Houston School Board — concerned parents

The regular June 3, 2021, Houston School Board meeting brought in a number of concerned parents wishing to address the board. Board Chair Tom Stillin went through the rules of the board before the group spoke, and had Superintendent Krin Abraham chronologically recount the event that the parents were upset about. 

An emailed proclamation from Governor Walz called for nine minutes and 29 seconds of silence at 1 p.m. on May 25 to “honor George Floyd and every person whose life had been cut short because of racism.” This had been sent on Monday evening May 24, and Abraham read it first thing Tuesday, May 25. It was forwarded to the principals. The administration team felt this silence for almost 10 minutes would not be educational; it was decided the elementary social worker would discuss this with elementary students in an age appropriate way. The high school already had an afternoon of community service planned and chose to use the social and emotional learning class during the Move the World reflection time at 11:55 to address the subject. The principal read a message and asked students to reflect on how they can show kindness to others. No one was forced to stand or participate other than being quiet for those who were thinking about kindness.

Parent Heidi Olson felt that her child had been forced to participate; she declared she would have kept her child home that day had she known about it. “George Floyd was a felon — not a hero! Cops, front line workers, are the true heroes! You don’t force my son to partake in this!” 

Brandon Olson reported that his son “was told to shut his mouth,” adding that when he was in school no one knew the teacher’s political views. 

Kendra Van Gundy agreed that she had an issue as well with the moment of silence for a criminal; she noted that her elementary child had not been forced to stand and he continued working. 

Amy Kulas chimed in that she would have appreciated a phone blast similar to those used for snow days so parents could have decided if they wanted to have their child attend school that day. 

Brandon Olson urged the school to work on better communication with parents.

Van Gundy asked, “What’s going to be happening going forward?”

Abraham responded that the administration had been trying to find a middle path. When Laticia Witt suggested that inaction would have been a good decision until parents were notified about it, Abraham, who has 27 days left of her contract, responded, “I can tell the next person sitting here that; I won’t be here!” 

Abraham, who had been subjected to verbal attacks on social media regarding the situation, declared, “This has been very illuminating for me!” Quoting Gandhi, she went on, “If we, as a world, do an eye for an eye, the whole world will be blind!” 

Sarah Erdmann asked that in the future any such announcement be sent to parents as well. 

The question was asked if the school board had been aware of this before it was done. Board member Josh Norlien responded that the administration has to make decisions every day, but suggested there be extra care given for “hot topics.”

It was decided the principals would be notified of these discussions and talk with the staff regarding it. 

Regular business

In regular business, the board approved the $7,214 MSBA membership, the SELCO contract, the five-year technology budget, and non-renewal of 28  MNVA teachers. Forty teachers had been hired last fall; 1,300 students are planning on returning next fall. With the large enrollment, some of the non-renewals will probably be called back. 

Masks are optional for attendance at graduation now, and, with a seating capacity of 810 and no social distancing required, everyone is welcome to attend. The graduates will have special graduation masks provided to them.

The last COVID update was presented with the good news that the year ended with no students or staff in quarantine. The school needs to have an official Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan posted by June 21 in order to use the ESSER III funds provided by the American Rescue Plan, a federally funded plan. The funds will need  to be spent by September 30, 2024. 

Abraham reported that she was checking on the prices for a 230-seat auditorium. Although there is currently no funding available for this, some members of the board had requested a preliminary plan be available in case funding becomes available in the future. 

Hoe Down was thanked for providing picnic tables for the school to use at no cost during COVID.

Abraham reported that comments were received from two families voicing support of early outs on Wednesdays. They had shared their appreciation of the extra help their children have received on Wednesdays during this year. 

The school also received thanks from the library for the community service that had been done there. Abraham enthused, “The kids made a difference in the community!”

The teachers will be voting on a potential Q-Comp program; if it passes the program will be presented at the next board meeting. The administration is hoping to switch to a Marzano evaluation model for teacher evaluation tools. 

The next Houston  School Board meeting will be June 17, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the high school media center and streamed online. The public is welcome to attend.