For the kids that cant say anything now, I wanted to be that voice for them. But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. But Brown added two new items, including one about Morelock. Screenshot taken from YouTube. 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. ", "Oregon school board drops ban on LGBTQ pride, Black Lives Matter and other symbols", "Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Newberg_School_District&oldid=1134844881, This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 00:40. Led by the superintendent, their goal was to review this situation over a period of six weeks in order to come to a determination about how to move forward. Mailing Address for the Board The reasoning behind the Boards decision is that the imagery is political in nature, and distracts from the already challenging task of preparing our youth with a quality education. "Just remember that from the darkest dark comes the brightest light. Board member Brandy Penner said she had endured an abusive and disrespectful work environment on the board, and said the board had violated public meeting laws. The superintendents cabinet of administrators issued a statement after the sudden vote saying it was shocked and dismayed. The group cited what they considered positive examples of Morelocks leadership, including his work turning the districts finances around, creating a safety net of over $9 million. 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 board. He has been key in the transformation of a struggling district. Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News. This is a tough one, Im not going to lie.. Think about the lives it will really affect. 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. Shotts, a special education teacher in a Newberg elementary school, filed the lawsuit with the aid of the American Civil Liberties Union and a Portland law firm in late 2021, challenging the boards policy restricting political, quasi-political or controversial displays, including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ flags. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. Its clear their personal politics are stronger than any real desire to come together as a school community, the group said on Facebook. The Newberg School District board has hired Stephen Phillips to serve as the district's next leader. Shame on our school district for making decisions about these kids lives as if they really cared. After the vote to remove Morelock, Penner and Piros spoke emotionally about his impact on the district, and the board majoritys lack of reasoning given for firing Morelock. As a publicly elected official, mother, and human, I will not break the law or engage in open and hostile discrimination, she said. School Board Meetings The Newberg School Board has rescinded a controversial policy that banned staff from putting up political signs or displays in schools. 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. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT|714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132|(503) 554-5000. (If you do NOT receive a confirmation receipt for your public comment request, please reach out to Tabitha directly at 503.554.5041). Joe Morelock, Newberg school board hires new superintendent with past controversies in Beaverton, Jewell, Lawsuit targets Newberg school district policy banning political symbols. "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety.". Our human rights arent political, period. Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate. An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. 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. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve, Bonamici wrote. Families, staff, and community members marched in support of the LGBTQ+ community and Black Lives Matter ahead of a Newberg school board meeting Aug. 10, 2021. 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. Those in favor did not explain their decision. He referred to a packet given to board members in executive session, but not shared publicly, that had to do with Morelock. 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. Following the vote, Piros spoke again, addressing the four board members who voted to fire Morelock. The board's main job is to establish District policy. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. The lawsuit was filed in August 2021 on behalf of four teachers and counselors: Jennifer Schneider, Andrew Gallagher, Katherine Villalobos and Sara Linnertz. She said her daughter cried when she told her. NEWBERG, Ore. A bitterly divided Newberg school board, which has been enveloped in controversy for the past few months over its decision to pass a policy limiting the kinds of images or signs school employees can display on campus, voted to fire Superintendent Joe Morelock near the conclusion of a late-night board meeting Tuesday. The Board hires the superintendent, who is responsible to carry out Board policies, provide educational leadership and manage the District's budget and staff. The Oregonian cited Morelock's contract, which the newspaper obtained through a public records request. These are their words, edited for brevity and clarity, (From left to right) Amanda Boothby, Morgaine Terry, Abbee Mortensen and Emily Labahn at the Newberg protest on Tuesday night. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "I feel like this is the nail in the coffin as far as her desire to stay and keep making change here," she said. IE 11 is not supported. The lawsuit further argued that prohibiting teachers from displaying signs in their classrooms was a violation of their rights of free speech and free association guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. [5], There are seven school board members, each serving four-year terms. Public comments are scheduled for regular session board meetings only. Comments will be read in the order they are received. The union claims that the district policy violates state and federal constitution. He said in the Tuesday evening meeting that the policy championed and adopted by him and his conservative colleagues is very straightforward and shouldnt be controversial., We dont pay our teachers to push their political views on our students. In a statement sent after the meeting, the Superintendent Cabinet of Newberg Public Schools said it is "shocked and dismayed that the Board would take this disruptive action in the middle of the school year.". Board of Directors Pender said she doesn't know how the school district will handle the financial ramifications of the firing. Penner and Piros spoke out against the resolution and the board's four members who were in support of it. "My child is LGBTQ and so now I'm out here fighting for their rights and their voice. And Im just very disappointed in this decision., Thanks Rebecca, Morelock told her. 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. In a first, House Democrats elected a Black leader. We could have upheld the Newberg traditions of the past and collaborated together as a united team.. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. In the board packet for Tuesday's school board meeting, one agenda item was to address Morelock's response to a Newberg citizen's complaint about a sign in the window of a classroom at Dundee Elementary. 714 East 6th St She said her daughter, who is Black, asks almost every day about other options for her education. Cherice Boch (left) and her son Espen at a Newberg protest on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. Appointed in 2022 - Term expires 6/30/23 I just cant stand for it., The lack of action prior to this did not demonstrate any harm. She announced her decision at a board meeting Tuesday night, citing a "toxic work environment." They gathered at 4:15pm on Sept. 29 at the Newberg city centers flagpole where, fittingly, the citys major highway splits. The vote came after a charged conversation in which three board members strongly objected to the resolution to fire Morelock. What brought you out tonight to the protest? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Morelock had been superintendent for two years and was under contract through June. They should be able to wear their shirts and signs that say Black Lives Matter and Asian Lives Matter and whatever else. Facing an ending fund balance of less than $500,000 on a $51 million General Fund Budget, Dr. Morelocks fiscal responsibility and his work to rebuild trust steadied the district. Why did you organize it? Thats not their place, Shannon said. This page is not available in other languages. 971-409-5792, Dave Brown The board decided to table the decision to uphold or reject the districts response to the complaint, voting along the same 4-3 line as with most other decisions they made Tuesday. 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. The Wednesday protest failed to prevent the Board from adopting a more general, legalese-styled ban, as it more broadly bans political, or controversial materials, rather than the BLM or Pride flags specifically. Those in favor did not explain their decision. The Oregonian confirmed that the district will pay Morelock $175,000 over the next 12 months, cover his health insurance and pay $5,000 into an annuity on his behalf. I believe we should be able to express how we feel about certain topics without judgement from the school district. Meetings and Agendas Policies Programs and Services Student Success Act School Board Internal Staff Directory Strategic Plan Superintendent; Schools Welcome to our schools. 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. And the packet that we just received a couple of hours ago, while we were in a meeting, is certainly not sufficient time for me to review it and understand it.. Individual leaders who have voiced concerns with this policy include the Mayor of Newberg and the President of George Fox University; both of these leaders issued a harsh rebuke of those who classify school as an inappropriate place for discussing contentious issues. "The fact that a person cannot run for school board in Newberg without having his or her life ripped apart is an absolute tragedy for our community and we ask every candidate in the race for school board to condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms." Emails to Brown seeking comment on Wolfer's withdrawal went unanswered by press time. Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. At Tuesdays meeting, Penner indicated she is disgusted over a vote that she suggested had already been decided weeks earlier by the conservative majority. The news got the attention of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who visited with Newberg advocates while she was on vacation. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve. My daughter wears rainbow pajamas all the time, Shannon said. In August the Newberg school board voted to ban pride and Black Lives Matter, and any broadly political signs, clothing, and other items. Our educators are united in their goal to create classrooms where students can walk in and feel like they belong.. You know exactly why," she said. 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. The discussion of the superintendent began after 10 p.m., over the objections of those in the minority. 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.". My child is LGBTQ and so I came out here to support their rights and their voice., I would say to take the politics out of it. The ban is complaint-based. After voicing strong objection to the move, the board's other three members, Rebecca Piros, Brandy Penner and Ines Pea, voted against. Just remember that from the darkest dark, comes the brightest light. Penner said the decision will set the district back several years. Love is love, everybody has the right to choose. But the board voted, again 4 to 3, to keep paying the attorney. "We will be paying for two superintendents," Penner said during the meeting. Brian Shannon, the Newberg School Boards vice chairman, introduced the measure over the summer. She said her family was heartbroken when they heard that Morelock had been fired. 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. Elected in May 2021 - Term expires 6/30/25 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). At a demonstration Sunday, BLM supporters protesting the school boards policy clashed with some members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that has endorsed violence, according to the Portland Tribune. 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. Opponents of the ban, who have said the language specifically targeting groups of people was illegal, say the policy has helped embolden racists. Never mind that the Newberg School Board has made two significant decisions in the last month without involving many (or any?) 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. In the matter of three months, four people have completely destroyed that.. The ACLU celebrated the ruling in a tweet Thursday, saying they await the courts final order. On the day before Thanksgiving, as Newberg school district staff scrambled to fulfill other duties after the firing of superintendent Joe Morelock, Newberg School Board chair Dave Brown. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Today we are here because the School Board has to right a wrongthey must repeal this bad policythey must do it tonight. These strong words were amplified through a bullhorn by Newberg Teachers Union president Jen Schnieder. 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,. 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. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. So everything will work out eventually.. After hearing from a fraction of. If you could say something to the school board members making these decisions, what would you say? Directors say they need more information before choosing; next round of interviews set for May 5. This ban was the first big item on the newly conservative Boards agenda. With their continued attack on symbols of support for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ pride, the school board is on a dangerous and harmful path. Morelock determined it was a slogan for George Fox University and not a political symbol. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The protest countered a new school policy that bans Black Lives Matter and Pride flags across Newberg School District facilities.Jozie Donaghey. The Newberg Education Association gathered with community members ahead of the Newberg School Board vote on whether to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride flags at the school. Penner pointed out the juxtaposition in the board majority pushing to make a decision on Morelock while putting off a decision on the rainbow sign. ", "Policies such as ESB are in place to ensure students feel welcome and safe while learning," he said. Trevor DeHart The new dynamic has allowed the conservative board members to pass motions that the previous board neither permitted nor passed. Whether heading on a camping trip, putting up guests or creating more sleeping space for a kids slumber party, air mattresses are useful to have. We're going to lose so much from this action. 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. Board member Brian Shannon urged the board to vote instead for the newly-revised ban described above, and move on from the controversy. Board Member Penner chastised Shannon for his disregard of the importance of this issue: Thats a ridiculous attempt at trying to pretend that this is nothing. Board Vice-Chair, Director Zone 7 Robert Till, who is gay and a sophomore at Newberg High School, told the Associated Press that he is embarrassed to live in the city because of the ban. 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. VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT | 714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132 | (503) 554-5000. By almost every metric, the assertion that the board currently supports all parents' rights is untrue. The Snapchat group sometimes specifically targets Black students. 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. Contacting a School Board Member Man shot by Salem police officer was person of interest in police car shootings, 'I am sorry': Shemia Fagan ends consulting side job with cannabis company, Portland temperatures soaring after weeks of near-record rainfall, Newberg teachers union sues over 'political images' ban in schools, Newberg school board votes to ban teachers from displaying BLM, Pride symbols in classrooms, Dozens in Newberg rally against hate amid ban on political signs. The judge ruled Thursday that a policy banning certain symbols displayed in schools is unconstitutional. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Regular business meetings are currently scheduled for the second Tuesday with work sessions being held on the fourth Tuesday. And I feel like thats not being heard. At the end of the meeting, the resolution to fire Morelock passed, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting in favor. Boothby says she organized the protest because when she attended Newberg High School she didnt always feel welcome as a gay student. Find Your . Defendants and their agents acted under color or authority of state law, the lawsuit continued. Two of those board members were elected this past May. This is my senior year, and this ban will change everything.Jozie Donaghey, I came out tonight because I dont agree with the school board decision in banning our flags because I dont think theyre controversial. Superintendent Joe Morelock said he will have to meet with the district's lawyers before enforcing the ban. The school board and district are already the target of a lawsuit filed earlier this month by the Newberg Education Association. 503-476-2636, Shelley Kolb Its just such a bold statement to make. Former board member Ines Pea resigned several months ago, alleging that she faced a toxic work environment on the board. Time is set aside at the business meeting for public comment. 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 . Such a bold statement, and so were out here making ours., Charlie Gates, Newberg High School graduate, As a transgender Black man, I wanted to share some of my story and support the Black and LGBTQ community. I wanna ask why? They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. The policy bans employees from displaying controversial or political signs or symbols. Dr. Morelock has worked tirelessly on behalf of our students and staff. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Newberg is a town of 23,000 situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Portland. Penner responded: "You know exactly why, Rebecca. There has been insufficient public comments, input, notification, and it is 10:30 at night on a school night, Penner said. Protests against the School Board decision take place on a weekly basis, though pro-BLM demonstrations in Newberg were first inspired over a year ago in the wake of the racial justice demands that were revitalized in 2020. Jozie Donaghey | The Oregonian/OregonLive, ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners, construction of a large Pride flag within sight of the citys high school, The Newberg Graphic the ban is likely unconstitutional. Mailing Address for the Board Board of Directors Newberg School District 29J 714 East 6th St Newberg, Oregon 97132 The resolution outlining the no-cause firing was not included in the board packet for Tuesday's meeting. Board Member Piros, one of the dissenting members regarding the ban, offered an avenue to discuss the issue further by creating a team of six faculty and two staff members, as opposed to simply adopting more general language. Since the board meeting, elected officials around Oregon have responded to the firing with anger and concern for the districts future. Other groups including the Newberg Education Association, Oregon Education Association, and Basic Rights Oregon, as well as the BIPOC Caucus of the State Legislature have expressed concern and disapproval with this problematic ban. pomona ghost town crips, aot character wheel generator, strengths and weaknesses of primaries and caucuses,
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