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Librarian in Leander ISD - in RRISD for 8 years, now a librarian; involvement in bilingual education; being a librarian has become aware of communities coming together; constant improvement

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Mexican-America, president of council of PTAs, passionate to give children a voice, parent of kids with special needs

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Passionate about the right student experience for every kid in the district - believes that individual moments shape experiences for students; curious what they can do

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Here to listen and learn about leadership's goals; speak on equity and diversity initiatives, offer ideas and experiences raising a black son

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In Lege, 7,000 bills last session, thinks anti-racism and equity is something we have to prioritize; passionate about roundtables; curious about his experiences as a white man raising a white daughter and how that differs from other experiences

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Christines Sederquist, Leander City Council

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Christines Sederquist, Leander City Council

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Aware that she represents a lot of communities and many marginalized communities; have had experiences in Leander last year with lots of reactions which have led to Racial Equity commercial. Grew up in a diverse community outside of Oakland considered the "ghetto" and effects of systemic racism. Believes central Texas is homogenous and wants better systems for all.

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Interested in further conversations. Having protests are important, but conversations are as well; parent of students in LISD; needs work to be done on a city level to support kids through to their adult life. There are so things in place in city governments and cities, but marginalized communities ways/cultures are taken over by the loudest and most powerful groups. She has a nephew who is trans and wants to help provide a supportive environment for him and uplift kids. Her husband is a cop and they have many nuanced conversations around systemic racism since Michael Brown's shooting

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David and Erin Osman, LISD graduates and parents

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David and Erin Osman, LISD graduates and parents

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Excited to be here and for the conversation. What is my role as a privileged white man? Privileged white people care about issues of racial equity too, there is often a misconception they do now. Educator. Erin has seen the community change and this is an important issue, thankful that people are listening.

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Advocate for all kids of all races and genders; wants kids to be able to advocate for themselves. Has become a louder voice sine COVID and protecting marginalized communities. Very passionate and happy to hear from everyone. Appreciate everything Dr. Gearing is doing for our school district.

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Teaches a course called "The American Experience" about difference groups' experiences in America. Masters work on police policy reform - policy, forensics. Wants to be a larger part of the conversation.

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I am a parent and volunteer and also am involved with PTA at the local campus level and Council level. I want to make sure that we are looking out for every student and addressing inequities. I’m here to listen and understand better how to actively and effective address these issue and provide/be part of solutions.

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I have felt comfortable. In dual language, often parents are not aware of procedures in 504, sped, etc. I try to be in communication constantly. I personally feel very supported on my campus.

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I have been at different campuses (at one campus for 3 years - bilingual, not dual language yet), then I moved. I have felt lucky at my current campus and I have a great principal. She listens and is an advocate. I am usually more vocal about it... I won't stop. I haven't come across any negativity with admin or pushback with that. There may not be pushback, but it may be put to the side for a while. If there is a group that won't agree. Some may not know better or know how to deal with things.

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That is a great point. The idea of "I can't deal with that right now." That's an institutional problem. How do we improve that? Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

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I want to jump in, but I want to hear from teachers first and I want to hear the reality. I know what I know is not often the reality.

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We now have two APs and two counselors. They have split the campus in half for logistic support. We have the app for support, and there are some things that are available for teachers to look into in terms of therapy, but I haven't looked into it.

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Often, parents are not aware of all of the resources that are on a campus. I am not sure about all of the differences in our resources. Our counselors are always working, but they often go once a kid needs them as well as SEL lessons. If we had more time to call and check in on families, in addition to more resources, that would be helpful.

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I know many teachers in tears that have been worried about coming back, child care, etc.With special education support, it is difficult to do what's necessary and maintain social distance. I also worry about teachers being flustered between meetings and that impacting them.

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Speaking for myself, because of what we are doing (virtual and in-person), I did get flustered. I always feel like I'm ignoring some student. The area I don't feel supported in is not being fully present in both scenarios - I don't feel like I can be fully myself to both groups. My campus is supportive, but it is hard.

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I don't fear seeking support. In my own personal growth, I don't feel that anxiety about slipping. On my campus I think it is very personal. I appreciate a question being thought through like this. I worked in two districts before Leander, and I know there is more fear. Before, I know I was not comfortable sharing any point in their life.

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I was doing a digital lesson with kids, and thinking about being a bystander vs. up-stander. It is exhausting and tiring to try to be an up-stander if someone doesn't understand the experience of a Black or LGBTQ person, and they haven't learned yet. It's tiring.

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Mental health is what I am passionate about. When adults are healthy and happy, they can provide more for kids. Mental wellness is important. Teachers are often in an overworked mode because that's the kinds of people they are - I think it is important to pause and focus on mindfulness, like with the HeadSpace app. We have several things, usually in the ways of professional counselors and LMHS that work for studetns.

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My dad passed away from a heart disease last hear. I was a little scared to wear a mask and I got everything checked. I think the district - your hands were tied, what TEA is telling what to do... I know there are higher ups with funding and such. I like the phasing in. I thought it was a good idea. It gave parents a good idea of if they wanted to stay virtual. I think it is good because it gives parents (we know parents talk) an idea of normalcy, even though it is far from normal. The first day back I wanted to cry. As an elementary school teacher, I have students with special services. With virtual, I didn't feel equipped, things kept messing up, etc. Kids kept changing rooms. I wanted to cry. It has gotten better. We won't even talk about the Zoom bombs. I know that you are listening. I think you are doing a great job considering this whole thing.

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I have always said that I have never wanted to be an administrator. To Dr. Gearing - I am surprised you are still here. I would have quit. ...If you have ever seen a debate tournament (I teach debate), you speak so fast - I was pushing to see how much I could handle virtual vs. in person. But doing duty is so different. Building a community and an elective is so different. It has been so hard to build that community. I have nephews, and hearing their perspective. It's different. I wonder every day how we could have made this in a more equitable way. I have no idea how you could have done it better. I know people are leaving. That thought has never crossed my mind until this year. My heart goes out to those making those decisions. My heart goes out to you.

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It feels like every week is the first week of school.

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Connectivity comes back to being more proactive. Seeking that for families. - funding for enough mental health, access to mental health, communication about it

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We have so many restraints of what can be done by the district because of restraints. That concerns me. Internet connection, etc. STAAR testing/accountability, etc.

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We have taken trust away from administrators and teachers because of testing.

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My experience with my son in elementary school: I noticed my son was noticed/recognized more frequently than his peers. (And I understand he has a kid and energy) The approach that was taken impacted his self esteem. When I was in his hallways it jarred me that nobody looked like me. It was very different than how I grew up. I wondered if I was doing a disservice to our students? I know you can't control who lives there, but you can control hiring - I saw one Black teachers. We need to have grace for each other, and also be intentional with higher education and certification programs. In the equity focus group, that

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Yes: I didn't feel confident to speak in front of the board until so many others felt compelled to do so. In our numbers we find strength in our voices.

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Thank you for the remind about the I team of licensed social workers. Is this team pivoting their approach to the type of services offered, as well as making them easily accessible.

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We need to put a cap on LSSP caseloads!

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We were on the cusp on giving recommendations from the SHAC this year regarding Counselors/MH assistance (then COVID)

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Yes. They are working closely with our campus leaders and staff to understand who has the most need in this bizarre situation. We also have several serving students online.

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Counsellors NEED to be required in charter schools.

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We are also working on new partnerships like the one we have with Dell Medical Center and Seton.Our education foundation (LEEF) has also committed to helping us in this area.

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Thank you Rep. Bucy. Local control is critical!

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2020-21 school year it has become increasingly evident that local control has been stripped from the process andthe mandates have effectively tied the hands of local school districts.   Thank you Rep. Bucy for fighting for our local districts.

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From Anne Duffy to Everyone: (6:07 PM) Look forward to more conversation!  Thank you everyone. From Rep. John Bucy to Everyone: (6:07 PM) I fully agree! Dr. Gearing, let’s be sure to follow up soon. From Bruce Gearing to Everyone: (6:08 PM) Thank you for this opportunity to listen to your voices. I sincerely appreciate your time and vulnerability. From Anna Smith - Candidate for LISD Board of Trustee for Place 4 to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you for this opportunity. From Rep. John Bucy to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you everyone. This was great! From Anna Smith - Candidate for LISD Board of Trustee for Place 4 to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Dr. Gearing is amazing! From Alexis Hall - Parent CPMS to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you to everyone for this opportunity to have our voices heard. From Christine Sederquist - Leander City Council to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Agreed!  Love Dr G! From Deanna Perkins to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you to all!! ❤️ You are all amazing! From Jacquetta Thayer - GHS/DMS Teacher to Everyone: (6:10 PM) @Alexis: Id love to link up sometime to speak to what you've shared! From Christine Sederquist - Leander City Council to Everyone: (6:10 PM) Thank you all so much for this opportunity! 

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From Anne Duffy to Everyone: (6:07 PM) Look forward to more conversation!  Thank you everyone. From Rep. John Bucy to Everyone: (6:07 PM) I fully agree! Dr. Gearing, let’s be sure to follow up soon. From Bruce Gearing to Everyone: (6:08 PM) Thank you for this opportunity to listen to your voices. I sincerely appreciate your time and vulnerability. From Anna Smith - Candidate for LISD Board of Trustee for Place 4 to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you for this opportunity. From Rep. John Bucy to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you everyone. This was great! From Anna Smith - Candidate for LISD Board of Trustee for Place 4 to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Dr. Gearing is amazing! From Alexis Hall - Parent CPMS to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you to everyone for this opportunity to have our voices heard. From Christine Sederquist - Leander City Council to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Agreed!  Love Dr G! From Deanna Perkins to Everyone: (6:09 PM) Thank you to all!! ❤️ You are all amazing! From Jacquetta Thayer - GHS/DMS Teacher to Everyone: (6:10 PM) @Alexis: Id love to link up sometime to speak to what you've shared! From Christine Sederquist - Leander City Council to Everyone: (6:10 PM) Thank you all so much for this opportunity! 

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I think the phased-in approach has been a good idea, too. We know we have to learn forward so doing it in phases and seeing what happens and learning new thing each day is helpful. What is most important to my mental health right now is the thought that I trust the district and local authorities to shut down again if COVID-19 spread starts to really increase again. If I lose that trust, it will be MUCH harder. Every step admin takes to enforce masking nearly 100% of the time helps me feel better, too.