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Board splits on Data Middle marquee; parents and ELAC call sign a "lifeline," trustees cite process concerns
Summary
After extended public comment in English and Spanish urging a new marquee at Data Middle School to reach families lacking internet access, the board voted on a consent‑agenda marquee purchase and the motion failed on a 2–2 margin. Parents and ELAC leaders said the marquee is essential communication; some trustees said the decision exposed deeper site‑governance tensions and vowed to revisit school‑site council bylaws.
The Ventura Unified board on Tuesday declined to approve a $20,000 marquee purchase for Data Middle School after an extended public comment period and a divided trustee vote.
More than a dozen parents, many speaking in Spanish with simultaneous translation, urged trustees to approve a modern digital marquee that they say delivers timely, visible information to families who lack reliable internet or ParentSquare access. "For these families, the marquee isn't a luxury. It's a lifeline," one parent said during…
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