Public commenters raise concerns over pronoun practice, AI in education and local youth programs

During the meeting's public comment period, multiple speakers addressed district practices and community programs.
Jim Hess of Fond du Lac said he objected to a district practice of asking students their preferred pronouns at the start of the year and criticized related curriculum, saying it "discriminates against straight kids who are forced to go along with something that violates their conscience." He raised broader concerns about what he called "anti-science and destructive ideology" and said he is interested in AI tutoring; in discussing AI he said, "Studies show kids learn the most with 1 on 1 tutors" and asked whether the community is "interested in this." His remarks were delivered during the public-comment period and were not a district proposal.
Public commenter Shari Trotter asked the district to break seclusion and restraint figures out by race so the information is clear to the broader community and also asked for greater diversity among Fondy Cares clinicians. "Sometimes I really feel like it's really important to out loud, break it down by race," Trotter said.
Antonio Godfrey addressed the board to thank district and community partners for work at Maplewood Commons and to note that community organizations sustained programming after a grant ended; he said the program will continue with activities after school and lauded the community effort.
Why it matters: Public comment reflects community concerns and priorities the board may consider in future policy, reporting and program planning. Comments do not constitute board action.
No formal board action followed these comments; the presiding officer reminded speakers of public-comment rules and the board did not respond to substantive items in the meeting consistent with policy 0167.3.