Kim, a member of the Theater Diversity Advisory Committee (TDAC), told the board the group is not presenting slides but is available to answer questions and that opening night for the district’s production "Oliver" was that week.

The TDAC update reviewed recent work to increase inclusion in casting and programming, planned review of DEI guidelines this spring and efforts to expand TDAC membership to include more community and student voices. Committee members said they awarded scholarships to everyone who requested financial assistance for the district’s stages summer program and are changing the grade range served by stages to third through eighth grade to reach students earlier.

Why it matters: the advisory committee oversees diversity and inclusion work in school theater programming and the changes seek to reduce financial and outreach barriers to participation for historically marginalized students.

Trustees asked about how students engage with TDAC; Kim and other TDAC members said two students currently serve on the committee and that the group is actively recruiting more youth voices, planning post-performance surveys and considering school-based focus groups to gather broader student feedback. TDAC representatives noted outreach at Title I schools increased audition participation this year and that no requested scholarships were denied.

Board members encouraged TDAC to prioritize non-mainstream and marginalized narratives in future season planning and to clarify financing for scholarships. TDAC representatives said scholarships are funded partly from the theater account and from proceeds of camps and programs.

Ending: TDAC will pursue a spring review of DEI guidelines, increase student recruitment for the advisory group and continue targeted outreach and scholarship support for stages and district theater programs; board members asked for continued reporting on participation metrics and intersectional demographic data.