Parents tell board racial bullying persists; speakers urge stricter discipline and policy change

Two members of the public used the meeting's public-comment period to press the board on what they described as ongoing racial and bullying problems in district schools.

Anthony Flunder, who identified himself and gave his address, said his 12'year'old daughter had been targeted repeatedly and described incidents on a school bus and in class. "Enough's enough," he told the board, and said that families of color in the community were fearful; he asked for accountability, information about complaint processes and how many bias-related incidents had been filed. "If y'all don't wanna be a change, I'm a change," Flunder said.

Eileen Bleistein also addressed the board, saying she had received texts from parents reporting students bullied for being Christian and called on the board to review and strengthen the district bullying policy. "We need people to step up," she said, arguing suspensions alone were not effective and urging alternatives such as restorative assignments or educational interventions.

Board members thanked the speakers for raising the concerns and said they appreciated the courage of those who came forward. The public comments section closed with the board moving on to the rest of its agenda; there was no formal motion or vote tied to the complaints during the meeting and no detailed response or timeline for an investigation provided on the record.