Granite Falls board, superintendent reject social‑media claims about Crossroads; community speakers defend program

Director Carl Carey opened board comments by reading a Facebook post that accused the superintendent of removing student murals and ‘‘turning the school into a prison.’’ Carey told the board the social‑media claims were "either untrue or lack context," urged residents to direct concerns to the superintendent first, and said neither the board nor the superintendent had instructed removal of murals.

The superintendent, Superintendent Geaslin, told the board that only one ceiling tile had been moved from a preschool classroom to a Crossroads classroom and that "murals haven't been painted over" and "Crossroads is not closing." Geaslin said the district implemented visitor badging and a panic‑button test but denied any directive to erase Crossroads' history.

At public comment, several speakers defended Crossroads. Britney Lehman, who said she is the mother of a 16‑year‑old at Crossroads, described her daughter's experience there as "night and day" compared with the comprehensive high school and credited Crossroads staff with providing strong check‑in and support. Rhonda, a Crossroads graduate, apologized for any negative posts she may have contributed and offered to help maintain student artwork.

Board members repeatedly encouraged residents to raise concerns directly with district staff so the superintendent and board could respond. Director Carey said enrollment declines at Crossroads were linked to Lake Stevens opening its own alternative program, not to district leadership decisions. The board did not take formal action on the social‑media posts; members said they would answer questions privately after the meeting.

The discussion concluded with an invitation for further dialogue; the board recorded no policy change or campus‑closure action during the meeting.