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Public commenters urge water‑safety curriculum, alternative book‑fair vendors and consistent holiday practices
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Summary
Speakers during public comment pushed for water‑safety lessons in elementary schools, asked the district to consider alternatives to Scholastic book fairs, and requested a written, consistently applied policy after a parent said her son's Eid goodie bags were handled differently than other holiday activities.
During the public‑comment period, three speakers raised distinct concerns to the board.
Nikash Namara, a South Forsyth High School junior and certified Red Cross water‑safety ambassador, urged the board to integrate water‑safety lessons into elementary learning. Namara described his United We Swim initiative, told the board he has taught lessons in more than 10 classrooms across the district and cited Lake Lanier drowning statistics to argue for early instruction.
Another speaker addressed the board about vendor choices for school book fairs and library materials, urging the district to investigate alternatives to Scholastic and saying local control over content is appropriate. The commenter referenced recent federal litigation as support for local decisions about school materials.
Dr. Zeria Subashu, a parent at Matt Elementary, described preparing Eid goodie bags according to guidance she received from her child’s teacher but said her son was not allowed to distribute them because they were connected to Eid. She asked why other holiday activities such as Christmas or Saint Patrick’s Day seem to be treated differently and requested a clear written policy, consistent application across holidays and staff training so children from minority religious backgrounds do not feel excluded. “Why was Eid Mubarak treated differently?” she asked the board.
Board members listened and thanked the speakers; no formal board action was taken on the items during the meeting.
