/ CBS Philadelphia. Like with the May decision, one of the teachers who asked to go to theNCTE convention posted on Twitter that an "anonymous donor" covered attendance costs for her and a coworker. Tom Wolf's declaration on masks earlier in the day. She truly believes everyone has a story, and she's most passionate about giving a voice to the underdogs, forgotten, and overlooked people in our communities. "It shouldn't be a political issue, I think the school board is turning it into a political issue.". First published on August 31, 2021 / 11:39 PM. They said it was political, so we couldnt do it, Hall said. Curriculum Committee. I know she tried so hard, Gane said. "Policy 321," which passed in a 6 to 3 vote, calls for banning teachers from talking about or displaying decor that advocates for "any partisan, political, or social policy issue.". Here's what's changed, Lawyers charging hefty sum call Central Bucks school probe by ACLU 'a fishing expedition', Central Bucks School District teachers walkout protesting Policy 321. Keith Willard, a Holicong Middle School teacher, led a crowd of teachers and students out of the middle school at around 3 p.m. Tuesday, joining a group of about 20 other teachers already gathered near Holicong Road. But I know that if she was here right now, she would tell everybody that they would be able to get through it. Operations Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM Sharon Ward, senior policy advisor for the Education Law Center, said the policy uses nice words to mask a chilling approach to legitimate classroom discussion. Assessment and PA Graduation Requirements, CB Building & Floating Substitute Teacher, Elementary New Teacher Professional Reading Library, Instructional Aides-Grit in the Elementary Classroom, Please click on the links below to be redirected to. It was a packed house inside the Central Bucks School District Board meeting in Doylestown. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. Central Bucks School District. Find 162 jobs live on CharityJob. Community members, students, legal experts, and education advocates have been arguing against the policy for months. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Stress impairs cognitive function. Students deserve the freedom to learn, and a QR code linking to the Advocates for Inclusive Education website. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. In the 2020-2021 school year, 126 districts reported utilizing this program." This "snow day pilot" program was extended to the 2022-2023 school year. The school board voted 6-3 on Nov. 15 moving forward with a redistricting plan shifting 12 voting precincts in six of Central Bucks' nine regions five of those regions include school board . If you wish to speak at a school board meeting, please contact Mrs. Kim McConnell, school board secretary kmcconnell@cdschools.org or by phone at 717-545-4703. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . Correspondence for the Board of School Directors should be sent to Stephanie Radcliffe, Secretary to the Board, at sradcliffe@cbsd.org. Policy 321 on "Partisan, Political or Social Policy Advocacy Activities" passed a 6-3 vote on Jan. 10, but Superintendent . After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the board voted to pass Policy 321, 6-3. The Central Bucks school board will meet again on Sept. 14. Former director Ring and others defended the decision as a matter of saving money since the district hadwhat Ring describedas a similar training across the district previously. To do so is to suggest any teacher that doesn't have a pride flag would accept you less," said Mara Witsen of Chalfont. They didnt get that opportunity, obviously, Melewsky said. Central Valley High School (9-12) District Office; Gateway Educational Options (K-12) Grand Oaks Elementary School (TK-5) . Monday, December 4, 2023 (first Monday of the month) will be a combined School Board Organization Meeting and School Board Meeting. LGBTQ students say this is another dig at them and the pride flag. Just one week after Policy 321 passed in the Central Bucks School District, around 150 teachers, students, and community members took to the sidewalk outside of Central Bucks East High School to protest its implementation. Gane said she has been speaking at board meetings to give her sister a voice. Policy 321 prohibits Central Bucks School District employees from taking part in political . takes on CBSD complaint:Department of Education will investigate complaint against Central Bucks School District. 9:00 AM CB South Parent Advisory Council Meeting. There was little discussion over why the request was rejected at that meeting as Vlasblom immediatelymotioned to approve only a handful of the requests for events occurring in May. The students said most other students they spoke to were unaware of the policy. 7:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting. Over the next several weeks, I will be hosting six town-hall forums for our teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to listen, ask questions, and open a dialogue to better understand how we can position you to engage in your work within the context of the policy, and to do so with confidence and impact, Lucabaugh continued. BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) -- A day after students returned to school in Central Bucks School District, the school board will have to adjust its school return plan to include mandatory masking. Cannon said she wants teachers to act with neutrality in the classroom, and not refuse to teach the curriculum that challenges their own political viewpoint. CB West West Wing Band Concert, 9:00 AM Central Bucks School District teachers walk out of meetings over new policy. U.S. markets open in 1 hour 24 minutes. The board voted 7-2 on May 26 approving the transgender education training after a three-hour meeting that saw lengthy public comment from parents, taxpayers and even students supporting the training. In addition to investigating numerous claims made in the 72-page complaint, the firm was also tasked with reviewing current and new policies to avoid discriminatory language. Providing support. DOYLESTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A controversial school policy that would limit what teachers can discuss and display in classrooms was passed by the Central Bucks school board Tuesday night. Please enter valid email address to continue. Download meeting agendas. Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (first Tuesday of the month), Tuesday, July 25, 2023 (fourth Tuesday of the month). Pennridge LGBTQ students feel erased after losing Pride symbols in schools, as Central Bucks considers its own ban. Officials hired the firm in November to defend the district against a federal LGBTQ discrimination complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of several students. Advocates for Inclusive Education website. High school sophomore Ashley Gane, who also handed out chips at the meeting, said she thinks a lot of people dont care until they see the actual tragedy of the death of an LGBTQ student.. Central Bucks educators, students, and parents rallied outside the administrations meeting about a policy that bans Pride flags and other inclusive classroom decor. Agendas are available 24 hours in advance of each meeting. Shortly after last weeks meeting, Lucabaugh scheduled several voluntary town hall meetings with staff at district schools through the end of the month to discuss the impact of Policy 321. This news organization has filed a Right to Know Law request for emails regarding conferences to appear on the Nov. 9 agenda, but the district has invoked a 30-day extension allowed under the law to review the documents to redact information not subject to open records laws. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Operations Committee Meeting. Item 14C on the agenda calls for the approval to contract public relations services with Devine + Partners of Philadelphia at $15,000 per month from July 2022 - June 2023 (which doesn't include out-of-pocket costs and subsequent professional fees to be billed separately). Kathleen Weintraub hugged their child, CJ, before they spoke at the Central Bucks School District board meeting on Jan. 10, 2023. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454. This policy is a roadblock to that progress. On occasion, we may be unable to remedy some issues prior to the conclusion of the meeting. If you experience any issues while listening to the stream, you may wish to refresh your browser or attempt to listen from another device or browser. 504 Resources for Students & Parents. CBS Philadelphia spoke with some attendees following the vote. The meeting was scheduled ahead of time, with school board leaders changing the agenda on the fly. Tom Wolf's declaration on masks earlier in the day. "I just think the school needed direct guidance on how to handle this conversation, and the district didn't have this policy in place so they didn't handle it correctly," said Barnhart. Nearby Camden City School District also started the year with a mask mandate. Library. Teachers in the Central Bucks School District staged a walkout Tuesday. Many parents are enraged over the decision, saying the district is making fiscally irresponsible decisions with taxpayer dollars to defend anti-LGBTQ measures. An email from board President Dana Hunter, provided by director Karen Smith, sent after the meeting ended explained the decision came just three days before the board met, though Smith and former member Tracy Suits said they were not informed of the change. Five requests to attend the National . Central Bucks LGBTQ students, allies protest over teacher suspension, removal of Pride flags and bullying. January 10, 2023 / 10:14 PM The "Central Bucks Board Note," is an e-newsletter designed to provide Central Bucks School District constituents with an overview of the work of their Board of School Directors. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Since there were no opportunities to share concerts prior to the passing of this policy even though many did and were ignored many staff are feeling that this town hall is performative, states text message among the teachers shared with this news organization. Please enter valid email address to continue. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Teachers from across Central Bucks School District gathered outside of two schools along Holicong Road in Buckingham on Tuesday protesting a recently approved policy restricting political and social policy discussions in classrooms. Ronald Wilson Reagan (/ r e n / RAY-gn; February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004) was an American politician, union leader, and actor who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. The district is one of just a few in the U.S. to require masks periodically this school year. Instructional classes meet once a weekfor thirty minutes, scheduled during . The article states "Prohibiting employees from advocating for or displaying partisan, political, and social agendas.". Policy 321is a 2018 policy restricting Central Bucks County School District employees from participating in political activities while on the clock. Tim Daly spoke about neutrality in the classroom during the public comment portion of the Central Bucks School District board meeting on Jan. 10, 2023. Its how we live. The controversial policy has been a hot topic in this district. In an auditorium, parents yelled across the aisle at those on the other side, ignoring warnings from officials to keep it civil. The policy states: "The district's role is to teach students how to think, not what to think, thereby keeping classrooms as places of education, not indoctrination.". Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Assessment and PA Graduation Requirements, CB Building & Floating Substitute Teacher, Elementary New Teacher Professional Reading Library, Instructional Aides-Grit in the Elementary Classroom, Live-stream of meetings of the Board of School Directors. Got a question about life in Phillys suburbs? Audio Player 20 Welden Drive | Doylestown, PA 18901 | Phone 267-893-2000 . / CBS Philadelphia. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. The Central Bucks School District passed a contentious policy that bans teachers from engaging in "advocacy activities" and displaying inclusive symbols like Pride flags in their classrooms. The "Central Bucks Board Note," is an e-newsletter designed to provide Central Bucks School District constituents with an overview of the work of their Board of School Directors. A few students stood at the entrance of the board meeting room handing out bags of Lays chips with the word Gays on them, advocating against the policy. Central Bucks School District officials are expected to vote Tuesday night to hire a former U.S. Attorney and a federal prosecutor to review a discrimination complaint filed by the . Meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Educational Services Center: 16 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA. Before the vote, both sides sounded off in nearly two hours of public comment. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). "Policy 321," which passed in a 6 to 3 vote, calls for banning teachers from talking about or displaying decor that advocates for "any partisan, political, or social policy issue." Hunter made a statement directly condemning what others have described as hate speech while also defending her choice not to gavel down the two commenters and deny them their right to free speech. Although the policy doesn't explicitly mention LGBTQ advocacy, the district previously banned pride flags. Days after the reorganization meeting, Smith provided this news organization with a copy of the request listprior to the Nov. 9 meeting and the email from Hunter explaining the cuts. 0:00. ", Michele Haddon, Special to the Bucks County Courier Times, Transphobic, anti-semitic comments disrupt Central Bucks meeting: 'This is hate. The school board voted 6-3 on Tuesday night to approve the final draft of the policy which is part of a federal investigation of the school district. Hunter said Lucabaugh provided more information on all conventions and workshops at the request of board members the Saturday before the Nov. 9 meeting. "The pride flag is a symbol of identity and inclusion and it tells students, 'Hey, this is a safe place for me,'" ACLU Rich Ting said. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in protest of Policy 321. . Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) -- A day after students returned to school in Central Bucks School District, the school board will have to adjust its school return plan to include mandatory masking. The school has a rainbow bench in her memory. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. Monday, December 4, 2023 (first Monday of . Teachers, parents, and students are protesting in the Central Bucks School District over a new policy banning pride flags in the classroom. Parent Leah Barnhart spoke in support of the policy. "This is ridiculous, all of this, we the parents will be standing here against all of you," one parent said. Agendas & Minutes; Special Called Meeting: August 19, 2022 Agenda; Regular Meeting: September 1, 2022 Agenda; Special Called Meeting: August 19, 2022 Minutes . "Make no mistake, this is a policy borne out of bigotry and discrimination and one only needs to look at the previous revisions to see symbols of pride targeted.. The Central Bucks Board of School Directors will hold its regular public School Board Meetings for calendar year 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (exceptions noted below) at the Central Bucks School District's Educational Services Center: 16 Welden Drive, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Policy 321 . At all regular meetings of the Board, a maximum period of thirty (30) minutes shall be set aside for questions or comments from interested citizens. CBS Philadelphia heard both sides Tuesday some for it and some against it. The issue became known at the Dec. 6 reorganization meeting, when Suits chastised Hunter and at least four other current and previous board members over a delayed response condemning transphobic and anti-Semitic comments made at the prior month's public session. By the time we found out about it, it was too late to call a special meeting to discuss and vote on it in public, Suits continued. Meetings will be heldat 7:00 p.m. in the Educational Services Center:16 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, Please click on the links below to be redirected to. 2022-23 District Calendar (Approved December 16, 2021) 2023-24 District Calendar (approved December 15, 2022) 21st Century Community Learning Center Information; Athletics/Band Handbook (effective July 1, 2021) Connecting to HCS WiFi Outside of the School Building; CompassLearning; English Learners Program (LAU Program) . During 90 minutes in the courtroom, liberal and conservative justices suggested they were . Surplus Advisory (7-11) Committee Meeting Agendas . Carney seeks significant raise for Delaware teachers to ease shortage, In a male-dominated construction industry, this Philly woman seeks to empower others. Then-District Attorney David Heckler chose not to prosecute the board as the violation wasnt nefarious in nature, but he did publicly admonish all but former supervisor Matt Hallowell, who reported the violation. Central Bucks is more than "school board wars."We, the three school board members who have opposed these bad policies, want to make clear that this district is the people, the students, the teachers, coaches, psychologists, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, mechanics, support staff, nurses, administrators, and all of the other hardworking individuals who dedicate every day to making it a . Download the CBSD Alexa Skill. The draft voted through at a first-read vote in October had five references to sexual orientation and gender identity, but the new draft cut those terms entirely. My School Bucks; Contact Us; GREAT . Central Bucks school board votes passes controversial policy. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. Agendas will be available twenty-four hours before a scheduled meeting. Its a funny play on words and its an appreciated joke. 1 min read. If the meeting does not start at the scheduled time you may need to refresh your browser occasionally until the stream starts. The ACLU complaint asked the US Department of Education to follow federal recommendations outlining how to support students within the LGBTQ+ community. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. a legal challenge important for other disabled students and their families. DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The Central Bucks school board voted in favor of a rule that limits what teachers can display in the classroom on Tuesday night. Gov. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Now, the district wants to also include classroom displays, but opponents are calling it dangerously vague and a form of censorship. Adoption of Policy 321 confirms that the Central Bucks board majority is disregarding and continuing to perpetuate a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students, said ACLU attorney Rich Ting in a written statement. Debates over mask rules for K-12 schools have only driven that community . Video: Kutz Elementary teachers, students bring holiday cheer, Students, teachers and staff of Kutz Elementary in Doylestown got into the holiday spirit on the "Holly Jolly Express. 2:46. Board members Mariam Mahmud, Karen Smith, and Tabitha DellAngelo voted against the policy. Board President Dana Hunter, Vice President Leigh Vlasblom, and members Debra Cannon, Lisa Sciscio, Sharon Collopy, and Jim Pepper voted for the policy. For some, the meetings were too little, too late in seeking educator input. Central Bucks school district. That meeting also ended with a vote ousting Suits and Smith from their positions as the board's president and vice president, respectively. is part of a federal investigation of the school district. . Central Bucks School District teachers walk out of meetings over new policy. Central Buck School District students left the school board meeting after board members passed Policy 321 on Jan. 10, 2023. Here's what's changed. DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) The Central Bucks School District on Tuesday approved a revision to a controversial policy that prevents teachers from displaying specific items in their classrooms. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect board members Suits and Smith were the previous school board President and Vice President. The decisions that the district is making have a real-world impact on our students and our community.". What took place at the school board meeting on Nov. 9 never should have been allowed to take place. "I'm concerned as a parent," Heather Reynolds said. On the other side those for policy 321 feel it will create a balanced and neutral environment in the classrooms. Find a career with meaning today! The president of the Central Bucks School Board of Directors, Dana Hunter, owes our community an apology. The only exceptions are if the displays are part of that teachers specific lesson plan. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. District Information >. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Board . The CBSD School Board holds the below listed Committee Meetings at the Educational Services Center: 16 Welden Drive in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Agendas are available 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Education dept. Collopy's term ends in 2023. Ensuring accountability. "Controversies come and go," the firm states in its proposal.. That's true. The board also added cafeterias and common spaces as areas that will require social distancing. This program allowed school districts to deliver instruction remotely on days in which they would otherwise have closed due to an emergency. She said one teacher, who she did not identify, refused to use the name of former President Donald Trump and instead referred to him as Number 45., The policy specifically says employees should not advocate to students on partisan, political, or social policy matters, or display any flag, banner, poster, sign, sticker, pin, button, insignia, paraphernalia, photograph, or other similar material that advocates concerning any partisan, political, or social policy issue. An early draft of the policy prohibited materials related to gender identity, and sexual orientation, but school officials removed those terms after legal review and replaced them with social policy issue. Hunter told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the policy will ban Pride flags, as well as Blue Lives Matter flags, anti-abortion flags or any other flags that advocate on social policy issues.. Section 504 >. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. That would be trying to solve discrimination with discrimination which is unproductive.. The hotline is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can offer free, confidential support. While it is unclear exactly how the conversation to remove the Central Bucks requests occurred, Melewsky added that a quorum and a decision outside of a public meeting are not mutually exclusive to violate meeting laws.