We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The Chinook School Board held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. The following is an Unofficial Summary of that meeting. The meeting was called to order by Board Chair, Frank Billmayer at 7:05 pm with Trustees Chad Beck, Kevin Elias, Teddy Crowley (left 8:06 PM), Shane Strobe, and Scott DePriest also in attendance. Trustee Russell Alisch was absent.
Motion to approve Regular Meeting September 13th, 2022 minutes was made by Trustee DePriest and seconded by Trustee Elias and carried unanimously. Recommendation to approve the Elementary Claim Warrants also carried unanimously.
During the Public Comment period a lengthy statement was made by Daniel Haney. Mr. Haney addressed the Chinook School Board, Superintendent Hoffman, Principal Molyneaux, Chinook Educators, and Chinook residents. Mr. Haney added that his wife, Amanda could not attend the meeting. Mr. Haney thanked everyone for allowing him to speak, "This is my first time attending a school board meeting. My wife and I felt this was the best forum to bring to the forefront some of the racial issues and/or comments our children have had to persevere through while attending Chinook schools. These racial issues and/or comments were perpetrated by other students attending school with them, and their peers."
Haney further stated, "We, as many of you may already know or can tell are a mixed-race, bi-racial family. We can't hide that. However, unless you've seen our family together, many people would never know that a few of our children are of mixed race. That being said, this is a small town. We attend sporting events, local fundraisers, and local festivities. Our children have been seen together going to and from school. It is pretty evident which people belong to what family. That's what makes our children's accounts so troubling to us. Our children have had to deal with racist comments and situations in previous school years while in Chinook."
Haney further added that his concerns were brought to the school staff and that his child has heard the 'N' word in the hallways between classes on a daily basis. "When we spoke to the teacher of the class, the teacher made a note to discuss inappropriate comments and racial slurs with the class. However directly following the teacher's talk to the classroom, one student told our child, 'Thanks a lot, now I'll just have to call you the N word in my head'. Following our discussion with the teacher, we made an appointment to speak with the Principal. The next day the Principal took the initiative to speak to my wife while working at Meadowlark Elementary. The Principal expressed that the biggest concern was our child's safety and explained the procedure of detentions, suspensions, and law enforcement involvement if needed. The Principal also made note that numerous children had been called to the office to discuss the racist comments being made in the classroom."
Haney added, "It was our intent to also speak to the Superintendent, however, time did not permit us to prior to today's school board meeting. However, the Principal informed my wife that the Superintendent was aware of our concerns. Since bringing our concerns up to Chinook School staff at least one student has apologized to our child, which honestly caught our child off guard. This is a testament to the fact that when inappropriate behavior is addressed that change is possible. That being said, it is evident that our child felt harassed, marginalized, and bullied based on their race while having to endure numerous racist and racially insensitive situations. Our child is doing their best to get on with life but moving on is easier said than done. Our child's self-worth, self-confidence, and overall feeling of safety within the walls of our community's schools have been challenged and have been severely diminished. Our child still fears for when the next racist word or racist comment will be made out loud in their direction. We chose to bring our concerns to today's school board meeting because in this room are those who can effectively make a difference, not just for our child but for any other child being bullied based on their race, religious beliefs, sexuality, political affiliations, social/economic status, etc. We ask that the Chinook School Board, the Superintendent, the principal, Chinook Educators, and Chinook residents take action. Use the experiences that I just detailed as an opportunity to talk to your administrators, your teachers, your staff, your students, and your children. No child should have to experience what our children have, whether it is due to legitimate hate or ignorance. At the least, ignorance is an opportunity to educate. We would like to thank those within the school who have already taken action on our child's behalf."
The meeting then proceeded through scheduled agenda items to include various reports from the Student Council, Principal, Superintendent as well as Standing Agenda Items. Chairman Billmayer read aloud the resignation of Kirsten Shelor and a motion to accept resignation letter was made by Trustee Elias and seconded by Trustee DePriest. Motion carried unanimously.
Next the Board discussed Consideration of Hiring recommendations to include District-Wide Substitutes (Maintenance): Syrus Pomeroy and Daniel Haney. Motion to approve district-wide substitutes (Maintenance) was made by Trustee Beck and seconded by Trustee Elias. Chairman Billmayer asked for public comment. "Mr. Haney has enjoyed subbing and learning new things." Chairman Billmayer asked for a discussion. Chairman Billmayer stated, "Wanting to work at the school after what his family has gone through says a lot about Mr. Haney." Motion carried unanimously.
Trustee Elias motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Trustee Beck seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
