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Community Engagement:
Delano Public Schools

The Challenge
Our Approach
Our Impact
Delano Public Schools logo

The challenge

Delano Public Schools was experiencing growing tension in the community following concerns about teacher expression, specifically, the display of homemade “safe space” signs intended to signal support and belonging for LGBTQ+ students and students of color. Differing perspectives among families, staff, and community members created unease and the potential for division in the district community was growing. District leaders recognized the need to proactively address the situation by opening channels for meaningful dialogue rather than debate. Their goal was to create structured opportunities for stakeholders to share concerns, values and hopes for an inclusive learning environment. To move forward constructively, the district sought support in facilitating engagements that allowed all voices to be heard respectfully, reduced polarization, and fostered shared understanding around what belonging should look and feel like for all students.

Our approach

CESO collaborated with district leaders to tailor a process that reflected Delano’s community values and leadership style. We began by asking a crucial question: Why are we engaging, and what outcome do we truly seek?

The answer was clear: to bring people together in support of students and to rebuild trust through shared understanding.

1
Listening First
We launched the process with a survey of grades 7-12 students to gather authentic insights into students’ experiences with belonging, safety and classroom culture. The survey results helped pinpoint areas needing deeper exploration and shaped the structure and questions for student and staff focus groups. These sessions provided rich, nuanced context around the themes that surfaced in the data and ensured that the voices of those most directly impacted were centered before engaging in the broader community.
2
Inclusive, Structured Conversations
We then hosted a community conversation designed as small-group, facilitator-led dialogues. Using shared communication agreements and consistent prompts centered on belonging and inclusion, participants explored perspectives, listened to one another, and engaged respectfully, even in areas of disagreement.
3
Responsive Facilitation
Throughout each phase, our facilitators adapted in real time to participant needs. This included supporting individuals who entered with skepticism or resistance and ensuring they felt respected and heard within a safe, structured process.
4
Leadership Partnership
We partnered with district administrators and board members throughout the engagement, preparing them to observe discussions, understand the emerging themes, and interpret findings through the lens of trust, student experience, and culture — not politics.

Even amid subzero temperatures, community members showed up. While some arrived wary, most left feeling heard. The board’s openness and the district’s willingness to engage in authentic conversations set a powerful tone for future collaboration.

Delano Intermediate school building exterior

Our impact

The engagement helped reestablish Delano Public Schools as a place where all voices matter and where leadership leads with transparency and care.

  • Bridging Division: Participants learned to listen and converse across differences, transforming frustration into mutual respect.
  • Reinforcing Trust: The process gave the community renewed confidence that their district values students first and welcomes honest input.
  • Replicable Framework: Delano’s process reinforced CESO’s adaptable engagement model, one that balances structure with empathy and ensures that communities find shared values even amid disagreement.

Testimonial Quote

– Superintendent 

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