The Windham Southeast School District Board meeting held on September 23, 2025, focused on professional development initiatives and the integration of social justice themes within the curriculum. The meeting featured presentations from key members of the curriculum and assessment team, including Makayla Sims, director of the Office of Equity, and Brynn Tucker, director of curriculum and assessment.

The primary agenda item was to outline the professional development opportunities planned for the school year, emphasizing the need to support teachers and staff across various roles within the district. The presentation highlighted the alignment of these initiatives with educational quality standards, specifically addressing school leadership and needs-based professional learning.

Stacy Sawyer, the pre-K through 6 curriculum coordinator, initiated the discussion by presenting the essential question of how to effectively support the diverse roles of staff in the district. The team outlined various professional development methods, including new hire orientation, district-wide professional development days, and grade-level meetings, all designed to cater to the unique needs of the staff.

The meeting also included a reflection activity, prompting attendees to consider the range of roles within the district and the professional learning needs of the community. Participants shared insights on topics such as differentiated instruction and responding to inappropriate behavior, which were noted as areas of interest for future professional development sessions.

The team reported that 27 new certified teachers, nurses, counselors, and special educators participated in the new hire orientation, alongside 49 additional staff members, including paraprofessionals and custodial staff. Plans to enhance the orientation process for the following year were discussed, with a focus on streamlining training and emphasizing equity.

The presentation concluded with an overview of upcoming professional development days scheduled for October 14 and February 16, where teachers will engage in continued learning experiences. These sessions aim to foster collaboration among educators and enhance their understanding of curriculum alignment across grade levels.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing comprehensive professional development that addresses the diverse needs of its staff while promoting equity and social justice in education. The board plans to follow up on these initiatives in future meetings, ensuring ongoing support for teachers and staff throughout the school year.