Public commenters promote golf fundraiser and urge LGBTQ+ supports while raising levy concerns

Three members of the public addressed the board during the allocated public-comment period.

Terry Dodson, a district resident, promoted the inaugural Battleground Citizens for Better Schools golf tournament on Aug. 14 at Lewis River Golf Club, said 22 foursomes (88 players) had registered and reported more than $20,000 raised for the event’s fundraising and silent auction. “We have raised in excess today of over $20,000 for this event,” Dodson told the board and asked for volunteers and donations; he directed people to votebgschools.org for details.

Eunice Ingram Madison, a resident, urged the board to prioritize supports for gender-diverse and LGBTQ students: districtwide training in cultural competency, posting resources prominently, and encouraging GSA clubs. She cited results from the Healthy Youth Survey as part of her argument and said, as she presented it, 22.7 percent of Washington youth identify as gender diverse or LGBTQ.

A third commenter, Win Gersich, urged the board not to pursue a levy at this time, citing household financial strain and urging emphasis on trade-job pathways; he also made claims linking COVID vaccines to health harms. The board reminded speakers to avoid naming individuals and thanked commenters for participating.