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Cheltenham SD board launches Climate Culture Committee to shape school climate and culture
Summary
The Cheltenham SD board held the inaugural meeting of a new Climate Culture Committee to define its purpose, membership size (3–4 board members), and logistics; members discussed scope across all district buildings and the inclusion of student voice before adjourning to schedule an organizing session over the summer.
Cheltenham SD’s Board convened the first meeting of a newly formed Climate Culture Committee, chair Charles Darnell Williams said, calling the gathering “the 1st climate culture committee meeting.” The committee is intended as a select group of three to four board members to review and advance school climate and culture districtwide.
“The establishment of this committee represents a commitment by the board and by the administration to creating a positive, healthy, and data informed climate culture across our schools and our administration building,” Chair Charles Darnell Williams said, describing the committee’s purpose as informing district policy, curriculum approvals and budget decisions that reflect district goals and values.
Members discussed logistics and scope: meeting schedules will be set collaboratively with administration and posted next year, Williams said, and an organizing meeting will follow this introductory session to determine the committee’s goals and activities. Williams outlined the kinds of issues the committee will consider, listing physical safety, staff–student relationships, student involvement and voice, behavioral expectations, social-emotional well-being, academic culture and classroom practices.
Dr. Caroline Watts asked a membership question directly: “How will committee members be selected?” Williams responded that the selection and final membership are part of work planned for the summer and that board members will be notified when determinations are made.
Board member Melvin voiced appreciation for creating the committee. Mia Blitzstein urged the committee to incorporate student voice into regular feedback, noting existing student councils and school representatives as possible avenues: “I’m thinking about how to also incorporate student voice into, the feedback that we get on a regular basis,” she said.
With no public comments, the meeting ended quickly. Chair Williams called for a motion to adjourn; a motion was made and seconded and the chair recorded the ayes before adjourning the meeting. The committee will hold a follow-up organizing meeting over the summer to finalize membership and set objectives.
The meeting included a brief roll call recording these attendees as present: Mia Blitzstein; Robin Murphy; Jennifer Lohman; Dr. Caroline Watts; Charles Darnell Williams; Liam Mullins; Leah Mulhern; and Ross Whiting. The committee’s first substantive tasks listed for the organizing meeting are confirming membership, agreeing meeting cadence and defining measurable goals for improving district climate and culture.
