Parents and community members urge caution on device refresh, report bullying, and ask for ICE‑presence policy
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Summary
Public commenters urged the board to reconsider a full device refresh citing research on screen time, described alleged bullying and retaliation that they say was not adequately investigated, and urged the district to adopt explicit policies limiting immigration‑enforcement presence on campuses.
Multiple residents addressed the board during the public‑comment period, raising technology, bullying and immigration enforcement concerns.
Lydia Roth, speaking as a parent, asked the board to "pause, examine the research" before approving a full student computer refresh, arguing that studies indicate increased screen time does not automatically improve academic outcomes and may harm attention and retention. Roth asked the board to evaluate whether the district’s digital model produces meaningful learning gains before investing millions in devices.
Michelle Stewart and Allison Palmetto described incidents they said involved student bullying and alleged retaliation against parents and community members who raised concerns; Palmetto said she pulled her younger child from district schools and began homeschooling after unsatisfactory responses to reported bullying. Both speakers said formal complaint processes and investigations did not produce transparency or adequate corrective action.
Jean Foster urged the board to adopt four steps in response to regional immigration‑enforcement actions that she said caused fear and attendance drops: (1) adopt a clear policy restricting ICE presence on campuses without a judicial warrant naming a specific individual; (2) create a trauma‑informed process to identify and excuse fear‑based absences; (3) develop a temporary virtual learning contingency for community crisis events; and (4) establish a communication protocol so families receive verified information promptly. Foster said Charlotte‑area enforcement events produced substantial absenteeism and anxiety.
Superintendent and board members responded with reminders about due process, existing reporting tools such as the district’s See Something, Say Something app, staff refreshes to administrators about legal protocols, and a pledge to review gaps in parent communications. Board members also thanked all commenters and noted staff will follow up as appropriate.