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Parents raise safety, harassment and inclusion concerns during public comment
Summary
Several parents and residents used public comment time to report a Smith School lockdown, a social‑media bullying incident, and to urge board support for LGBTQ and immigrant students.
During the public comment period at the Jan. 14 Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board meeting, multiple speakers asked the board to address student safety, bullying, and inclusion.
Gregory Pappas said Smith School held a lockdown last week related to an adult’s alleged abusive behavior; he reported inconsistent communication from school staff and said he was concerned about parental notification. The board took the comment for follow‑up; administration told Pappas someone from the office would contact him after the meeting.
A second parent described her 13‑year‑old child being targeted in a social‑media video that told the student to kill themself and that cited national political rhetoric; she said the school notified her but had told her the district could not discipline students for off‑campus conduct. She asked whether the board would “stand up for the children in our district” and requested proactive steps to preserve safe learning environments.
Lori Mayers, president of the Plymouth‑Canton PFLAG chapter, said the group supports student‑led clubs (GSAs), LGBTQ teachers and staff, and transgender and nonbinary students “who are currently the targets of much misinformation and fear.” Another speaker, Lazeran Carroll (a transgender man and PCCS alumnus), urged dialogue and said rallies planned by a Transcendo Unity Coalition would seek to build understanding.
Superintendent Merritt and board staff responded to individual commenters by noting FERPA constraints on releasing student information and promising follow‑up. The board did not take formal action during public comment but directed staff to follow up with speakers who requested more information.
Why it matters: Public comments raised immediate safety and harassment concerns that the district must address operationally; speakers also urged board leadership on inclusion and protection of vulnerable students.
Ending: Administration agreed to follow up with individual speakers and to provide any applicable guidance to staff; the board took no formal policy action during public comment.
