Community Outreach
51°µÍø Conversations
51°µÍø Conversations are structured community engagement workshops that bring together 51°µÍøs/guardians, community members, staff, and district leadership to discuss district priorities, challenges, and opportunities.
These sessions are designed to strengthen two-way communication, increase transparency, gather community feedback, and build stronger relationships between the district and the communities it serves.
Each 51°µÍø Conversation accommodates up to 48 participants, along with members of the Board of Education and Leadership Council. Before each session starts, participants are invited to submit the topics, concerns, and questions they would like to discuss. This input helps shape the meeting agenda and ensures discussions focus on the issues that matter most to participants in the room.
Meeting Dates and Outcomes
Thursday, July 23, Staff Pilot Session
- Session Topic – Student Achievement and Support: A focus on improving academic growth, mental health resources, and special needs support, while addressing persistent behavioral challenges and the need for effective interventions.
- of table discussions and group share-outs
Thursday, Aug. 13, Committee of the Whole Pilot Session
- Session Topic – Community Engagement and Inclusion: There is a strong desire to foster better collaboration and trust between the district and the community, improve board visibility, and ensure all groups—including 51°µÍøs, teachers, and students—feel heard.
- of table discussions and group share-outs
Thursday, Aug. 27
- Session Topic #1 – Student Support and Performance: Focus on enhancing outcomes for underperforming populations, implementing after-school math or reading programs, and addressing concerns regarding 504 and IEP services alongside general student behavior.
- Session Topic #2 – District Governance and Transparency: Seek greater financial transparency and clear communication between the board and the community, specifically regarding the budget deficit, its impact, and the general decision-making processes of district leadership.
- of table discussions and group share-outs
Wednesday, Sept. 2
- Session Topic #1 – Equity and Inclusion: Focus on addressing racial disparities, including achievement gaps, discipline, teacher retention, and improving outreach to minority 51°µÍøs to foster better student equity.
- Session Topic #2 – Strategic Development: Engage in long-term strategic planning to improve student outcomes and enhance collaboration through increased 51°µÍøal involvement and stronger relationships with community organizations.
- of table discussions and group share-outs
Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Session Topic #1 – Student Support and Academic Programs: Focus on strategies for supporting students with special needs, expanding access to early education, enhancing math instruction, and increasing overall student attendance.
- Session Topic #2 – Community and District Operations: Discuss methods for improving community engagement and partnerships, teacher recruitment and retention, district financial planning beyond the 2025-26 budget, and policies concerning free/reduced school lunches.
- of table discussions and group share-outs
Wednesday, Sept. 16
- 2 p.m. at the Senior Center, 2717 67th St.
- Session Topic – TBD
- Summaries forthcoming
Wednesday, Oct. 7
- 5 p.m. at the Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd St.
- Session Topic – TBD
- Summaries forthcoming
51°µÍø Business & Civic Leader Roundtable
The 51°µÍø Business and Civic Leaders Roundtable is a collaborative engagement initiative that brings together business leaders, community organizations, public agencies, elected officials, and district leadership to discuss the state of the district and strengthen partnerships that support student success.
These meetings are designed to foster dialogue, share updates on district priorities and key initiatives, exchange perspectives, and strengthen collaboration between 51°µÍø and the broader community.
Each Roundtable provides participants with the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and engage in conversations that help inform the district’s work while building strong relationships with community partners.
Aug. 6
- Session Topic – State of the District
- of table discussions and group share-outs
