Parents ask ISD 622 board for transparency on political spending and facility use

Three members of the public used the Nov. 18 public comment period to press the ISD 622 school board for clearer rules on outside influence in local elections and on how district facilities are used.

Peter Provost told the board he represented many families "talking about the growing influence of outside organizations" and asked the board to "establish a transparency policy so parents and residents can easily see who is funding political activity that affects our school board races." He added: "Transparency strengthens trust, and trust strengthens our school district." (speaker 5)

Gary Timbrell followed, urging the board to adopt a neutral facility-use policy. He said the request was not an accusation against any specific union but asked that district buildings be explicitly off‑limits for campaign activity. "These activities should never take place in taxpayer funded buildings no matter what group is involved," Timbrell said. (speaker 6)

A third commenter identified by the chair as Carla Nelson but who introduced himself as Carl Nelson said members of conservative Christian communities feel dismissed by recent public communications and asked the district to ensure that policies and communications make all families feel welcome.

Board members acknowledged the comments and noted the district’s current policies and legal limits (the board does not control state election law). Staff said any policy changes would need to be drafted carefully to respect legal boundaries and labor‑law protections for unions, while balancing the district’s obligation to be a neutral public institution.