Minutes 09-23-21 Virtual BOCC-Schools Joint Meeting

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33 Dr. Nyah Hamlett said state and federal governments have waived accountability requirements for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, due the pandemic. She said other data is not being required, but CHCCS plans to collect its own data. She said CHCCS seeks to use the pandemic as an opportunity and not an excuse. She said CHCCS has plans in place to close existing gaps, and will explore data deeply at its November meeting. She expressed appreciation for the CHCCS staff. Commissioner McKee asked to review slide #4. He said he is concerned by the disparity for Latinx and Black students in end of grade tests. He asked how it was possible for children to score this low in the best-funded school district in the state. He said these children are destined to have a difficult life. He asked how are we going to get these kids proficient. He wants everyone to be concerned about this. Commissioner McKee asked to review Slide #6. He asked why there is a difference between the graduation rates and proficiency rates. He asked if children are graduating who are not academically proficient. Jillian La Serna said the data regarding proficiency did not include high school students. She said CHCCS has one of the largest achievement gaps in the country, which is known as an "educational debt" that is owed to students. She said if schools continuing doing the same things, schools will get the same results. She said she is excited by a new strategic plan to do things differently. Dr. Nyah Hamlett said the district is focused on the vision, with equity at the center of all work. She said this includes anti racist leadership. She said there are multiple data points and much to learn from the challenges of the pandemic. She said when one looks at composite scores grades 3-8, one can see that existing gaps were exacerbated by school closures. He said CHCCS is one of the best school districts, but it has very glaring gaps. She said CHCCS wants to look at the gaps, and creating action plans to accomplish change. Dion Temne said the scores are a continuation of the CHCCS school culture. He said remote learning did not work, but in-person learning also has not worked, based on the numbers. He appreciated Commissioner McKee noticing these numbers, and he is excited about the changes to come under the leadership of Dr. Hamlett. Commissioner McKee said he questions the results, not the people. He said these children are behind, and the graph tells him that children who are behind in grades 3-8 are not included in the graduation rates, as they dropped out. He said this has been continuing for 11 years. He said this is not acceptable in any County, but especially here in Orange County. Rani Dasi said there are inequities across American life, and schools are asked to be everything. She said these conversations are important, and involving community based services and partners is essential. She said schools cannot provide everything. Dion Temne said part of the solution is rethinking how we educate our children. He said the education system is unfair to some students, and all need to put in the work for change. He said it is important to find the root of the problem. Commissioner Richards said students are being sent out into the world not ready to perform. She said she appreciates One Orange, but also feels the district should have a specific plan for how it will impact these gaps. She said she understands it is not just an issue of education, but there must be specifics in place for how education will change. Dr. Nyah Hamlett said she looks forward to the work with her team, which is made up of many new people. She said there is a sense of urgency. She said CHCCS has merged the departments of equity and community engagement. She said the scores reflect a lot of biases, and dismantling structures starts at the state level and through testing. She said this is not an excuse, but an opportunity. She said not all low scoring students are dropping out, and the district has a lot of work to be done.