The Winona Area Public School District Board convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss key updates and revisions to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee bylaws. Director Sonneman highlighted the importance of incorporating themes from previous discussions, aiming to enhance clarity and community engagement.
The board approved new quorum language for the DEI committee, which now requires a minimum of three members, including at least one school board member and one community member, to participate in decision-making. This change reflects a compromise from earlier proposals and aims to foster greater involvement from the community.
Director Hedin expressed concerns about the current level of community participation, emphasizing the need for more voices in the process. He noted positive feedback from community members regarding the newly defined purposes of the DEI committee and committed to further discussions with district staff to enhance engagement.
The board unanimously approved the revised DEI committee bylaws, marking a significant step in their efforts to promote inclusivity within the district. Following this, the board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on August 21, 2025.
The meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving community involvement and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in district decisions.