Board members on Tuesday reviewed several operational questions about the district’s high school graduation ceremony after reports of loud noisemakers and audience disruptions in recent years.

Administrators said they plan to survey staff and families about possible changes, and several board members favored tighter control of items brought into the arena. A board member with extensive graduation experience told colleagues the ushers and arena staff are “critical people” in preventing disruption and urged stronger entry screening for noise‑making items. Another board member compared the district’s approach to university commencements, noting that some venues prohibit backpacks, balloons and noisemakers.

Superintendent Tanya said the district currently does not conduct bag checks and noted resource constraints for a full security screening at a venue the size of an arena, but she signaled willingness to explore targeted checks for items commonly used as noisemakers. “We can certainly eliminate no noise makers,” she said, but added that enforcement logistics and equity (guests who arrive without a place to store prohibited items) must be considered.

The board also discussed the diploma/photograph process. In recent ceremonies, diplomas were conferred by multiple board members and principals, then students paused for a staged photo near the podium. Several board members said the current arrangement reduced ceremony time while preserving the handshake/photo moment families expect. One member called the staged photo process “efficient” and said it created a clear assembly-line flow across the stage.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision: the meeting produced discussion and a directive for staff to survey stakeholders (faculty, principals, families) and report recommendations. No formal policy change or vote occurred. The superintendent said the principal and the new graduation director would distribute a short survey and the district would test possible adjustments (e.g., explicit prohibition of hand-held noise makers, clearer guidance to ushers, and refined photo choreography) before next year’s ceremony.

What’s next: staff will circulate a survey to senior families and faculty, compile examples of venue policies (including reference to local university commencement rules), estimate costs for bag‑check or enhanced screening and return recommendations to the board.