Students present MSAN 'Portrait of a Teacher' survey to CHCCS board; public commenters urge action for equity and program funding

Students representing the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) presented to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board on Jan. 15, summarizing a three-year project called 'Portrait of a Teacher' and sharing results from a student survey that drew more than 2,000 responses.

Terrence Fushi (speaker S16), the district’s Blue Ribbon specialist, introduced the students and said the work aims to increase achievement and equity across the district. Students described conference participation and asked the board to support student roundtables and publicity for their findings. One student said the survey showed most students felt at least five of their teachers would show concern for their mental health, but that there was a drop in more favorable responses and that students reported instances of perceived favoritism and teachers using disrespectful language.

During public comment, Jennifer Smith (speaker S23) urged the board to minimize tree clearing and consider alternatives to heavy construction impacts in the Carver Elementary schematic design. Diane Jackson (speaker S24), a former district employee of 31 years, praised the students but pressed the board for a concrete action plan and for stable Blue Ribbon funding comparable to other programs. "We need to be serious about the equity program," Jackson said, and asked, "How will the board find out which teachers these students are speaking of? What kind of accountability will you put in place?"

Board members thanked students and asked how they can support follow-up; students asked for publicity and for their roundtable discussions to be amplified so the district can use the data to drive concrete actions.

Next steps: staff and board members said they will consider how to use survey results in action planning and will ask for follow-up reports on how student input is translated into measurable district changes.