The Board reflected on community feedback gathered from the listening session, which was organized into two discussion groups—Elementary and Middle/High School—and focused on three themes: Family Engagement, Community Engagement & Partnerships, and Communication.

Family Engagement:

• ParentSquare was recognized as a valuable communication tool, with a suggestion to allow parents and guardians to add additional guardians to direct message threads for improved communication.
• Board members discussed the importance of curriculum nights but noted challenges with low attendance.
• Discussion centered on special education transitions, emphasizing the need for:
  • A structured vision or model for supporting students transitioning from high school to adulthood.
  • Increased collaboration with local businesses, WSU, and agencies to expand placement opportunities.
  • Practical skill-building opportunities (e.g., food handler permits, rental applications) to support independence.
  • Gather parent and administrator input to refine the transition process.

The Board discussed how this work could connect to Board goals, potentially developing a Transition Services Model and regularly receiving progress updates.

Community Engagement & Partnerships:

The Board discussed the need for clear, accessible pathways for community members and organizations to connect with schools.

Ideas included:

• Creating a centralized list or form for community partners interested in volunteering or providing services.
• Hosting a district parent night to build family-community connections.
• Documenting and streamlining how staff and partners can engage with one another.
• Exploring ways to automate community partner sign-ups on the district website, with consideration for including a background check process to help ensure safety and alignment with district protocols.
• Considering input from the DEIB Task Force or other advisory groups to help design a consistent partnership process.

Communication:

The Board emphasized continuing to streamline district communication through ParentSquare and ensuring families and partners understand the available communication channels.