Ellensburg board discusses farmers‑market and community outreach to boost engagement

Board members discussed strategies to increase community engagement outside formal meetings, proposing informal drop‑in times at the farmers market, attendance at library summer‑program events, outreach to the Chamber of Commerce and presence at school nights to meet families. A board member said informal, less formal venues may encourage participation from people who don’t typically come to board meetings; members discussed rotating attendance, signage logistics and staff support for scheduling.

Superintendent Troy Tornow and staff agreed to include outreach planning in upcoming updates and to help organize initial dates. Board members noted scheduling constraints and suggested a range of venues and times to reach different audiences. No formal action was taken; the board directed staff to add community engagement items to future calendar planning and to help coordinate initial logistics.