newberg school board decision newberg school board decision

The Snapchat group sometimes specifically targets Black students. In late September, the ban was amended following concerns about its legality after the ACLU threatened to sue the school board if it did not reconsider the policy. He was hired as the permanent Superintendent beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. Following the vote, Piros spoke again, addressing the four board members who voted to fire Morelock. I went to NHS and graduated in 2015 and I knew I was gay but didnt have the support to say anything then. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. The Newberg School Board has rescinded a controversial policy that banned staff from putting up political signs or displays in schools. . Pride flags can literally save someones life, and youre just going to take that away?, Proud Boys supporter pleads guilty to threatening Sen. Rafael Warnock: Dead men cant pass laws, N.C. hospital system fires about 175 workers in one of the largest-ever mass terminations due to a vaccine mandate, Essential reporting from around the world, Oregon school board bans Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols in the classroom, Ukraine live briefing: Kyiv targeted by missiles; explosions in Russia derail train, damage power line, Philippine presidents White House visit reflects sharp upturn in ties, Eyeing China, Biden official floats a new Washington consensus, The deadly world of white-supremacist prison gangs. ", Oregon school district parent: Students of color 'are under attack' at Newberg schools, the Newberg Public Schools board voted 4-3 to keep any sort of political signage out of schools. Were going to move forward.. The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Four members of the school board voted to fire Supt. I continue to stand with parents, students of color, LGBTQ students, and all members of the community who have courageously continued to speak out against the school boards unacceptable actions. Sept. 23, 2022 9:50 a.m. The Yamhill County Circuit Court has made a decision in a case filed last year by a Newberg teacher against the school district and four members of the school. The disputes in the Newberg School Board have come as schools nationwide have become rife with arguments over vaccine and mask mandates, how racism is addressed in teaching, instruction. So everything will work out eventually.. I wish the entire board would join us in these efforts.. The community blowback led the Newberg School Board to alter the language of the ban on Sept. 1, removing the specific mentions of Pride and BLM. Opponents of the ban, who have said the language specifically targeting groups of people was illegal, say the policy has helped embolden racists. The specific dates can be found here. After hearing from a fraction of. Under his leadership, new contracts with our associations brought better pay to teachers and staff, more educational school days for our students, a stabilized financial situation with a safety net of over $9 million in the ending fund balance, and the passage of the largest Construction Bond in the history of Newberg Public Schools. One is expected soon. Board member Rebecca Piros said she can no longer work with people who she feels do not have the best interests of every student and every staff member at heart, KGW-TV reported. As pressure mounted, the four conservative members voted to hire a. DISCLAIMER for All Communications with District Staff and Board Members: The Board believes that community participation in school affairs is essential if the school district and the community are to maintain mutual confidence and respect and work together to improve the quality of education for students. Meetings and Agendas Policies Programs and Services Student Success Act School Board Internal Staff Directory Strategic Plan Superintendent; Schools Welcome to our schools. They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. written and/or digital) that contains information relating to the conduct of the school districts business could be subject to a public records request without prior notice to sender. This has been the shadiest, shadiest process ever and unfortunately, it is our children who will have to pay for this. The NEA said the boards decision to ban political symbols was unwarranted and ill-conceived, hence the settlement. Find Your . We cannot let this group of 4 impose their own political agenda, erode our rights, and strip our support of our students. Just remember that from the darkest dark, comes the brightest light. The ruling validates our claims and assertions, the NEA release said. Its just such a bold statement to make. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Electedin 2019 The Newberg School Board's choice to ban BLM and Pride flags came following a shift in the Board's composition. And those are my kids. Cherice Boch (left) and her son Espen at a Newberg protest on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. Penner and Piros spoke out against the resolution and the board's four members who were in support of it. Climate Conference in Glasgow, connecting Newberg with trouble and conflict facing school boards across the country. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. Under new business, we are discussing the superintendent, said board chair Dave Brown. 1:09. Think about the lives it will really affect. Penner then asked Brown to adjourn the meeting, despite there being more items on the agenda, saying, "I don't think anything constructive will happen with this board again.". The ban was passed in early August, and garnered a great deal of opposition from other board members, community members, and the state at-large. [6], The Newberg School District made news headlines for voting to ban "political" symbols from school grounds, including Pride and Black Lives Matter imagery. The parties jointly moved to dismiss the case on the grounds it was now moot, Crist said. At the time the complaint was filed, Shotts said both she, as a queer staff member, and students should be safe and supported. Other lawsuits The policy initially explicitly banned Pride and BLM symbols in all district buildings, but it was amended to broaden the language following a public outcry and concerns surrounding potential litigation. Easterday also granted the school districts and board members argument that the policy is not necessarily discriminatory under Article 1, Section 20 of the state constitution. I dont serve Black people, an attendant told her. Board . A conservative majority now exists on the Board, after the local group Save our Schools backed two successful bids for spots on the Board. Board of Directors At least one student at Newberg High School has been linked to a Snapchat group called Slave Trade, the Graphic reported, where teenagers nationwide share racist, homophobic and violent messages. Also Tuesday night, the board discussed its first complaint under the new political symbols ban, a rainbow sign in an elementary school window that said Be Known, a slogan used by George Fox University. The vote came after a charged conversation in which three board members strongly objected to the resolution to fire Morelock. Elected in May 2021 - Term expires 6/30/25 PORTLAND, Ore. ( Portland Tribune) Newberg has been in the news a lot lately. If we want to have these symbols and speak our minds we should be able to, silencing us isnt OK., I would tell them to think before you create action. The ACLU has threatened to sue if the ban remains on the books, and its not clear how this new bans legalese will affect its prosecution. The settlement, according to a release from the Newberg Education Association, accomplished three things, primarily that the school board will not appeal the lower courts ruling that the ban be lifted; that the board will either add language to GBG recognizing the lower courts ruling or rescind the amendment entirely, which the board did at its Jan. 10 meeting; and that the board reimburse the union for a significant portion of the legal fees incurred from fighting this illegal amendment, the release said. NEWBERG, Ore. (KOIN) The Newberg Education Association is suing the Newberg School District after the. "He made sure he was in schools every week with kids interacting," she said. They gathered at 4:15pm on Sept. 29 at the Newberg city centers flagpole where, fittingly, the citys major highway splits. In May, the board named as its next superintendent, Stephen Phillips, who was put on leave amid an investigation in his most recent Oregon superintendent role and who resigned from another superintendent position after retweeting an offensive remark about people who enter the country illegally. NEWBERG An Oregon school board has banned educators from displaying Black Lives Matter and gay pride symbols, prompting a torrent of recriminations and threats to boycott the town and . I believe we should be able to express how we feel about certain topics without judgement from the school district. An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. The settlement, rendered in December, means the court case will not go forward. Because they're cowards and they know they're going to get sued. Zone Name Term Ends 1 Trevor DeHart 2025 2 Shelley Kolb 2023 3 Ron Rilee 2023 4 Raquel Peregrino de . Just stop the hate. I just cant stand for it., The lack of action prior to this did not demonstrate any harm. The Newberg Education Association, a union representing 280 educators and staff in the district, wrote in a statement that it is extremely disappointed over the decision from the conservative majority. To get in touch with any Director, you may contact them directly or contact School Board Secretaryat 503-554-5000 The entire Board can be reached atboardmembers@newberg.k12.or.us. "Our children should not bear the brunt end of partisan politics meant to further divide. Numerous school and district administrators also have resigned from the district. The resolution outlining the no-cause firing was not included in the board packet for Tuesday's meeting. The Newberg School Board's choice to ban BLM and Pride flags came following a shift in the Boards composition. The Newberg School District and four of its board members face a lawsuit over a policy banning political and quasi-political symbols. Everything will work out eventually OK," he said. The amended policy remains as a ban on all political or quasi-political signs displayed by teachers. Take action today! A pair of petitions to recall Newberg school board vice chair Brian Shannon and board chair Dave Brown have each officially obtained enough signatures to qualify for a vote next month, Yamhill . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT|714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132|(503) 554-5000. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Pender said she doesn't know how the school district will handle the financial ramifications of the firing. Piros asked her colleagues to take more time before going forward with the major, unannounced decision. [5], There are seven school board members, each serving four-year terms. I always tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up, said Herrera. The policy limiting the kinds of images or signs school employees can display on campus originally began as a ban passed by the school board in August of LGBTQIA+ and Black Lives Matters flags. The board voted to table that item during Tuesday's meeting. The ACLU of Oregon and law firm Davis Wright Tremaine argued that the ban violates the Oregon Constitution. The judge ruled Thursday that a policy banning certain symbols displayed in schools is unconstitutional. In one of them, a staff member showed up for work in blackface in an apparent protest of the districts coronavirus vaccine mandate for employees and was subsequently fired. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! However, this topic will be on the minds and tongues of many in Newberg and its greater community for some time. "My mom back in the '50s and '60s fought for Black rights, " said McGowan. [8], An elementary school employee of the district reported to work wearing blackface in "protest" of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. We're so sorry. At Tuesdays meeting, Penner indicated she is disgusted over a vote that she suggested had already been decided weeks earlier by the conservative majority. Why did you organize it? I am proudly defiant of this boards illegal and immoral actions.. Director Zone 2 As an elected official you want to listen to understand their perspective and put yourself in the shoes of a gay person or trans person. The Newberg School Board usually meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Shotts asked the court to declare that the boards policy was unconstitutional and the court agreed, at least with respect to the free speech guarantee in Article I, Section 8, Crist said in an earlier story. They cant discipline her or them for putting up a poster in violation of the policy.. VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. IE 11 is not supported. I continue to stand with parents, students of color, LGBTQ students, and all members of the community who have courageously continued to speak out against the school boards unacceptable actions.. The disputes in the Newberg School Board have come as schools nationwide have become rife with arguments over vaccine and mask mandates, how racism is addressed in teaching, instruction related to sexuality and gender-neutral bathrooms. case filed last year by a Newberg teacher, initial board conversations about the policy, celebrated the ruling in a tweet Thursday, the school board voted to fire Supt. Board member Ines Pea also pointed out that students weren't given enough of a say in the decision, even though they and their parents have shared stories detailing discrimination and feeling unsafe. Its just common sense to me.. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Comments will be read in the order they are received. Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. We are supposed to be here for all children and to make all children feel safe and welcome, and by lifting one group or several groups over another, thats not welcoming and safe.. The protest countered a new school policy that bans Black Lives Matter and Pride flags across Newberg School District facilities.Jozie Donaghey. "My child is LGBTQ and so now I'm out here fighting for their rights and their voice. Board member. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). This sentiment has been expressed by students who have recently given public comment in School Board meetings, one even stating that the Pride flag could mean life or death for some, given an estimate that at least one transgender minor attempts suicide every 45 seconds. (KATU) NEWBERG, Ore. Voters in the Newberg Schools community are turning out in big numbers for the hotly debated recall of two school board members. Think about the students before your own opinions., Parent and local counselor Holly Hetrick says she attended the protest to show support for all her middle school and high school clients, her LGBTQ children and their friends. NEWBERG, Ore. A Yamhill County Circuit Court judge has ruled that the Newberg School District's ban on some symbols, including Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, is unconstitutional, the. Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. The. They should be able to wear their shirts and signs that say Black Lives Matter and Asian Lives Matter and whatever else. I will do everything in my power to create an environment that makes all students feel safe and supported so they can learn and thrive, Shotts said. This is my senior year, and this ban would change everything, how I feel about being there. Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He looked in people's faces and knew what impact his decisions would have.". The Oregon Legislatures Black, Indigenous and People of Color caucus condemned the move and the American Civil Liberties Union told The Newberg Graphic the ban is likely unconstitutional. The Newberg School District has faced a school year full of controversy after the board's conservative majority took action last year to ban employees from displaying "political" or. "It's over. She pointed at the opposition: We dont have a problem with them here, but they dont even let us get near them. As a family with BLM and Pride signs passed by the small contingent of conservatives, a Black father shouted, Black Lives Matter doesnt represent me. He and his son brought out a banner that read, #All Lives Matter.. As a publicly elected official, mother, and human, I will not break the law or engage in open and hostile discrimination, she said. Prior to the public meeting, the board met in executive session, away from the public. Heres what that means. Were trying so hard just to be equal and be heard. Board members Brandy Penner and Rebecca Piros, both in the boards three-member minority, said the sign was not political, especially coming from George Fox, a private Christian university in Newberg. rennet@newberg.k12.or.us. 503-554-5041 The students are not being heard., The board was also expected to work on "replacement language" for the district's anti-racism policy and consider re-examining the Oregon Department of Education's "Every Student Belongs" policy, which, in part, "prohibits hate symbols, specifically three of the most recognizable symbols of hate in the U.S. the swastika, the Confederate flag, and the noose.". The main office is located at 714 E. Sixth Street in Newberg. The school board initially voted on Aug. 10 to ban those specific symbols in the classroom. About 100 protesters gathered in downtown Newberg on Tuesday, weeks after a new conservative school board majority voted to ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners in their buildings. 503-476-2636, Shelley Kolb In a 4-3 vote, the Newberg school board decided to terminate the district's superintendent, Joe Morelock, during a meeting . We tabled a motion on if were going to figure out if a rainbow sign is political or not, because people didnt have enough time to review the packet that they had for four or five days, Penner said. Be a part of it! 503-887-6447, Raquel Peregrino de Brito What brought you out tonight to the protest? Neither the school board nor Newberg Public Schools Superintendent Joe Morelock immediately responded to requests for comment early Wednesday. Please keep in mind that the school district is subject to Public Records laws. Navigating a global pandemic with immense challenges, Dr. Morelocks leadership has been demonstrated in the low turnover of building and district leadership, and the hiring of excellent new teachers and staff who more closely reflect our student body. On Thursday, Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Easterday ruled that the policy is unconstitutional under Article 1, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and the press. I think the point of this is to show that you are trying to sow division with extremist views and you have no interest in listening to the community, school board member Brandy Penner said in the meeting. On behalf of Dr. Morelock and the work he has begun, we will continue to fight for safe, stable learning environments for our students. Shannon introduced in July the explicit ban in the classroom of political signs and flags, such as those with Pride and BLM symbols. Morelock, who was silent up to that point during the discussion of the resolution, answered. To me its sad that were still doing this, because Ive been out here doing this since the 60s and we have to keep being on top of it., I would tell them to listen to the folks. Two of those board members were elected this past May. The quality of some of the stories that we heard should count more than just the number of emails that we received, said Pea, who was wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt and rainbow headband during the virtual meeting. I wanna ask why? Time is set aside at the business meeting for public comment. The lawsuit, first filed in Yamhill County Circuit Court by the Portland law firm Bennett Hartman, was advanced to U.S. District Court in Portland in December 2021 as a civil rights case. Related: Newberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols. For Black boys, this isnt A Black man was dismembered. About 100 people turned out to protest the Newberg school board's decision to ban Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols. "He had a very personal approach and didn't just sit in his office and make decisions arbitrarily. The dissenting board members said the move to fire Morelock, coupled with litigation over the controversial political symbols ban, could have a grave financial impact on the district. Newberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols, Newberg teachers sue district, school board members over political image ban in schools, Newberg school employee goes to work in blackface, is put on leave. Studies, statistics, research and experts can prove 100 times over that removing those items is harmful and thats what were looking at: trying to be supportive of kids. During the meeting, staff members visibly shook their heads and teared up. These counter-protesters noted they simply wanted to voice their support for the ban. She said her family was heartbroken when they heard that Morelock had been fired. It supports all the steps we have taken to fight the policy change. Why would you remove something that wasnt harmful but is going to cause harm?, Roland Herrera, a Keizer City Council member, says he attended the Newberg protest against the political ban in the school district to support his neighbors. It protects marginalized populations in our student and staff bodies. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT | 714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132 | (503) 554-5000. Regular business meetings are currently scheduled for the second Tuesday with work sessions being held on the fourth Tuesday. This move is yet another example of a board majority bringing instability to our schools. Brian Shannon, the Newberg School Boards vice chairman, introduced the measure over the summer. Many have called for the recall process of Board Member Shannon, the driving force behind the ban. So why would they do that? Business meetings and work sessions are held at the Newberg School District Office, 714 East 6th Street, Newberg, Oregon. When the conservative majority of the Newberg school board voted in early November to oust the district's superintendent, board chairman Dave Brown advocated for an accelerated process to name Joe Morelock's successor by January. It's done, Rebecca," he said. "You're a bigger man than I am," Piros said and started to cry, as Penner put her hand over her mouth. Group showed footage of fatal Breonna Taylor raid at restaurant event, dine BLM co-founders cousin dies after police repeatedly use Taser, video shows, Bidens marijuana policy may change attitudes toward immigrants. Im so in awe at how many people are here because my experience wasnt the best so seeing everyone so gung-ho about it is heartwarming.. Piros said she had to file public records requests just to access all of the information Smith was sharing with other board members in the conservative majority. Superintendents for Greater Albany Public Schools, Adrian School District School, and Woodburn have all been removed this year, for varying reasons. Responding to Morelocks termination, Oregon House Democrats said theyll take action on Newberg in the next legislative session. Those wishing to speak at the regular session will need to complete the Newberg School Board Public Comment form and submit it to the board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. What brought you out tonight to the protest? This article was published more than1 year ago. The Newberg School Board voted to terminate the contract of Superintendent Joe Morelock late Tuesday night, in a process that board director Brandy Penner, who voted against the firing,. His mother says he told her White men were cha Sheryl Lee Ralph on her historic Super Bowl act: Its just really neat, Man who died after police used Taser had warned of heart issue, video shows, Memphis officer texted a photo of bloodied Tyre Nichols, records show, Harris, in funeral address, says Tyre Nichols should have been safe. Our educators are united in their goal to create classrooms where students can walk in and feel like they belong.. For months, the Newberg School District has been making headlines, while its school board mulls a. Aruna Masih, the attorney from Portland law firm Bennett Hartman who was representing the NEA and the four teachers/counselors, said she couldnt comment on the particulars of the case, but speaking in general terms said that once two parties reach an agreement on resolution of a case, called a stipulated notice of dismissal, the court typically accepts the notice and dismisses the case. Dont wait. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Newberg School District and four members of the district's board of directors, challenging the district's . It argues that the policy violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing free speech and the 14th Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. Our human rights arent political, period. Be a part of it! Ashley Pea, a Newberg student, said she came to the protest because the school board didn't listen to enough students before making their decision on Aug. 10. Joe Morelock last November, two board members faced recall elections in January, and since last year, dozens of staff members have resigned from the district, including several district administrators and principals from six of the districts 10 schools. Morelock determined it was a slogan for George Fox University and not a political symbol. Published: Jan. 18, 2022, 8:41 p.m. An initial attempt by the Newberg school board to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride imagery was met with widespread protests in the city. The Newberg teachers union said the firing was another example of a board majority bringing instability to the districts schools. That does make me a defiant outlier in the face of this board. Appointed in 2022 -Term expires 6/30/23 School board director and vice chair Brian Shannon, who voted for the measure and added the language about apparel, said the "main goal of this is to get political symbols and divisive symbols out of our schools so we can focus on the already difficult task of educating our students in the core subjects.". Board vice chair Brian Shannon, who created the initial wording of the political symbols ban, called it the grayest of gray areas. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. In response to the reoccurring demonstrations against the School Board's decision, a group of counter-protesters who support the School Board's decision stood on the southeast side of the intersection. The policy was denounced by the boards three liberal members, who accused the conservative majority of passing a measure that the community does not want. They filed a lawsuit against the school district and the four board members who voted for the policy chair Dave Brown, vice chair Brian Shannon, Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart.