Students and community urge clearer grading rules, gender‑neutral facilities and a sustainability coordinator
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Summary
Student Voice Council leaders and public commenters asked the board for clearer standards‑based grading communication, a policy for gender‑neutral bathrooms to protect transgender students, and rehiring a district sustainability coordinator; speakers requested follow‑up from staff.
BEND, Ore.
Student representatives and community speakers used the public‑comment period at the Bend‑La Pine Schools board meeting on Jan. 13 to press for clearer standards‑based grading guidance, district action on gender‑neutral restrooms and rehiring a sustainability coordinator.
Paige Hall and Shamile Alotebi, Mountain View High School students serving on the Student Voice Council, summarized SVC work and plans: they said the group meets monthly (first Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.), has 22 members, has discussed the substance‑abuse prevention plan and the new cell‑phone policy, and is creating focus groups and a one‑pager template to collect student input. "We will make sure to keep engaging with school clubs and groups," Hall said. Directors asked logistical questions about where QR codes and outreach materials will be placed and how SVC will reach feeder schools.
During public comment, Rafael Alfred Seton, a family physician and parent, raised four specific questions about standards‑based grading, including whether the district has contingencies for students with test anxiety under a decaying‑average model, how scores translate to GPA and college admissions, and plans for teacher and parent training. Chair LeGrand and staff invited Seton to submit materials and follow up by email.
Rowan Roberts, a transgender Bend High student, urged the board to adopt a policy that would ensure future school buildings include gender‑neutral facilities and to destigmatize gender‑nonconforming students. "How many students must suffer before we take action?" Roberts asked, and described physical and mental‑health harms when students lack safe restroom access. The superintendent acknowledged the concern and indicated staff would follow up.
Denise Rocroft of the Environmental Center urged the board to rehire a sustainability coordinator to maintain momentum on district sustainability initiatives and to manage the reuse of materials during school moves. The speaker noted the Environmental Center stands ready to support the district.
Board members thanked the presenters, asked clarifying questions, and encouraged staff to follow up with the speakers. No formal board action on these requests occurred at the meeting; several directors emphasized the need for timely rehiring of the sustainability coordinator and better communication about standards‑based grading implementation.