Public forum guest urges board members to meet families at drop‑off and graduations

At the start of the Community Engagement Committee meeting on Feb. 17, 2026, public forum participant Janet Sayers urged board members to use low‑cost, high‑visibility tactics to meet families and improve outreach.

Sayers suggested board members "be there and wave and say hello" during morning and afternoon drop‑off and pick‑up at schools and recommended board members greet families an hour before high school graduation to connect with parents. "Morning and afternoon drop off and pick up at schools," she said. She also recommended short monthly Zoom meetings hosted by counselors and said she would put the rest of her ideas in writing.

Committee members responded positively. President Tomorito and Member Jackson encouraged selecting a few public events (sports nights, track meets) where board members attend together; Chair Astorga said the district could ask Superintendent Blakey to share ideas for how members can be more present at schools. Members also discussed how presentations from community groups should be regulated: Member Jackson asked for clear parameters on who could present and how organizations would apply, and Astorga said she would draft submission parameters to bring to the next meeting.

The exchange illustrated community interest in in‑person, visible outreach and helped set the committee's later decisions to add listening sessions to the calendar and to develop a formal process for outside presenters.