Board directs staff to study cafeteria survey, acoustics and elementary parking ahead of Oct. 13 vote

Board members discussed student lunches, cafeteria acoustics, parent access, and parking at the elementary school and directed staff to return with concrete options at the Oct. 13 meeting, which the board will advertise as a voting session.

Board member 6 proposed a mandatory student survey to gather food preferences and feedback. "I want it to be mandatory that all students take the survey," the member said, adding the district should hear directly from kids rather than rely on anecdote. Administrators said they will include kindergarten-appropriate questions and bring survey results back at the Oct. 13 work session.

District staff described an existing process to allow parents to eat in the elementary cafeteria starting Oct. 1 (families will apply and follow a scheduling process administered by staff). The administration said it would also explore contractors and solutions to address noise and acoustics in the cafeteria.

On facilities, a board member requested research into additional elementary parking near the bus area or left of the track to improve safety for events and for spectators with mobility needs. The board directed administration to research locations, ADA access considerations, and cost options and to report findings at the Oct. 13 meeting.

Administrators said some substitute staffing changes (building subs hired to full-time roles) have reduced the substitute pool, which factors into scheduling and service delivery; the board asked the administration to include personnel implications for cafeteria operations in its Oct. 13 materials.