The Marion County School Board opened its Nov. 11 meeting by recognizing social-studies teachers of the year and selecting student artwork for the Superintendent’s Choice awards, with dozens of elementary, middle and high school students called forward for photos.

Student board members also spoke. Colin Briggs of Forest High School described Air Force Junior ROTC’s role in his leadership development and fundraising for a canned-food drive. "Air Force Junior ROTC has not only prepared me for the future, but it gave me the confidence to lead it," Briggs said.

Julia Slaughter, the student board member from Vanguard High School, told trustees she and classmates are encountering excessive internet filtering on school-issued computers that blocks images and many research materials. "There's been, like, a ridiculous number of pictures and articles that are blocked," Slaughter said, adding that blocking partial strings such as "homo" is interfering with biology and history research.

Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer said district staff, including technology and security personnel, are working on the issue and balancing student safety with classroom access. "He's been actively working on this... and is working closely with Mr. Whitehouse," Brewer said in response to Slaughter's concerns, adding that staff would follow up with students and school leaders.

Board members encouraged teachers who encounter blocked resources to report specific sites so staff can expedite access for curricular needs. The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting but asked staff to follow up with schools and return with options if needed.