Public speakers raise concerns about a Waldorf charter petition and Lowell High counseling practices

During the public-comment period, several speakers raised sharply different concerns that the board heard but did not resolve on the floor.

Dan Dugan, speaking for an organization he identified as PLANS (People for Legal and Nonsectarian Schools), urged the board to reject the Escuela del Pueblo Waldorf-inspired charter petition. Dugan alleged that Waldorf education is rooted in anthroposophy, which he described as a "cult-like religious sect," and said those beliefs can be concealed in charter instruction; he asked the board to deny the petition or require fuller disclosure and asked for equal time for pro-petition presentations. The petitioner had, earlier in the meeting, requested the charter item be formally withdrawn for revision and resubmission in late spring.

Separately, multiple speakers described a complaint involving Lowell High School, saying a counselor had not met with a student during two semesters, that program worksheets were changed without the student’s signed consent, and that administrative letters threatened probation and possible transfer. A student and parent said the matter had been heard in closed session previously and that they felt the process had not resolved outstanding questions. Superintendent Garcia responded that the board had heard the closed-session matter and that the board’s ruling stood but acknowledged the parties’ differing views.

Other public speakers and community groups used the forum to press the board on broader issues, including budget cuts and planned rallies at City Hall to protest state funding reductions. The board did not take immediate action on the charter petition or the Lowell allegations during this meeting; staff and board indicated some items had been or would be handled through existing complaint and closed-session procedures.