La Conner School Board stresses equity, anti-bullying policies

Honesty is always the best policy, though two others that figure prominently with La Conner school officials aren’t far behind.

School board members have for the past year championed the crafting and adoption of a district equity policy and at their Oct. 25 hybrid monthly meeting also took initial steps toward beefing up an existing anti-bullying measure.

“I am so ready!” board member Amanda Bourgeois exclaimed as the panel inched ever closer to approving the long-sought district equity guidelines.

The board in recent months has held detailed discussions related to student equity issues, studied policies implemented in other school districts and reviewed books and the latest research devoted to the topic.

Superintendent Will Nelson shared with board members progress made on an equity policy draft that stresses a commitment by the school district to creating conditions for all students to succeed and graduate prepared for the next step in their lives, be it career-oriented or in terms of pursuing higher education.

The draft language reinforces the district goal that all students – without exception – can learn at high levels and translate their limitless potential into tangible success and achievement.

Nelson said a major emphasis point is for staff to know each student by name, strength and need. The proposed policy divides responsibility for student learning among all stakeholders – staff, families, the community and the students themselves.

Nelson added that the district’s new strategic plan further addresses equity prioritizing by policy and in structured activities in an educational climate where cultural heritage is celebrated, learning is fostered and student dreams and goals are nurtured.

A key policy objective, he said, would be one in which equity is a fundamental lens for all district decision-making.

Hand-in-hand with equity enhancement, board member J.J. Wilbur noted, is the need to assure all students are respected and not subject to peer bullying or harassment.

Unfortunately, bullying is trending upward nationally as students resume in-person instruction after having undergone remote learning during most of the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators explain that some students who were taught through distance learning models last year are now finding it difficult to re-engage with peer groups.

Local action is merited, Wilbur said.

“We need to address it on both the La Conner Schools and Swinomish Tribal Community sides,” insisted Wilbur, who also serves on the tribal senate and has suggested formation of collaborative working groups to solve problems related to bullying.

“We want to be proactive,” Wilbur said. “If we work on it as a community, we’ll get better results.”

Nelson agreed.

“You’re right on,” he told Wilbur. “This is something we need to do.”

The board also accepted a donation of tools valued at $430.45 from Tim Chomiak of Blackbird Landscaping. La Conner Schools is in the process of expanding its career and technology education program to include a class in residential construction, among other coursework related to the building trades.

Board members approved a resolution allowing the surplus and/or recycle of old computers, printers, books and equipment.

Sophomore Bradley Williams asked the board to consider a gradual and partial opening of campus at lunch time for high school students.

He said allowing students to sign out and leave school during the lunch period would provide them additional food options, a break from wearing face masks and general stress relief.

“We can start off slow,” he suggested, “for maybe one day a week and see how it goes and maybe increase to three days a week, max.” The board took no action but will consider the request.

Members were told the district has long maintained a closed campus.

Board member Lynette Cram asked but did not receive a definitive response as to whether other districts in the surrounding area have open campuses.