At the public forum of the Oak Ridge Board of Education meeting, two residents raised concerns about recent and proposed state actions they said could affect local schools, including changes to school choice rules, potential funding impacts for Title I schools, the presence of immigration enforcement near schools, and restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Kimberly Bell, who identified herself as a resident at 103 Caseline and a parent of a Jefferson Middle School student, asked how the district will respond to a broadened school choice policy. Bell said she was concerned that expanded school choice could encourage families to transfer into the district and described that as “doing free tuition in our schools.” She asked whether the district planned any protocol to protect its schools and requested a follow-up from staff.

Haley Turner, a Glenwood parent and resident at 38 Outer Drive, said she felt parents were not receiving enough communication about how pending legislation could affect schools. Turner listed three areas of concern: potential loss of funding that could affect Title I schools; the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at local schools; and a state timeline that would require removal of DEI-related programs within two weeks if those provisions apply. “As a parent, I don't feel informed,” Turner said. She asked what the district could communicate now and what planning was being done.

Superintendent Doctor Borchers responded that legislation is in flux and that staff would follow up directly with the speakers. “My staff and I will get together, and if you've got your contact information there, we'll get back to you,” Borchers said during the forum.

The board did not take formal action on the topics raised during public comment during this meeting. The superintendent and staff offered to contact the speakers with follow-up information once district staff has conferred and as legislative developments become clearer.

Ending
Public forum speakers were reminded of the board's 3-minute limit for comments; the board scheduled its next meeting for March 24 at 5 p.m. in the Keys Fillauer boardroom.