School Climate and Culture Committee

The purpose of the School Climate and Culture Committee is to foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all students in Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD).  The committee welcomes SCUSD staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members to participate in discussions related to school climate and culture. 

Role of Committee

In alignment with the district's mission and vision, the purpose of this committee is to examine data regarding school climate, provide recommendations for actions and key messages, and to promote SCUSD’s work to assess current culture and climate as it affects learning in order to create and sustain an inclusive, safe, and welcoming school environment for all. The committee will support and work with the superintendent to engage in regular two-way communication with the SCUSD community to provide progress updates. Goals include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Membership Responsibilities

• Identify, prioritize, and develop recommendations to address physical, mental/emotional, and social barriers affecting positive and inclusive SCUSD school climate and culture, and collaborate together to address identified barriers
• Promote equity and access by ensuring that SCUSD’s school climate and culture policies and process are clear, culturally responsive, guided by research, data and best practices, and available to all students and families
• Collect and review data to understand strengths and areas of improvement within SCUSD’s school climate and culture, inform decision making, and improve school climate, including creating more caring, inclusive social norms; and ensure equity and access for all students
• Develop recommendations to the superintendent on identified issues related to school culture and climate, including student dress and LGBTQ+ student supports, among other issues
• Serve as a resource to the SCUSD community on matters related to school climate and culture
• Identify, reinforce, and celebrate existing positive elements of SCUSD climate and culture and determine ways to foster and expand existing positive practices across the district.
• Attend all two-hour meetings and participate in subcommittee meetings and/or work groups, as needed. Members with repeated absences may be asked to step down from the committee
• Participate in meeting discussions by sharing ideas, expertise, and experiences
• Commit to continuous learning, reflection, and leadership development
• Serve as ambassadors with respective constituencies and the broader community
• Review reports, documents, and other materials to help ensure alignment with SCUSD’s mission, vision, and equity priorities
• Collaborate with staff liaisons to inform them of the committee’s work
• Follow established SCUSD board policies