Everett superintendent and board praise staff as district expands Chromebook and meal distribution

The Everett Public Schools Board heard a superintendent's report on the district's response to the coronavirus pandemic and several directors publicly thanked staff for rapid changes to instruction and student supports.

Superintendent Dr. Susman told the board and the public that safety is the district's top priority during the pandemic and thanked staff and families for their efforts. "Your safety is so important to us," Dr. Susman said, urging the community to follow the governor's guidance and "please be safe and God bless."

Directors offered multiple public commendations. Director Berg thanked teachers and staff for adapting lesson delivery and supporting students, saying teachers had gone "above and beyond" and noting, "we know our teachers are superhuman" to convey the extraordinary effort he observed. Director Lee described observing Chromebook distribution at the CRC and praised meal distribution for breakfasts and lunches; she framed both efforts as equity measures, noting students who lack devices and meals face barriers to learning.

Board members noted the district had benefited from earlier investments in technology: a one-to-one device rollout started in 2016 that put devices in many high school students' hands, and the recent effort extended Chromebook access to elementary and middle school students. Staff also reported flexibility in using in-house food-service resources to get meals to students without relying on outside vendors.

A public commenter identified in the transcript as Ms. Leon emailed a public comment thanking the board for prioritizing children, staff and community, for providing meals and technology and for opening a lower parking lot to support community needs.

Board members said some presentations and recognitions would be moved to in-person meetings when feasible and that staff will continue to adapt distribution and instruction plans as conditions evolve.