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Parent raises concerns about Plum Mustang Foundation leaders' online conduct during board public comment
Summary
A Plum parent and district resident told the board that leaders of the Plum Mustang Foundation have bullied community members on social media, urging the district to review its affiliation and endorsement of the foundation.
During the public-comment portion of the Feb. 11 discussion meeting, parent Justin Baloo told the Plum Borough School District Board that he is concerned about the online behavior of leaders of the Plum Mustang Foundation and asked the district to clarify any affiliation or endorsement.
Baloo introduced himself as a Regency Park resident and a parent of two district students. He said he has seen the foundation’s leaders “bully adults all over social media and this community,” and described a recent Facebook dispute that escalated after a concern about sledding on private property. Baloo said the foundation’s leadership also left disparaging comments on a podcast and has, in his view, continued to target community members who raised concerns. “Accountability needs to be taken seriously when you’re in these positions,” Baloo said, and he described personal experience with bullying in his family, noting the community impact.
Baloo also said there are “fantastic individuals” in the foundation and that some foundation members reached out to him privately expressing concern about the same behavior. He asked the board to address the matter and indicated he would welcome a follow-up conversation with district leaders.
Board members thanked Baloo for speaking; a board member offered condolences regarding the personal loss Baloo referenced. The remarks were made during the public-comment period; neither staff nor board members offered immediate action at the meeting beyond acknowledging the comment and expressing sympathy for Baloo’s loss.
