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Board hears public concern about students’ ability to discuss current events; superintendent reports school follow-up
Summary
A League of Women Voters representative cited student reports that some teachers may hesitate to teach certain current events and history topics. The superintendent reported an investigation found no teacher reprimands and that a soap-drawn symbol in a school bathroom—not on a whiteboard—was being investigated.
Deborah Stettler, representing the League of Women Voters of Mesa County’s education advocacy team, told the board March 25 that students at the Feb. 18 meeting had reported teachers’ hesitancy to teach certain topics and cited specific classroom incidents and comments. Stettler urged the district to survey students and teachers anonymously and to share any follow-up with the community.
The district provided an update during the same meeting. Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill said school administrators had investigated the reported incidents and found no reports that swastikas were drawn on classroom whiteboards. A symbol had been found drawn in soap on a bathroom mirror; administrators reviewed camera footage when possible but at times could not identify who committed the vandalism. Dr. Hill said the principal also met with the teacher and with concerned parents; no disciplinary action against staff resulted from that inquiry.
Hill also reminded the board that the district has a policy on controversial materials and that teachers who plan to raise sensitive topics can follow the policy’s notification process so parents know what will be taught. He said principals had emphasized belonging and were continuing to address subgroup concerns, and that further inquiries remain possible where new information emerges.
Stettler asked that any district follow-up or survey results be shared with the community; Hill said the school will continue to investigate and that he appreciates students raising concerns.
