DISTRICT SEEKS SCHOOL BOARD APPLICANTS The David Douglas School Board seeks applicants to fill a pending vacancy on the Board. Board member Katherine Sherman has resigned from Board Position 7, effective December 14, 2023. The School Board intends to select a replacement Board member during its February 8 Board meeting. More than…

During audience participation, a concerned parent thanked the Board for a presentation the previous month about disciplinary practice in schools and how school staff implements disciplinary action against students when needed. However, the parent said the presentation did not focus enough on disproportionate discipline against students of color, and that the practices…

Under visiting delegations, Principal Doug Pease and Floyd Light Middle School presented “We Are Floyd Light,” a video featuring teachers and students talking about how they encourage an inclusive and welcoming environment. There was no public testimony. In his monthly report, Superintendent Richardson read a proclamation celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. In response…

During visiting delegations, First Vice Commander John Bolner of American Legion Post #1 presented a donation of $1,000 to be split between Celtic Heart, Mill Park and Lincoln Park. This annual donation by the American Legion post is in addition to the $3,000 per year it gives to David Douglas baseball. A…

During public participation, a parent said the District needed to do more to increase the diversity of its staff, saying that it did not match the diversity of its students. She asked what the District was doing to increase staff ethnic and cultural diversity. She shared that when a student of color…

A District resident and parent asked the Board about the status of the new School Board Equity Committee. A planning meeting to form this new committee was held in January. Current Board members to serve on this committee will be Ana del Rocio, Kyle Riggs and Stephanie Stephens. The Equity Committee will…

During public input, a District resident invited the Board to visit the food pantry at Gilbert Park Elementary on Wednesdays. She thanked the District for providing the space, suggested that providing child care would improve access, but also wondered if there was one place where a resident could look up all the…

Dress Code – During the September School Board meeting, a District parent addressed the Board with concerns about the District’s dress code. She is concerned that the code is not enforced equitably, that it discriminates against and objectifies female students. She proposed that the District consider adoption of a more neutral dress…