Parent voices frustration over school email tone and Pledge of Allegiance communications

A parent who identified herself as "Bri C" used the public comment period to urge the school committee to improve how staff communicate with families, citing a recent email exchange about whether the Pledge of Allegiance was being recited in schools.

Bri C said she had sent a lengthy email to the committee and appreciated that four members had followed up. She described an exchange between a principal and a parent in which she said the administrator corrected the parent by writing that "the Pledge of Allegiance has stopped at M&S [sic] at no time has the pledge been stopped," and that this tone felt accusatory.

"This is so negative and it's connotation, it's derogatory and it's accusatory with this misinformation. It does not do anything to build trust with a parent," she said, and suggested alternative, validating language that would acknowledge a parent's concern and offer to check with staff and return with information.

Committee members acknowledged the comment, said several had engaged with the parent outside the meeting and encouraged the parent to continue using scheduled follow‑up channels. The superintendent and principals later addressed in their reports that the district continues to include the Pledge in morning announcements and that staff are working to improve family communications.

The comment underscores ongoing parent interest in district communication style and transparency; committee members said they will continue to meet with families and encouraged use of scheduled channels to resolve concerns.