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District says Palestinian-flag display at Old Orchard was teacher-directed; forms displays guidance committee
Summary
Superintendent Scott Grens told the board the Palestinian flag displayed at Old Orchard Junior High was "part of a completed, teacher-directed identity project," that the flags were removed with no disciplinary action, and that the district will form a Committee for Guidance on Displays in the Learning Environment.
Superintendent Scott Grens opened the meeting by addressing community and staff concerns about a Palestinian flag that had been displayed at Old Orchard Junior High School. Grens said the display "was part of a completed, teacher-directed identity project" and that, because the activity had concluded and was no longer instructionally relevant, the teacher- and student-created flags were removed and no disciplinary action was taken.
Grens said the district will form a Committee for Guidance on Displays in the Learning Environment to provide clarity and support for staff and to ensure classroom displays are age-appropriate, educationally meaningful, and aligned with board policy and the district’s commitment to belonging. The statement framed the response as an administrative clarification rather than a disciplinary matter; the minutes record community concern but do not name individual public commenters.
