Superintendent frames bullying prevention, shares graduation rates and budget timing for proposed cut day

Superintendent Todd Miller framed the district's priorities as culture, climate, care and belonging, and defined bullying as intentional, repeated behavior with a power imbalance distinct from ordinary conflict. He said prevention is central — including PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports) from kindergarten through high school — and urged partnership with parents to help students report incidents early.

On graduation data, Miller shared preliminary statewide data the district had just received: "District graduation 4-year cohort graduation rate was 76 percent," he said, noting he pulled figures from recently released statewide spreadsheets and that small cohorts can produce large percentage swings at the campus level. Miller said the administration will analyze the data further with high-school staff and bring more detailed trend information to the student success committee.

Addressing budget pressures, Miller outlined a proposed district plan to designate a student 'cut day' to save money; after staff and association feedback the district identified March 30 (the day after spring break) as a candidate date because it may reduce disruption. The association will vote on related proposals Feb. 11; Miller said the district will proceed only if there is agreement and the projected savings materialize.

Miller also previewed forthcoming work on the Ace Charter renewal (end of current five-year contract at the school year's end) and described two state grant proposals the district submitted to assess wood-truss buildings and to conduct seismic assessments at specific sites. Board members asked follow-up questions about timelines and data and were told more detailed analyses and grant outcomes will follow.