During the recent Denton Independent School District (DISD) board meeting, a structured open forum allowed students, parents, and community members to voice their concerns and feedback. The board emphasized its commitment to valuing input from the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the district and families.

The meeting proceeded with the approval of the consent agenda, which passed unanimously. Following this, the board addressed new business, including the approval of the official Chapter 49 notification for the 2024-2025 election of recapture options, which also received unanimous support.

In the open forum segment, community member Donna Smith raised concerns about bullying in schools, referencing an article from the Denton Record Chronicle. She shared insights from Texas Woman's University professor Samuel Kim, who discussed the complexities of bullying behavior. Kim noted that bullying often stems from stressors in a student's life, whether at home or school, and highlighted the intentional nature of bullying, which involves a power imbalance and repeated actions.

Smith emphasized the role of adults in addressing bullying, urging parents and guardians to communicate with school leaders about safety concerns. The discussion underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure a safe environment for all students.

The meeting concluded with Rebecca Bertone expressing appreciation for the board's proactive approach to budget management through the formation of the 1925 Committee, which aims to involve community members in the budgeting process. This initiative reflects the board's commitment to transparency and collaboration with the community in addressing financial matters.