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Residents press board for data and transparency on proposed Cornerstone alternative school
Summary
At the public-comment period residents raised concerns about placement practices for a proposed Cornerstone alternative school, asked for racial and demographic placement data, and urged the board to ensure the program is not a de facto disciplinary warehouse for Black students and students with disabilities.
Multiple community members used the meeting's visitor-comment period to press the board for more information and transparency about the district's proposed Cornerstone alternative school and related placement policies.
Why this matters: Community members said past placement decisions have had disproportionate effects and asked the district to publish demographic data, clarify placement criteria and explain safeguards to prevent disparate impact on Black students, students with disabilities and low-income students.
What residents asked: Tiana Batis Wadell (representing herself and referencing Oltha Jones of the NAACP) asked a series of questions: "What's the purpose and philosophy of the proposed alternative school? How will the district ensure placement decisions do not disproportionately impact Black boys and girls, students with disabilities, low socioeconomic status, and other protected groups? Will the district publish racial and demographic data on placement?" (SEG 570—608)
Other speakers raised related concerns about travel distance, program capacity and whether family counseling and support would be feasible for parents who cannot attend.
District response and board direction: Trustees said they are committed to studying disparities and to compliance with the federal consent decree; board leaders said a public work session with experts and a committee to examine racial disproportionality is forthcoming and that additional public information will follow.
Quotes: "Will the district publish racial and demographic data on placement? Will this be a real school or a disciplinary warehouse for Black boys and girls?" asked Tiana Batis Wadell.
Next steps: Trustees said they plan a public working meeting and additional reports from staff and consultants to examine placement practices and disciplinary outcomes, and they asked staff to share more information with the public as analyses are completed.
