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Parents call for transparency as small‑schools review proceeds
Summary
Multiple parents and community members told the board they fear primary‑school closures and questioned bond transparency and the small‑schools task force process; callers urged independent budget analysis, clearer bond deliverable reporting, and expanded committee representation.
Several hours of public comment centered on concern that district capital priorities and bond planning have favored new construction over sustained investment in existing neighborhood primary schools.
"Why doesn't the long range planning committee get to write our long range plan? They deserve better," Christy Lance told the board, arguing that architects and land‑use planners have been used to justify capital projects and that the district should increase community representation in planning. Other speakers cited past bond promises they said went unfulfilled and asked the board to provide straightforward, itemized bond oversight reports.
Multiple parents and community leaders pushed back on the recently concluded small‑schools task force and the board's decision to end that group's meetings. Athena Contreras asked the board to restart or extend the process to ensure findings were comprehensive. Several commenters urged the board to commission a third‑party budget or feasibility analysis before considering closures, noting potential hidden costs (transportation, boundaries) that could reduce any projected savings.
Board members acknowledged the difficult tradeoffs. Vice Chair Wyatt summarized the competing pressures: unfunded state mandates, projected PERS increases and a depleted fund balance. "We have all of these different interests," she said, urging that the district weave them together thoughtfully as budget decisions move forward.
The board did not take immediate action on closures during the meeting; it scheduled long‑range planning committee presentations and noted further opportunities for community input in January and beyond.
