Parent urges RSU 40 board to reconsider a June statement and notes lasting harm to student

Karen Isaacs, speaking as a parent during public comment, told the RSU 40/MSAD 40 board that a statement made on June 5 "does not represent all of the students of RSU 40" and that a related apology "did not unring the bell" for her daughter.

Why it matters: Isaacs said the June 5 statement was made in a public board meeting by a board member and that her daughter — a graduate living in Manhattan — felt judged by the remark. She urged the board to remember that "words matter" as it begins the new school year.

Isaacs said she is "her voice" and asked the board to consider how it can improve moving forward. She asked the board to "revisit our charge as we start our new school year as to how we can improve things and make things different." Isaacs closed her remarks with, "Words matter. Words matter. That's it."

The board did not take action on the comment during the meeting. Meeting procedures posted before public comment reminded speakers to follow board policy BEDH on public participation and policy AC on nondiscrimination and equal opportunity; the chair said complaints that require research would be referred to the superintendent for follow up.