Resident urges board to create equity and accountability advisory board
Summary
Jeffrey Watts, a parent and former special education student, urged the school board to establish an equity and accountability advisory board of parents, educators and students to ensure consistent standards, protect students experiencing trauma and address concerns about staff conduct and online attacks by leaders.
Oshkosh — During the non-agenda public forum at the Nov. 5 board meeting, Jeffrey Watts urged the district to establish an equity and accountability advisory board to bring parents, educators and students into decisions that affect services and discipline.
Watts described his own experience as a lifelong recipient of special education services and said budget discussions often raise concerns about cuts to special education and mental-health supports. He argued for clearer accountability when adults behave unprofessionally and for a community-level advisory body that would add transparency to decisions affecting vulnerable students. “Every child, no matter their color, ability, income, or past deserve to be treated as worthy of investment, not a line item on a spreadsheet,” Watts said.
Board members thanked him for speaking; no formal action was taken at the meeting beyond the public record.
Why it matters: Public comment can prompt board follow-ups on governance and community engagement. Watts’ request frames equity and accountability as topics for future board consideration and aligns with ongoing conversations about curriculum, support services and district culture.
Ending: The comment was entered into the public record and may inform future governance or policy discussion.
