Residents urge board to address student hunger and question cyber-charter expenditures during public comment

Valerie Jordan addressed the board during public comment and criticized the expense of cyber-charter tuition, urged greater attention to student hunger and homelessness and asked the board to consider course offerings that connect students with social supports.

Jordan said she calculated the local tax impact of cyber-charter payments and described the sums leaving the district for out-of-district providers; she urged the board to “help the local vendors” rather than send funds to out-of-area charter operators. She also asked the board to hear the district social worker and to support an AP sociology course, saying the subject matter helps students who need social supports. Jordan cited an agenda figure of 298 homeless students in the district and said feeding and hygiene needs are an immediate concern.

John Jordan spoke later during public comment and encouraged the board to adopt the residency-verification software and to pursue the item so the district can capture tuition for students who do not live in the district. He referenced community observations (for example, vehicles with out-of-state plates) and urged board members to support the staff’s proposed approach.

The board acknowledged the comments; no formal action was taken during the public-comment period. Staff and board members noted the residency software item would be discussed on the consent/finance agenda and that administration would follow up on student supports and program needs raised by public commentators.