The school board voted 4
1 to approve a district "Trust" statement the superintendent and leadership team developed as an acronym to summarize desired behaviors for the board, staff, teachers and community.

Why it matters: trustees and staff said the statement is a cultural tool intended to promote respectful conversations, transparency and unity when the district and schools have difficult discussions.

The initiative was introduced when a staff member asked Rusty to explain the proposal; Rusty described the origin of the acronym and how leadership adapted it from other districts to emphasize trust, respect and transparency. Rusty said the district will use the statement at meetings and post it in schools and on agendas as a conversation starter and guide for difficult conversations.

A trustee asked whether the phrase would appear on district letterhead; Rusty replied the intent is to post it on websites and posters and to include it in meeting materials, not to place it on official letterhead.

Trustee Thompson moved to approve the Trust statement; the board adopted it on a voice vote with four in favor and one opposed. Following passage staff said they have already used the statement in personnel conversations and found it helpful.

Ending: The board approved the Trust statement by a 4
1 vote. Staff said they will include the statement on agendas and in school materials and will use it in meetings going forward.