During a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the ongoing efforts of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force. As of the meeting date, a total of 17 applications had been received from various stakeholders, including 7 from parent guardians, 3 from community members, 2 from school administrators, 3 from students, and 1 from a staff member. The application period is set to close on September 16.

In an effort to increase student participation, a special invitation was sent out to individuals who had previously expressed interest in equity-related issues. The meeting emphasized the importance of a diverse committee, with discussions on how to evaluate and select applicants based on their contributions to the group’s goals.

The selection process will involve board members reviewing all applications and scoring them on a scale of 1 to 5. The aggregated scores will guide the recommendations for committee appointments, which are expected to be finalized in the next board meeting. The goal is to ensure a balanced representation from various demographics, including students, staff, and community members.

Board members expressed the need for a clear mission statement and agenda items for the task force's first meeting, anticipated to take place in October. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and the need for a committee that reflects a range of perspectives to effectively address diversity and inclusion within the district.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for public participation, encouraging community members to engage in the decision-making process. The board is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and is actively seeking input from all stakeholders as they move forward with the task force's initiatives.