Parents urge clearer levy communications; call for more community engagement

Two community members addressed the board Jan. 28 with concerns about the district’s communications about the February levy and about transparency on how levy funds were used.

Camille Lohman said she saw the district levy announcement on ParentSquare from four different schools and watched principals’ videos that she said used the same script, which made the messaging feel “disingenuous” and lacking a personal connection. Lohman asked for more authentic communication, saying the tone she had once seen in Superintendent Maloney’s introduction emails had faded. She also told the board she had reviewed levy materials and asserted that $3,400,000 of the levy dollars was spent on district office employee salaries in 2024; she said that is an allowable expense (citing the 25% limit) but that the levy materials she reviewed did not disclose that spending. Lohman urged the district to stop what she described as “AI written emails” and to restore more humanized communications.

Catherine Fertig said community connection is essential to turnout for levies and that stakeholders feel disconnected following strikes, cuts and leadership turnover. Fertig recommended follow‑up community meetings after the December levy presentation to answer continuing questions, more in‑person opportunities similar to neighboring districts, moderated Q&A sessions, and clearer email acknowledgement or reply pathways so community members know that their concerns are received and considered. She said she appreciated recent meetings about legislative advocacy and board workshops and encouraged the district to continue engagement efforts.

The board did not take action during public comment; President Witherspoon reminded speakers the board may ask a clarifying question but does not typically engage in dialogue during that period.