Douglas County School District

The board meeting included discussions on the resilience of students, the amplification of struggles related to attendance, academics, and social-emotional learning, and the efforts of counselors to support students.

The meeting discussed the school construction timeline, school programming, school name, mascots, colors, and logos. Updates were provided on the construction at Fox Creek, including phases for winter break, spring break, and summer break. The construction includes new playgrounds with accessible surfacing, an additional specials classroom, secure entry, and parking lot improvements. The team discussed the graduate skills and habits and also visited Centennial Elementary to observe another EL school.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions on policies related to COVID-19, workplace health and safety, and student transportation. The board addressed workplace safety, protection, and discrimination against employees raising concerns, as well as revisions to policies regarding student transportation, including considerations for students in gated communities and those facing dangerous walking conditions.

The board retreat featured Ken Kay, CEO of EDD Leader 21, who discussed the four C's (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity) and their importance in preparing students for the future. Key points included the need to shift from a traditional education model (Student A) to one that emphasizes 21st-century skills (Student B). The discussion also touched on the challenges of assessing these skills and the importance of rigor and relevance in education. Amanda Ripley's book 'The Smartest Kids in the World' was recommended for further reading, and the PISA exam was suggested as a benchmark for global competitiveness.

The special meeting included a roll call and approval of the agenda. A moment of silence was observed for Justice Ginsburg. The board then moved to discuss an issue in executive session, specifically the consideration of documents protected by mandatory nondisclosure provisions of the open records act, related to screening anomaly nominees for interim superintendent candidates.