During the meeting’s public comment period on Sept. 30, parent Dean Gregory asked the board for greater transparency and opt‑out alternatives for the district’s use of community‑building circles and other social‑emotional learning activities.

"The way these circles are run feels less like academics and more like therapy sessions," Gregory said. He said parents were not asked for consent and that students are asked to complete forms about grief, divorce, stress, bullying and self‑esteem. "When did school become a psychiatrist's office?" he asked.

Gregory told the board parents have been offered only the option of having a child "sit quietly" if they request to opt out, and he said requests for meaningful academic alternatives have not been honored. He also raised district academic performance comparisons, saying state proficiency in math and reading appeared lower than statewide averages and arguing that the district should "focus on strengthening academic performance."

Board members did not take formal action in response to the comments during the meeting. Administrators have previously described restorative circles and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) programs as part of the district’s social‑emotional and character education work; at this meeting administrators noted planned parent and staff workshops on social media and mental‑health topics as part of the strategic plan presentation.

The board did not announce an immediate policy change; parents seeking specifics on curriculum, consent protocols or opt‑out alternatives were advised to contact district administrators.