NEW SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR PERSONAL DIALOGUE
Mansfield ISD continually develops new systems and implements ideas to improve communication and transparency among the district , community , parents , and board members . One such way is through its community conversations . This year , the structure has been revamped into two new formats : Insight Exchange and Feedback Forum .
In the Insight Exchange , members of the Mansfield ISD community participate in a small-group format to share their experiences and stories about a specific topic related to the school district . School board members and Dr . Cantu attend to listen but do not participate in the discussion . This process gives the board members insight into the participants ’ experiences , enabling them to make informed decisions and understand how those decisions affect individuals .
While the Insight Exchange guests are invited to participate -- based on the topic and several other factors -- anyone in the Mansfield ISD community can participate in a new format called the Feedback Forum . This unique structure facilitates one-on-one dialogue between members of the Mansfield ISD community and individual board trustees . Highlights from each conversation are shared with the entire board , ensuring the members can hear and consider each perspective .
Several Insight Exchange and Feedback Forum events will take place throughout the year . Depending on the topic , some Feedback Forums will target specific audiences , while others will be open to everyone in the greater Mansfield ISD community . In the first two Feedback Forums of the fall , the board heard directly from Mansfield ISD staff members on any topic they chose .
Feedback Forums are “ come and go ,” with 90 minutes allotted for each session . Participants take turns sitting down with a board member for a brief conversation . Administrators sometimes join the discussion if they can offer information or answer questions . MISD will post dates and audiences for upcoming Feedback Forums on the district website as they are scheduled .
Community members are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on the topics discussed . This process helps shape the district in ways that support staff and students and promote transparency and direct communication for addressing concerns and feedback from the community .
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