Sept. 11, 2026

Nearly five years ago, Hughson Unified School District Superintendent Brenda Smith began a series of round table discussions each year, meeting at alternating school sites with a cross-section of 12 students to ask them questions, hear what was on their mind, get ideas for what is missing on campus, and even test out some potential cafeteria options. From those meetings, sites have added new playground equipment at Hughson Elementary School, wall ball at Fox Road Elementary, a shade structure and art supplies for the alt. ed site, a vending machine at Hughson High School with high-protein snacks students can grab before sports practice, and even prioritized bathroom renovations in Hughson High School construction projects.

“We’re always trying to make our school system better. Years ago, I realized, ‘I’m talking to the wrong people’.” Smith said. So, she turned to the students. “I’ve really enjoyed having their voice. A lot has come out of the round tables that have been really positive with our students.”

The conversations have made a real difference on site and help bring up amenities or needs of the student body that might otherwise have stayed under the radar.

And so now, Smith is bringing the same idea to staff. Smith will meet twice a year with management, certificated staff (teachers) and classified staff for about 30 minutes with a few questions on hand, snacks, raffle prizes, and a questionnaire at the end to help give a voice to anything left unsaid or for those who feel less comfortable sharing in a group.

At the end of August, the first Management Round Table was held. Ordinarily, the team meets every month, but for this round table, the group was split in two. Half met in August and the other half will meet in January.

Keeping group numbers small is important to Smith. “I want it to be small, not overwhelming, a comfortable, warm environment. If it’s too big, people might not share.”

Participants shared what they were proud of at their school site; they discussed modes of communication available for their campus, including some glitches that come along with those modes, and new potential pathways to help students.

Certificated Round Table discussions will be held on Sept. 9 and Jan. 3. Classified Round Table meetings will be held on Oct. 7 and Feb. 3. Times are planned intentionally to minimize disruption for staff by meeting after school with Certificated and during late start Wednesdays for Classified.

“I’m super excited about it,” Smith said. “I’ve been in this district for a long time, and with my position, when I’m out visiting sites, I’m typically walking through classes, so I try not to interrupt. This is a good time to sit and have a good conversation about the district and how we can continuously improve as a district.”