Levar Cypress

The Board of Education conducted interviews for vacancies on the 2015/2021 Bond Oversight Committee and the 2022 Mill Levy Oversight Committee. The Board deliberated following the candidate interviews to determine future appointments for North Area, West Area, and At Large positions.

The board convened for a study session to review the agenda and discuss the contract renewal application process for the STEAD Charter School. No official board business was conducted during this session.

The board meeting included extensive recognitions for students and staff who achieved state and national honors in areas such as music, culinary arts, academic competitions, athletics, and yearbook media production. The board also honored builders, developers, and committee members for their contributions to the 27J Capital Facility Fee Foundation. The Superintendent’s report provided updates on local scholarship awards, the Phoenix award ceremony, and the first graduating class of the alternative licensure educator program.

The meeting primarily focused on the presentation of the 27J Believers Awards, which honored various staff members and groups for their dedication and contributions to student success and inclusion. Award recipients included administration staff, certified teachers, and teams recognized for initiatives such as an inclusive art class, an improved student attendance program, and exceptional support of students' emotional and academic growth.

The board meeting included a comprehensive presentation of the Student Advisory Council's monthly report, which focused on data gathered from student surveys regarding safety and mental health. Key topics discussed included social exhaustion, classroom expectations, weapons access concerns, building access policies, and issues related to bullying, gossip, and harassment across various district high schools. There was a detailed dialogue between board members and students regarding the efficacy of ID checks, administration responsiveness, and strategies for improving school security and communication.