Trustees agreed to begin planning a board‑staff engagement committee after hearing results from an anonymous staff survey that raised concerns about morale, perceived board overreach and lack of alignment between the board and district leadership.

Board member (transcript) Miss Kraninski proposed forming a temporary committee of two board members, district administrators and staff representatives — including classified staff — to allow direct conversations and input. "I would like to hear from them directly. I would like to hear in their own words what they find to be issues," she said. Several trustees said they support the concept and suggested developing a written meeting template and an agenda before opening meetings to staff. The board asked administrators to help select and coordinate the first meetings and asked that a draft template be prepared quickly so a special meeting could be called if the board wants to act before new board members are seated in January.

Superintendent Dr. Rotino and others said administration already is reviewing building‑level feedback and taking steps to address concerns, but trustees emphasized the specific survey results mentioning the board's role — including perceptions of political agendas and micromanagement — need to be addressed by trustees themselves. The proposal will begin with two volunteer board members working with the superintendent and staff to draft a format and participant list.

One trustee cautioned the board must preserve anonymity and that survey respondents may not be identifiable; others said anonymity is precisely why staff may feel comfortable sharing candid feedback. The board agreed by consensus to have two trustees (Miss Kraninski and another volunteer) draft a committee format and return it for board review. The motion to appoint two board members to work with administration was not a formal recorded vote at this meeting; staff will bring a written committee template back for approval.