Trustee urges colleagues to show respect when students speak

During public-comment time a trustee who identified as a middle school teacher told fellow trustees that students notice whether adults give them full attention when they speak.

"If the board truly believes in a student voice, then please demonstrate it," the trustee said, asking colleagues to stop side conversations, put papers down and offer eye contact when students present. The trustee said visible distraction turns a meaningful promise into "empty words." The board acknowledged the remarks and did not take formal action at the meeting.