Multiple community members addressed the Webster Groves School District board during the public comment period, raising topics including the value of longstanding school camp, requests for district transparency and meetings, local arts advocacy, and student entrepreneurship successes.

Megan O'Brien, a sixth-grade science teacher at Hixson Middle School who identified herself as the WGNEA political action coordinator, urged support for the district's sixth-grade camp, a 75-year program she described as a bonding and experiential-learning opportunity that benefits students and teachers. "Camp is such an important experience that has been offered in our school district for over 75 years...students test their limits, face challenges, and learn that they are capable of doing things that they never thought were possible," O'Brien said.

Yorba (spelled in transcript as 'Yorba/Yarbha') McQuarrie and Brian McQuarrie said they live across from Givens (referred to in the transcript as Gibbons/Givens) Elementary and asked for open, transparent dialogue with district leadership to rebuild trust after recent developments. Yorba McQuarrie said they had emailed Dr. Parker seeking a face-to-face meeting and that Dr. Parker had not provided a meeting time in the district's email response. "We are available, and we very much want that face to face mini meeting," the speaker said.

Resident Dave Buck spoke in favor of arts programming and asked whether the district would support a city-level "City of the Arts" designation. Buck also lamented the planned closure of a local venue, the Garden Cafe, and criticized state graduation requirements that he said require only one fine-arts credit.

The meeting also included presentations and recognition for elementary student entrepreneurs from the district's Thrive Junior entrepreneurship program. Students Georgia Mansfield and Ryder Phoenix presented "Extreme X" football gloves; Ellie Bowen and Cece Shinners presented "Style Stix" chopstick toppers. Gifted specialist Renee Clifton accompanied and described competition entries and local and national pitch contest recognition.

Why it matters: Public comment is a routine part of board meetings. The McQuarries' request for a direct meeting with Dr. Parker is a substantive request for district engagement and transparency on issues they described as having shaken trust. The entrepreneurship presentations highlight district extracurricular programs and student recognition at state and national contests.

What the board recorded: The district acknowledged the public comments and noted no written public comment had been submitted for this meeting. Staff and board members responded informally during the meeting; no formal board action or vote resulted from the comments.