use “he/she/they” in policy language was proposed, with mixed reactions from the board members. Some agreed with this solution, while others challenged the necessity for changes. To address these concerns, the board decided to approach the matter one policy at a time.

The Green Committee’s report was another significant part of the meeting, highlighting accomplishments and goals in environmental impact reduction, health and wellness improvement, and environmental education. The committee celebrated achievements such as the creation of outdoor classrooms, nature hikes, and the integration of sustainability into curricula. The report also mentioned ongoing projects like the solar expansion project, the examination of electric bus charging feasibility, and partnerships with local farms to enhance school food programs.

Public comments touched on the language debate, with remarks praising the board for finding a middle ground on the issue and calls for policies that respect all individuals’ preferred pronouns. There was further discussion on the language used to describe inclusivity, with a suggestion to shift from “all genders” to “both genders” to reflect an all-encompassing approach.

The meeting concluded with a move to an executive session to discuss legal matters and the superintendent’s evaluation. No action was expected to be taken upon returning to the public session. The decision to enter the executive session was followed by a roll call vote to adjourn.