Since the board meeting, elected officials around Oregon have responded to the firing with anger and concern for the districts future. Renee Powell, one of the conservative members on the school board, said that the policy would improve the lives of students. 30 minutes have been allotted for public comments, with a two-minute limit per person. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When I was there these symbols were allowed, so to see it come to this is really disappointing. The. Since the school board approved the policy in September 2021, tension and conflict has continued among school board members, district employees and those in the Newberg community. "Dr. Morelock, we know you and we trust you and this pains us terribly," she said. In a 4-3 vote, the Newberg school board decided to terminate the district's superintendent, Joe Morelock, during a 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. The board discussion and vote to remove Morelock was tense. "These symbols arent hurting anyone and I dont see why banning them is necessary," said Pea. . The resolution outlining the no-cause firing was not included in the board packet for Tuesday's meeting. The case, filed by the ACLU of Oregon on behalf of Newberg school employee Chelsea Shotts in December 2021, challenges a policy approved by the school board last year. On Sept. 1, Morelock said during a board meeting that he wouldn't uphold the ban because he'd been advised by district lawyers that it was illegal. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. Maybe it's nothing to you as a white privileged male, but it's a really big deal to a lot of our community, a lot of our staff, and a lot of our students.. Were going to move forward.. Comments submitted via email, that are intended to be read aloud by the superintendent (or designee), need to be sent to publiccomment@newberg.k12.or.us no later than 4:00 pm the Monday prior to regular session. So why would they do that? Controversial School Board Decision Continues to Divide Newberg "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. Why are prominent Los Angeles Latinos saying such racist things. It's done, Rebecca," he said. Its just common sense to me.. One of the board members, Renee Powell, said in an email to OPB that she was not aware of hearing and had nothing to report at this time. No one else from the board had gotten back to OPB by the time of publication. Schneider and other members who oppose the ban believe the flags provide a source of safety and security to underrepresented and vulnerable students. He was hired as the permanent Superintendent beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. After hearing from a fraction of. The board also voted Tuesday on whether to retain lawyer Tyler Smith, an outside attorney they initially hired at the end of August. 503-888-6365, Brian Shannon Newberg School Board recall election draws big voter turnout Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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 ACLU of Oregon and law firm Davis Wright Tremaine argued that the ban violates the Oregon Constitution. About 100 people turned out to protest the Newberg school board's decision to ban Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols. 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 boards decision comes at a time when Newberg, a city of 25,000 in Oregons wine country, has been embroiled in state and national culture wars over free speech, racism and vaccinations. School board zone map and written descriptions are available online: For questions contact Tabitha Renne at 503-554-5041. In a statement shared Thursday, the Oregon legislatures Black, Indigenous, People of Color Caucus said the boards decisions threaten Newbergs economic vitality. The group also said it will take action in the next legislative session. The discussion of the superintendent began after 10 p.m., over the objections of those in the minority. ", 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. 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. Morelock had been superintendent for two years and was under contract through June. We will be losing a leader who has pulled us out of financial ruin, who has rebuilt community, who has rebuilt relationships, she said. The ruling validates our claims and assertions, the NEA release said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Newberg school board members appear to defeat recall by tight - opb 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. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. Morelock has been the superintendent of Newberg School District since July 2018. He has been key in the transformation of a struggling district. Shannon told the Oregonian that Pride flags and banners were to be included in the ban due to conversations he said he has had with a few Newberg families who dont agree with the gender ideology that flag represents.. 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 Newberg School Board's choice to ban BLM and Pride flags came following a shift in the Boards composition. Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. 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. Pender said when Morelock was hired, she felt like there was hope for the first time that the school district was headed in a better direction. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. "Know that your integrity has spurred us to be faithful servers to our children and we wish you well. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT|714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132|(503) 554-5000. At the time the complaint was filed, Shotts said both she, as a queer staff member, and students should be safe and supported. Former board member Ines Pea resigned several months ago, alleging that she faced a toxic work environment on the board. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Dont wait. Please keep in mind that the school district is subject to Public Records laws. Yale honors Black girl who was reported to police as she sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police footage. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. We asked a few of the attendees why they turned out. 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. 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. "Jozie Donaghey, Ashley McGowan, Newberg School District parent. NEWBERG, Ore. When the Newberg School District Board of Directors voted 4-3 to fire former Superintendent Joe Morelock without cause on Nov. 9, multiple dissenting board members. Every student belongs in school, every student deserves to learn in a welcoming, and safe environment.". All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions as authorized by law. Emails show Newberg school board chair rushing decision on interim NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT | 714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132 | (503) 554-5000. But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. Director Zone 5 PORTLAND, Ore. (Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school boards 2021 ban on BLM, Pride and other political symbols in classrooms was unconstitutional. School Board | Newberg Oregon School District Trevor DeHart There has been insufficient public comments, input, notification, and it is 10:30 at night on a school night, Penner said. Opponents of the ban, who have said the language specifically targeting groups of people was illegal, say the policy has helped embolden racists. 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 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. Love is love, everybody has the right to choose. Under new business, we are discussing the superintendent, said board chair Dave Brown. Candidates' Forum Review - Newberg Neighbors for a Better School Board 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.". Piros concluded the meeting by addressing Morelock. The district will likely need an interim superintendent as the school year continues. Our human rights arent political, period. The sequence of events documented in the lawsuit matches the sequence outlined in an agenda summary ahead of the board's Nov. 9 meeting, in which the board was scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider whether to overturn Morelock's decision. The NEA said the boards decision to ban political symbols was unwarranted and ill-conceived, hence the settlement. For the kids that cant say anything now, I wanted to be that voice for them. This means ensuring school boards are held accountable; that there is access to training around educational equity and governance that is action-oriented for leaders; securing students a say and a voice at the policy-making table; and making sure superintendents jobs are protected when they are simply following the law, according to the statement. She said her daughter, who is Black, asks almost every day about other options for her education. At the start of the public meeting, the boards conservative 4-3 majority voted to add the superintendent discussion, seemingly based on what the board had talked about when they were behind closed doors. 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. Director Zone 2 State Rep. Ricki Ruiz said he was "disappointed by the actions taken from Newberg School Directors to ban pride and BLM flags from schools, and their attempts to roll back on anti-racist school policies such as the Every Student Belongs policy. The school board and district are already the target of a lawsuit filed earlier this month by the Newberg Education Association. Late Tuesday night, the Newberg Education Association released a statement on the firing of Morelock: During tonights school board meeting, the 4 board majority fired Superintendent Joe Morelock for no cause. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Newberg School Board is responsible for providing a quality educational program for about 5,000 District students. The decision comes a few months after a judge sided. The lawsuit was filed in August 2021 on behalf of four teachers and counselors: Jennifer Schneider, Andrew Gallagher, Katherine Villalobos and Sara Linnertz. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Under the Public Records laws any record (e.g. For Black boys, this isnt A Black man was dismembered. Some board members seemed confused about what executive session business would become public. We're so sorry. Oregon school board ban on anti-racist, LGBT signs draws ire He looked in people's faces and knew what impact his decisions would have.". Im an elected official and I support my neighbors. In a statement released Tuesday night, district administrators at Newberg Public Schools lauded Morelock for his successes: A bilingual English and Spanish speaker, Dr. Morelock became Interim Superintendent for the 2018-2019 school year, with the district in significant financial difficulty after having to lay off staff. Emails point to fast decision to fire Morelock | kgw.com The ban is complaint-based. I am proudly defiant of this boards illegal and immoral actions.. All rights reserved (About Us). "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "I feel like this is the nail in the coffin as far as her desire to stay and keep making change here," she said. They cant discipline her or them for putting up a poster in violation of the policy.. 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. It's a huge hit to our school district," she said. PORTLAND, Ore. ( Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school. The board voted to table that item during Tuesday's meeting. She made remarks to a group of sixty in opposition to the recent ban on controversial symbols and imagery. The apparel rule would only apply to staff while they are working. Just stop the hate. 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. Kate Brown (D) announced last month that all teachers, staff and volunteers in the states public schools had to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18. 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.. 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. Be a part of it! The ban on displaying such symbols in the classroom has been condemned by the Newberg City Council and Oregon Democrats, and the Oregon State Board of Education has called on the school board to reverse course. Mailing Address for the Board Heres what that means. Many have called for the recall process of Board Member Shannon, the driving force behind the ban. ACLU sues Newberg school district, the latest of multiple lawsuits ", "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. Newberg is a town of 23,000 situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Portland. [8], An elementary school employee of the district reported to work wearing blackface in "protest" of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The board voted to adjourn the meeting, but not before Piros addressed Morelock. With that, the board turned to their actual conversation about Morelock. The split between the boards majority and minority was clear, with members in the majority remaining quiet, and minority members repeatedly objecting to the speed of the conversation and pointing out the cost, financial and otherwise, of losing Morelock. 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. 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. Wheres your sense of community?, If theres anyone out there hurting Im here for them, I love them and I see them., Ashley McGowan, a Newberg School District parent, says she came out to the protest because fighting for equal rights runs in her family. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
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