Members of the Danbury Board of Education Community Relations Committee discussed options to gather public feedback from parents, students and community partners and to better connect community input to board planning, including the district strategic-plan cycle that runs through 2027.

“Perhaps we should have a conversation with students and parents and open conversation dialogue as to what they think we’re doing, what we’re offering, what they feel we need,” said Mr. Giannelli, a committee member, urging broader direct feedback. Several board members said the district lacks regular forums that allow a substantive two-way exchange beyond public comment periods at regular board meetings.

Committee members proposed several approaches: hold a dedicated community meeting or workshop focused on soliciting feedback, use Family University (Oct. 18) as an opportunity to engage parents and students, or plan a larger strategic-planning process tied to the district’s next strategic-plan refresh (the current plan runs through 2027). Dr. Casimiro, a committee member, noted that the district last conducted a broad strategic planning process and suggested repeating a multi-session model that included parents, students, community partners and business leaders.

Several members cautioned about legal and procedural limits. One committee member warned that if too many board members attend an unscheduled public forum it could constitute a board meeting subject to open-meeting posting requirements. Gladys Cooper said she would contact counsel (Mr. Mooney) to confirm the proper format to avoid violating open-meeting rules.

Committee members recommended structuring any community sessions carefully — using moderators and focused agendas to avoid unproductive, highly specific complaints — and suggested the district consider a multi-event approach that gathers representative input over time. No formal vote was taken; members asked staff to follow up on logistics, legal guidance and possible integration with the strategic-plan timeline.