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Public commenters press board on DEI implementation, charter-school equity and enrollment impacts
Summary
Several residents urged the board to clarify how it will comply with a federal directive to remove DEI programming, and one commenter highlighted disparities in economically disadvantaged students between district schools and a charter school. Speakers asked for transparency on implementation, contracts and funding implications.
Multiple members of the public used the meeting’s public-comment period to raise questions about the Department of Education’s February directive to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming and to highlight concerns about charter schools’ student demographics.
Leslie Hall urged the board to explain its plan for reviewing and modifying district materials and contracts in light of the Department of Education’s February 14 directive requiring removal of DEI programming by March 5. Hall said DEI principles are deeply integrated across the student handbook, nursing services statement, teacher-evaluation frameworks and publisher curriculum materials (Pearson and McGraw Hill). She asked the board three specific questions: what is the board’s plan to review and modify interconnected resources including the handbook; how will the board handle contracts with third-party providers whose materials contain DEI elements; and what process will ensure replacements meet federal requirements and educational standards. Hall asked for transparency on whether the district would forgo federal funding if it chose not to comply and how that would affect programs and staffing.
Renee Redding also addressed the DEI directive, reading from the Department of Education guidance and urging the board to consider practical timelines and fiscal consequences. Redding said the directive gives seven business days to remove programs and warned of potential loss of federal funds for noncompliance.
Joe Morelos spoke on charter schools and equity, citing district-tracked economically disadvantaged rates by school: Crest Hill 46%; Evansville 72%; Cottonwood 74%; Lincoln 84%; Journey 70%; Summit 23%; and a districtwide rate of about 47% (more than 5,500 students). He contrasted Manor Heights (77% economically disadvantaged) with Wyoming Classical Academy (2%) and urged trustees to consider enrollment and equity patterns in charter and voucher discussions.
Trustees did not provide detailed answers during the 3-minute public-comment slots but acknowledged the questions and the need for further discussion and transparency.
