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Residents accuse district of mishandling discipline and raise partisan concerns during public comment
Summary
During the open comment period residents said students were disciplined without parent notice, alleged discriminatory treatment of female athletes, and accused some board members of partisan conduct; commenters asked for meetings and policy reviews.
Several public speakers used the open-call portion of the meeting to raise concerns about discipline procedures, communication with families and perceived partisan behavior by board members.
A family representative said students were disciplined for off-campus behavior "without due process" and that parents were not contacted before sanctions were assigned. The speaker requested a meeting with district staff to review communications and enforcement of discipline policies; the board president directed staff to follow up with the families.
Other commenters alleged the district treated female athletes differently than male athletes in disciplinary matters, and urged the board to review policies and ensure nondiscriminatory application. One commenter (identified on the record as Ralph) accused the board of previously firing a Black superintendent without cause and cited an asserted $300,000 settlement; the board did not adjudicate the claim during the meeting.
Several speakers criticized perceived partisan displays at board meetings, such as board members wearing red caps bearing political slogans, and urged voters to consider those issues in upcoming elections. The board chair repeatedly reminded speakers to avoid ad hominem statements about individual trustees and to keep remarks related to district business.
The public comment period concluded after multiple residents spoke; the board accepted the comments and directed staff to engage with requestors for follow-up meetings where appropriate.
