Teachers and parents urge restoration of summer 'Battle of the Books'; commenters raise DEI and Title IX concerns

Summary

Multiple public commenters told the Brainerd school board they were disappointed by administrative decisions to discontinue the Battle of the Books program without discussion; separate public speakers raised concerns about the district's DEI efforts and urged clearer Title IX coordination on the district website and in handbooks.

Several teachers, parents and community members urged the Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education to restore or re-engage with the district—s summer Battle of the Books program and criticized the administration for discontinuing the program without stakeholder discussion.

Helene Danielson, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Forest View School, told the board she was "disappointed" that the program was cut without communication to teachers, volunteers and families after two years of summer programming that provided books and reading opportunities to hundreds of students. "It's heartbreaking that these opportunities for students were taken away without any sort of discussion with Mrs. Wigg or others involved in the program," Danielson said.

Noelle (Noelle) Busler, a parent, Brainerd High School graduate and special education teacher, recounted student and parent stories about how the program engaged children who otherwise would not read over the summer. "Battle of the Books was completely, totally her thing,"…

Teachers and parents urge restoration of summer 'Battle of the Books'; commenters raise DEI and Title IX concerns

Summary

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