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Tacoma board opens first reading of annual goals, proposes study of cell‑phone use and LGBTQIA+ listening session
Summary
The Tacoma School District board held the first reading of its proposed 2025–26 annual goals: a comprehensive study of appropriate student cell‑phone use during school hours and a listening session with LGBTQIA+ students; trustees invited public feedback before a second reading and possible adoption.
At its Sept. 11 meeting the Tacoma School District Board of Directors held a first reading of proposed annual goals for the 2025–26 school year that the board framed as one‑year priorities tied to the district strategic plan.
District staff described two proposed goals: 1) "the board will conduct a comprehensive study of the appropriate use of cell phones during school hours," and 2) "the board will conduct a listening session with our LGBTQIA plus students to learn more about their school experiences." Staff said these goals are intended to be in service of Strategic Plan Goal 3, "Safe and Supported," and that goal items are typically developed each year to enable focused work connected to the multi‑year strategic plan.
The superintendent and general counsel explained the process: the board conducts two readings, invites public feedback (via the board website, email, or at the next meeting), and may revise the goals before a second reading and possible adoption. "If you choose, at the next board meeting ... you could propose to adopt that goals at that time," a staff presenter said, noting opportunities for the public to submit comments online or at the meeting.
Board members did not adopt the goals at the first reading; the item was presented for community feedback and scheduled for a second reading at the next board meeting. Staff said the district typically follows up with targeted listening sessions for particular constituencies (Indian Education, APCC, special education PTSA and others) and that adopted annual goals are intended to be accomplished within one school year and aligned to the existing strategic plan.
No formal vote was taken on the goals at the Sept. 11 meeting; the district encouraged the public to submit feedback ahead of the planned second reading.
