David Douglas High School celebrates student achievements and addresses advanced class concerns

The David Douglas School District Board Meeting on April 10, 2025, highlighted significant achievements by students and addressed pressing concerns regarding advanced classes in middle school. The meeting began with a report from student body president Melissa Kate, who celebrated the accomplishments of various school programs, including the STEM club's impressive third-place finish in the Science Olympiad and the orchestra's first-place victory in a recent competition. She also noted the success of new spring sports teams, such as women's flag football and men's volleyball, which have shown strong performances.

In addition to academic and extracurricular highlights, Kate discussed the student council's fundraising efforts, which raised over $15,000 for local nonprofits. She emphasized the importance of student engagement in community issues, suggesting that interviews with school board candidates could help inform seniors who are eligible to vote.

Public comments during the meeting raised concerns about the lack of advanced classes for seventh graders at Alisot Bridal School. Parents expressed frustration over their child's boredom and lack of challenge in the current curriculum, urging the board to ensure that advanced classes are available in the future.

The meeting also featured expressions of gratitude from district staff, including teachers and specialists, who acknowledged the positive impact of recent contract negotiations on their work conditions and job satisfaction. They highlighted the importance of collaboration and support for students with diverse needs, emphasizing the district's commitment to inclusive education.

As the meeting concluded, the board was reminded of the upcoming budget discussions, with calls for careful consideration of how funding decisions will affect educational quality and student support. The district faces challenges in balancing its budget amid anticipated cuts, and staff members urged the board to prioritize student needs in their planning.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's achievements while addressing critical issues that could impact student engagement and educational quality in the coming years.