Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this report.
The invitation for Public Comments at the monthly Board of Education meeting usually passes without any takers, but on Monday, October 18, 2021, the list was lengthy. Superintendent Scott Vance reminded the full room of visitors of the three-minute limit and told all presenters that no response would be returned from any Board Member, regardless of issues included within Public Comments.
Sally Lindsey opened with comments related to adjustments for transgender students, currently existing in the Morrison High School. She closed by asking that parents and adults of the community not allow their personal feelings to influence the youth of the school: “Don’t allow your storm to rain on the children.”
Emmanuel Reformed Church Pastor Luke Schouten offered support from the Morrison
Ministerial Council, for students having to adjust to the situation caused by the sharing of locker room facilities with students who identify as being transgender.
Charlie Melton voiced her dissatisfaction with the current handling of the dropping-off of students at Morrison Junior High.
Angie VanderVinne complimented the school for the handling of student issues resulting in positive solutions. She urged all to “agree to disagree” and “find a way to find a Common Ground.”
Megan Druien filled her three minutes with concerns related to student bullying and the lack of privacy issue created, with sharing of restrooms with students who identify as being transgender.
Jennifer Vandermolen opposed the procedures initiated to handle transgender students and the concerns of the students’ rights being challenged.
Moving into the Board agenda, the Consent Agenda was approved which allowed the hiring of Jesse Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Tony Vanderleest, and Mark McDonnell as High School Volunteer Wrestling Coaches. Also approved was Kip Troutman as a High School Volunteer Basketball Coach.
Resignations were accepted from Tori Eads as Volleyball Coach at Morrison Junior High School and Kathy Sipes as High School Cafeteria Server.
The FY22 Consolidated District Plan was the only Old Business topic, and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Superintendent Vance informed the Board of two issues that will be forthcoming for Board decisions: 1) allowing home-schooled children to participate in MJHS extracurricular activities; 2) waiving tuition for students whose parents are a member of the MCUD staff.
The evening ended with the approval to hire Ann Brackemeyer as a Certified Kindergarten Teacher at Northside Elementary School.