Parents and community members urge support for arts program; grandfather raises classroom behavior concerns

During the board’s communications and public-comment period on Sept. 23, two speakers raised concerns and appeals to the board.

Jacqueline Lee Johnson (who also uses the name Coach Jay) praised Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA), describing her role in its founding and the program’s broad arts offerings (pottery, ceramics, dance, music, art lab, technology and more). She urged the board to find funds to preserve and expand arts programs, saying they build character and provide hands-on academic opportunities that create a 'future without limits' for students.

Later in the public-comment period, Rick Kiero, who identified himself as a grandfather and a retired police officer from St. Francis, described a family case involving his granddaughter at Ramsey Elementary. Kiero said classroom disruptions by a small number of students have created chronic problems: late recess transitions, teacher distress and a student who no longer wants to attend. He said the family sought a class reassignment, was told that reassignments occur only in summer, and later learned a different student was moved. Kiero said school staff are developing a plan that runs into October and questioned whether counselor support is being provided to teachers. He asked for a written follow-up; administration committed to provide one after the public-comment section.

The board did not take action during public comment; Superintendent McIntyre and staff promised written follow-up with the family.