Board members on Oct. 22 summarized outcomes from a community listening session held Oct. 15 at Lincoln Middle School. The district said sessions focused on improving communication and engagement with families and the broader community, with separate focus groups for elementary and for middle/high schools.

Board members said participants raised concerns about special-education services and supports, and pressed the district to explore community partnerships to help students with disabilities. During the meeting staff noted that Washington State University’s Rohr Program received a $2.5 million federal grant under the U.S. Department of Education’s Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities initiative; board members said that grant aligns with constituents’ comments and will be beneficial for district students who need postsecondary transition supports.

At the elementary-level focus group, board members reported conversation about leveraging community expertise — such as guest lectures, career engagement and partnerships with professional societies — to connect students to employers and career pathways.

Board members said they held a work session after the listening event to review next steps, and that the board plans to hold another listening session in the spring. The board said it will follow up on points raised and consider additional tasking for the district’s DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging) task force at a future meeting.