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Timberlane family tells board repeated racist incidents; students and family urge sustained DEIJ work
Summary
A family testified to the Timberlane Regional School District board about recurring racist remarks and harassment experienced by their adopted children, including a sixth‑grader’s written account read aloud. The family urged sustained education, prevention and stronger disciplinary responses; board members thanked the family and asked administrators for follow‑up and funding options.
A family told the Timberlane Regional School District board about repeated incidents of racist language and exclusion affecting their children and urged the district to adopt sustained, age‑appropriate education and prevention programs.
Parent speakers described repeated slurs, exclusionary remarks and threats directed at their twins over multiple years and said the problem is systemic rather than limited to isolated students or staff. The parent asked the board to prioritize funding and programs to build empathy and equity across grades rather than rely on one‑off assemblies.
Twelve‑year‑old Henry Lombard read a prepared statement describing an incident in which a classmate allegedly used a racial slur and recounting other episodes of harassment. "It's a big deal because it applies to me and my twin sister," Henry said in his prepared remarks, urging the district to change how it handles racism. His sister Lizzie, a high‑school senior, advocated for three steps: education, action and prevention, and suggested adopting sustained programs similar to the DEIJ work she cited in an adjacent district.
Administrators and board members responded with thanks and support. Superintendent Justin Krueger and other board members praised the family for speaking publicly and acknowledged the need for greater resources and sustained efforts. Board members suggested connecting the family with the district’s Culture and Climate/Climate and Culture committee and exploring grant possibilities (the parent asked whether a Martin Luther King Foundation grant could help). A board member asked staff to report back on programs and to involve student leaders.
The board did not take a formal vote on policy changes at the meeting; members asked administration to return with options and to include affected families in planning. Justin Krueger said administrators would follow up with the Climate and Culture committee and noted a spotlight presentation the district will make to the State Board of Education on Dec. 12 about some special‑education programming and supports. The meeting recessed for five minutes after the testimony.
