Trustees weigh new programs, SEL purchases and a police communications supervisor amid budget tightening

Trustees reviewed several proposed program and operational additions and asked staff to refine or reduce requests in light of the district’s budget outlook.

Lead With Impact: Ms. Wallace, the district’s communications/leadership implementation lead, asked the board to fund a $50,000 package for branding assets, signage and development of teacher/leader “experiences” to cascade the district’s leadership definition across campuses. She said the work would include convening teachers and leaders over the summer to co‑create ready‑to‑use tools and lesson‑style resources for principals. Several trustees questioned whether the full $50,000 was necessary and suggested lower‑cost digital toolkits or redirecting funds to literacy initiatives; Dr. Goree and Ms. Mayo asked staff to return with a more detailed cost breakdown and scope.

SEL and literacy: Mr. Graham and Dr. Goodman (academic leadership) told trustees the district plans to adopt or expand the Second Step SEL platform for middle grades to generate usage and effectiveness data. Trustees asked for a monitoring plan and expected outcomes; staff said the director of counseling and campus counselors would monitor usage and that the district will provide data on frequency and implementation fidelity. Trustee Colton asked about a direct literacy investment (for example, giving books to kindergartners); district leaders said a formal district literacy plan is forthcoming and staff would review whether the Lead With Impact dollars should be reallocated.

Operations and safety: Interim Police Chief Gearin described a proposed police communications supervisor position who would supervise dispatchers and serve as the district’s NCIC/TCIC point of contact. The chief said the role is intended to ensure dispatcher certification compliance and continuous radio/911 coverage when officers work in the field. The position would permit the safety coordinator to return to other duties currently covered on an interim basis.

Other operational items mentioned in the workshop included continued use of the Elevate virtual‑learning contract to cover teacher vacancies and exploration of a “white fleet” vehicle strategy to reduce travel reimbursements. Trustees asked staff to pare or better justify new program requests before the board approves additions to the proposed budget.