Public comments: autism acceptance month and classified staff urge support for union authorization

During public comment the board heard from several residents on two recurring themes: support for autism acceptance and requests from classified staff for collective representation.

Carrie Van Buskirk, speaking as a parent of autistic students, urged listeners to consider inclusion and to ‘make our round world a little more square’ for autistic community members. Van Buskirk said she might request the board’s leadership to help ensure a respectful recognition for her son at an upcoming high‑school commencement.

Megan Brix, an elementary music teacher, asked the community and the board to observe National Library Week and to recognize the work school librarians and library clerks do across the district.

Amber Grant, a paraprofessional with eight years in the district, spoke specifically on behalf of classified staff (paraprofessionals, custodians, clerical staff, food service and others). Grant said classified employees seek the right to form a union and to negotiate for wages, benefits and working conditions; she described the district’s state law environment as challenging and said staff were collecting authorization cards in preparation for a formal request. Grant asked the board for “open dialogue and collaboration” and said classified staff will continue organizing until they are heard.

Board members did not take action during the meeting on the union topic; the public comments were recorded as part of the meeting record and board members thanked speakers.