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Public commenters urge support for teachers, better summer communications and stricter tech/AI rules
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Caledonia board to treat teachers with respect amid negotiations, requested clearer district summer communications and transportation notices for KCTC families, and asked the board to restrict personal electronics, limit classroom screen time and require parental opt‑in for AI.
Several community members addressing the Caledonia Community Schools board on July 28 urged officials to back teachers in contract negotiations, improve summer communication to families, and tighten district policies on student device use and classroom AI.
James Ernest opened public comment by recalling teachers who shaped his life and saying he wanted teachers to be treated "with respect and with generosity" as negotiations continue. Susan Demuse, identifying herself as a longtime teacher and parent, echoed that message and asked trustees to honor teachers with proper compensation and support.
A parent identified as Beth said repeatedly that district phone lines were not answered during posted summer hours and described multiple unanswered calls when she sought information about KCTC transportation for the week of Aug. 18. She said she later received an email indicating the staff member responsible for KCTC communications would not return until Aug. 11 and asked the board to improve outreach and post clear signage at buildings. Chair/administration responded that someone would follow up for all affected families.
Bob Phelan summarized a recent Supreme Court decision (Mahmoud v. Taylor, as he described it) and said the ruling reinforces parents' rights to opt children out of curriculum content they find hostile to their religious beliefs; he urged the district to review curriculum and opt‑out policies before the school year begins.
Chris McKenna, identified himself as founder of Protect Young Eyes, asked three concrete steps: remove personal electronics during passing periods and cafeteria time at the high school; pass a resolution encouraging limited, evidence-based classroom screen time; and require parental opt-in for all uses of AI in classrooms. McKenna cited studies he said show distraction from devices and referenced recent reported AI incidents as a reason for caution.
Tammy Singleton, a neighboring-district educator and long-time resident, thanked the board for prioritizing students. The board did not take policy action during public comment; several trustees said the district would follow up with staff and review the issues raised.
