Board learning walks to replace 'shadow days' as part of engagement plan

Committee members discussed earlier pilots of commissioners shadowing school days and agreed to a name change intended to capture learning and reduce the 'creepy' connotation some raised. Commissioner (unnamed) suggested alternatives such as "student experience day," and the committee settled on "board learning walks" to emphasize observation, presence with students and staff, and sensitivity to the classroom environment.

The plan asks commissioners to visit roughly 14 schools across the year if each commissioner undertakes at least one semester visit; members debated whether to adopt a single school for multiple visits versus visiting more sites across the district. Commissioner Fisher noted the tension between commissioner capacity (part-time roles) and a desire to reach many schools; the committee recommended leveraging existing site events and coordinating with principals and staff to reduce duplication.