Gary Gansi, the executive director of Special Projects, presented the “Say Something” program, which seeks to create a safe environment by enabling students to report concerning behaviors anonymously. The program includes classroom discussions where students are educated about identifying trusted adults and recognizing signs of at-risk behavior. The initiative emphasizes distinguishing between “snitching” and seeking help, encouraging students to report issues through an app, web link, text message, or phone call.

To ensure the program’s success, a 24/7 call center staffed by trained crisis counselors will vet and categorize the tips into life safety and non-life safety concerns. The program involves coordination among law enforcement, district teams, and school teams to manage and address reported concerns. The board expressed confidence in the preparations for the program’s launch, emphasizing its importance in fostering a culture of support and responsibility among students.

The rollout of the “Say Something” program is scheduled for the week of March 17, integrating instruction into designated times such as tiger time and eagle time. The initiative is not just an app but a comprehensive educational approach aimed at equipping students with the skills to identify and report signs of distress. The board noted that many students hesitate to report warning signs due to fears of being labeled as snitches or assuming someone else will report the issues. The program aims to combat this mindset, encouraging students to take action when they notice concerning behaviors.

In preparation for the program’s implementation, careful planning and collaboration among various stakeholders have been prioritized. Training has been conducted for district teams, law enforcement, and school staff to ensure readiness for the rollout. This training included discussions on managing and deploying tips without overwhelming existing systems, particularly for law enforcement agencies. A test of the reporting system was conducted to confirm its functionality and establish communication protocols.

Communication efforts are ongoing to inform families and staff about the program, with translations provided to ensure accessibility for non-English speaking families. The board has acknowledged the need to address potential cultural concerns surrounding the program. Despite the complexities involved, the process is seen as a critical step towards enhancing student safety and well-being within the district.

In addition to the “Say Something” program, the board discussed various funding changes affecting compensatory aid, special education aid, and the ending of literacy funds. These changes will impact staffing resources, requiring adjustments based on conservative enrollment projections to avoid overstaffing. The staffing plan, a dynamic process, involves notable decisions by April 11, when notifications of non-renewal are sent to probationary staff. Historically, about 20 to 30 teachers out of over 900 receive these notifications, which the board reviews and approves at the subsequent meeting.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the Clear View Fields partnership, highlighting community support for youth sports. Heather, the president of the Clear Lake Area Youth Baseball Association, explained the partnership’s role in providing opportunities for youth to participate in baseball without financial barriers. She emphasized the need for dugouts at the Clear View fields, with a significant project cost of $220,000, supported by fundraising efforts and contributions from local sponsors.

Further discussions covered updates on educational programs, including safety around water instruction for second graders, a performance celebrating Dominican Republic independence by kindergarteners, and a collaborative STEM project involving fifth graders. The Westwood robotics team was recognized for its achievement in a state competition, while secondary students engaged in activities promoting safe, respectful, and inclusive environments.

The board addressed logistics for an upcoming primary election related to filling a vacant board member seat, opting against holding a primary due to associated costs. Additionally, the restructuring of the administrative team for the 2025-26 school year was presented, alongside discussions about reimagining the district’s retirement event to focus on departmental celebrations.