East Noble School Board Meeting - June 19, 2024

HIGHLIGHTS FROM JUNE 19, 2024
1] Two citizens spoke out against books that the board has voted overwhelmingly to keep which use racist & bigoted speech against DEI-preferred people groups and contain graphic sexual content that
+ is illegal to say on the radio
+ is blocked on social media
+ our local newspaper refuses to publish
+ WOWO radio cannot read on the air
+ would be illegal for the school to teach under Human Sexuality curriculum without parental consent
+ and is banned in the East Noble's own student handbook
2] A citizen expressed that the school was insensitive towards Muslims when they had an ice cream social during Ramadan. However, nothing was mentioned about the curriculum materials and library books which multiple faiths, including Muslims, find offensive. Later in the meeting, the board expressed more sensitivity over the ice cream social than dirty books.
3] The $3.5M Alternative Learning Center for students who will not adjust or behave appropriately in traditional educational settings was discussed.
+ Renderings were shown and a progress report was provided.
+ The land is purchased.
+ It is Title IX ready with only individual unisex bathrooms.
+ A state representative recently explained that such Bonds are a way for schools to get more from local taxpayers - because they are not subject to the property tax caps.
4] Staff and administrator raises were discussed.
5] The teacher involved in the 2nd-grade transgender teaching moment was on the list of resignations.
6] Advertising at athletic events was discussed in length - far more than the topics that citizens have repeatedly expressed as critical concerns for the community.
For the first time in years, the board had a hearty discussion in front of their constituents.
A motion was made in support - but for a substantial time, the board searched for clarity on the motion. From a citizen's perspective, there was never a clear motion of what was being voted on and it was clear that the board was confused. It would have been best to table the vote or vote no so that the board could get clear on the proposal. However, they expressed concern over the optics and instead rushed the decision.
A comment was made that moving away from a booster-based fundraising approach may be advantageous (to the board) because it puts the control of those funds raised with the school rather than independent booster organizations.
Jen Blackman rightly expressed concern that the proposal in its current form did not consider the arts - and the arts are in persistent decline. Students of the arts are not celebrated like athletes and that is a travesty.
Jen, Bret, and Scott rightfully voted no - feeling that the proposal was not well-defined or mature. There were no details on how the funds would be managed or distributed, but it was clear that it would no longer be within the control of independent parent-booster organizations. However, boosters would be ok to go try to fundraise also (even though their benefactors may have already been tapped out for school-controlled advertising first).
This advertising replacement of, or competition with, the boosters needs more quality thinking.
* If you feel any of these highlights are incorrect, please reach out with your point of view and we will consider corrections.
• East Noble School Boar...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please join us at www.engageeast... where you can find public and member content and links to our Facebook Group and Podcasts.
Here is what we stand for:
+ SAFETY FOR GIRL’s PERSONAL SPACES
+INTEGRITY OF FEMALE COMPETITION
+ FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION, SEXUALIZATION, AND GENDER IDEOLOGY
+ POSITIVE WORKPLACE FOR TEACHERS
+ OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE & EFFECTIVE LEADERS