The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. All Rights Reserved. 3 min read. Use of Facilities; Certificated Salary Schedule; Parents. 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. Central Bucks school board votes passes controversial policy. Kathleen Weintraub hugged their child, CJ, before they spoke at the Central Bucks School District board meeting on Jan. 10, 2023. Gane said she has been speaking at board meetings to give her sister a voice. Before ascending to the presidency, he previously served as the 33rd governor of California from 1967 to 1975 and was the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1947 to 1952 and . The article states "Prohibiting employees from advocating for or displaying partisan, political, and social agendas.". 2:46. Pre-meeting live performances are not streamed because of the potential for copyright algorithms flagging the performance and suspending the stream. An earlier draft of Policy 321 was officially introduced at a committee meeting in September, but that draft would see multiple changes after it was reviewed by attorneys from Duane Morris LLP. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Responsibilities are central bucks school district handbook is determined by staff to reviewthis booklet for special thanks to. Central Bucks School District teachers walk out of meetings over new policy. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? 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. About three dozen people spoke about the policy during public comment; about one-third spoke in favor of it and two-thirds spoke against. The change came amid tense moments that started ahead of the meeting, influenced by Gov. While board leaders say this is about bringing neutrality and balance to the classroom, the ACLU filed a complaint on behalf of a group of students who identify as transgender and nonbinary. It is not lost on me that this policy has engendered concern, uncertainty, and even fear, Lucabaugh wrote in an email provided by multiple sources in the school district. 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 . That would be trying to solve discrimination with discrimination which is unproductive.. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY), Parent Leah Barnhart, of Doylestown Township, said she supported the policy because she believes staff should stay neutral and not advocate in favor or against divisive topics that can be handled in the home by the parents. She thanked the board for not [elevating] certain minority groups at the expense of marginalizing others. Keith Willard, a Holicong Middle School teacher, led a crowd of teachers and students out of the middle school around 3 p.m. Tuesday, joining about 20 other teachers already gathered nearby. The Sunshine Act requires any agency of elected officials, like a school board, to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting, according to Pennsylvanias Office of Open Records website. Select the Committee from the dropdown located in the upper right corner of the BoardDocs homepage. A boycott was held outside Central Bucks East High School over a new controversial policy. Central Bucks hires former U.S. Attorney McSwain to investigate ACLUs allegation of anti-LGBTQ discrimination. Its how we live. Melewsky added that the easiest way for a board to avoid even the appearance of a Sunshine violation is to simply discuss the issues at a public meeting something the board did when another conference request caused public backlash in May. 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. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . "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.". The board also added cafeterias and common spaces as areas that will require social distancing. It would prohibit teachers from displaying flags or posters advocating any political or sociopolitical activities and issues in the classroom. 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. Five requests to attend the National . "I'm concerned as a community member. After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the board voted to pass Policy Jeffrey Sultanik on LinkedIn: Central Bucks school board votes to pass controversial policy - NewsBreak takes on CBSD complaint:Department of Education will investigate complaint against Central Bucks School District. Even if a quorum werent involved in the discussion, it sounds to me like the decision involved at least a majority or simple majority of the board, Melewsky said, referring to Hunters email about board support to remove the agenda items. . 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. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. "Pride flags should not be a litmus test for teachers to be considered accepting. CB West West Wing Band Concert, 9:00 AM My School Bucks; Contact Us; GREAT . (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Central Bucks School District teachers walk out of meetings over new policy. ", Michele Haddon, Special to the Bucks County Courier Times, Transphobic, anti-semitic comments disrupt Central Bucks meeting: 'This is hate. Ask us a question or send an idea for a story you think we should cover. Ganes sister, Katie, who was lesbian, died by suicide in 2019 as a senior at Central Bucks West. 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). These five responsibilities represent core functions that are so . Advocates for Inclusive Education website. Central Bucks School District 20 Welden Drive | Doylestown, PA 18901 | P: 267-893-2000 Useful Links Title IX Emergency Information E-Flyer Folder Web Accessibility Policies. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR. 504 Resources for Students & Parents. But I know that if she was here right now, she would tell everybody that they would be able to get through it. 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. 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. Our suburban reporters want to hear from you! Minutes. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. DOYLESTOWN, PA The Central Bucks School Board will vote Tuesday on a controversial policy that board leaders say is about bringing neutrality and balance to the classroom. Please press the Play button if the audio does not begin automatically. The demonstration at Central Bucks High School East and Holicong Middle School came as administrators were scheduled to meet with staff about Policy 321, a controversial policy supporters say creates a politically neutral learning environment but one that teachers and students say is an attempt to silence discussions about LGBTQ issues. Stay Updated on this Important Initiative, 9:00 AM Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . This policy is a roadblock to that progress. Education stories from across the Keystone State. Carney seeks significant raise for Delaware teachers to ease shortage, In a male-dominated construction industry, this Philly woman seeks to empower others. Central Bucks LGBTQ students, allies protest over teacher suspension, removal of Pride flags and bullying. 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. . Students deserve the freedom to learn, and a QR code linking to the Advocates for Inclusive Education website. It was a packed house inside the Central Bucks School District Board meeting in Doylestown. Education dept. "Controversies come and go," the firm states in its proposal.. That's true. CB South Parent Advisory Council Meeting, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Go behind the headlines: From the economy and healthcare to politics and the environment - and so much more - On Point talks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. The district paid Duane Morris $114,106 for legal services in December, according to January public meeting documents. Find a career with meaning today! Tom Wolf's declaration on masks earlier in the day. Now, the district wants to also include classroom displays, but opponents are calling it dangerously vague and a form of censorship. 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. Those also against it say it's a form of censorship. 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. December CBSD Board Note Newsletter. Monday, December 4, 2023 (first Monday of . The school district's 2022-23 academic year operating budget; the agenda and minutes from the most recent school board meeting. After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the board voted to pass Policy 321, 6-3. Committee Meeting agendas and minutes are housed at BoardDocs.com - once on the BoardDocs site, select the committee from the drop down arrow located . Nearby Camden City School District also started the year with a mask mandate. is part of a federal investigation of the school district. Collopy's term ends in 2023. Warrington supervisors violated the act in 2016, when the four of the five-memberelected board discussed and then approved via email hiring a consultant to find a permanent township manager. The Central Bucks school board will meet again on Sept. 14. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. First published on January 10, 2023 / 7:26 PM. "This is ridiculous, all of this, we the parents will be standing here against all of you," one parent said. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Audio Player 20 Welden Drive | Doylestown, PA 18901 | Phone 267-893-2000 . The American Civil Liberties Unionfiled a complaintwith the U.S. Department of Education claiming the district is fostering a hostile environment for its LGBTQ students. Debates over mask rules for K-12 schools have only driven that community . "If you agree with me that queer students need to be supported you will vote no on this policy," said student Leo Burchell during the meeting. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Central Bucks School District teachers walkout protesting Policy 321, Department of Education will investigate complaint against Central Bucks School District, Central Bucks to consider policy to restrict displays of advocacy in classrooms. Correspondence for the Board of School Directors should be sent to Stephanie Radcliffe, Secretary to the Board, at sradcliffe@cbsd.org. I know she tried so hard, Gane said. A series of accusations for discriminatory actions in Central Bucks School District led . Also, this past month, (Hunter) and four board members decided they did not want to approve a virtual conference for English teachers, so it was removed from the agenda without notifying the remaining board members, Suits said. That new motion passed in a 7-2 vote, this time with only Hunter and former director John Gamble voting against. Five requests to attend the National Council of Teachers of English convention on equity, justice, and anti-racist teaching did not have board support when theywere removed from the Nov. 9 meeting agenda, according to an email from school board leadership. Central Bucks board meetings have been a hotbed of heated and vitriolic comments for much of the coronavirus pandemic. 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. Dozens were out in front of Central Bucks East High . Each bag had a message on it that read, Stop attacking LGBTQ students. Find a career with meaning today! "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.. 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. CB West Parent Advisory Council, 9:00 AM Central Bucks teachers protest flurry of anti-LGBTQ policies and directives. A motion to approve several requests for multiple trainings failed in a 5-4 vote against, with Hunter joining Ballasy, Leigh Vlasblom, Dan Ring and Sharon Collopy in the majority. Maybe my sister couldnt have gotten through it. A decision to cut multiple anti-racist teaching convention requests by Central Bucks School District officials last month raises state Sunshine Act questions. Tohickon Parent Council, 6:30 PM If its a decision on agency business, and training offered to employees seems very clearly to be agency business, its got to be discussed and acted upon at a public meeting, Melewsky said. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Operations Committee Meeting. committee meetings. It was a packed house inside the Central Bucks School District Board meeting in Doylestown. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The ACLU of Pennsylvania has said the broad language gives the district the authority to censor whatever it doesnt like, can lead to teachers self-censoring out of confusion and fear, and generally chill classroom discussions on political and cultural topics outside of the curriculum. To do so is to suggest any teacher that doesn't have a pride flag would accept you less," said Mara Witsen of Chalfont. Please click on the links below to be redirected to boarddocs.com, where you will find meeting agendas and minutes. We apologize in advance if that occurs, every effort will be made to repair the issue and recorded meetings will be archived on the website, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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. 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. The controversial policy has been a hot topic in this district. Have an Amazon Alexa? 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. 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. OCEAN CITY, N.J. The fog blew up and over the bridge leading into Ocean City as the minutes ticked down to the start of the Ocean City Board of Education meeting Jan. 4. They said it was political, so we couldnt do it, Hall said. Here's what's changed. It came after a long period of public comment, with heated points from both sides and the board. Although the policy doesn't explicitly mention LGBTQ advocacy, the district previously banned pride flags. Agendas are available 24 hours in advance of the meeting. 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. Central Bucks educators, students, and parents rallied outside the administrations meeting about a policy that bans Pride flags and other inclusive classroom decor. The only exceptions are if the displays are part of that teachers specific lesson plan. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. A decision to cut multiple anti-racist teaching convention requests by Central Bucks School District officials last month raises state Sunshine Act questions. What took place at the school board meeting on Nov. 9 never should have been allowed to take place. Hunter was voted in as the board's president and Gamble as vice presidentin two 5-3 votes, with Schwartz, Smith and Suits against and Ballasy abstaining both times. Section 504 >. 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. U.S. markets open in 1 hour 24 minutes. . A GoFundMe campaign raised four times the amount needed to enroll one teacher prior to the enrollment window closing in early June. 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. U.S. markets open in 3 hours 26 minutes. Central Bucks School District. Please enter valid email address to continue. These middle school teachers requests had been approved by the administration. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association Attorney Melissa Melewsky said earlier this month that this decision might have run afoul of Pennsylvanias Sunshine Act. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). 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. Its a funny play on words and its an appreciated joke. Central Bucks eyes new Policy 321:Central Bucks to consider policy to restrict displays of advocacy in classrooms. Bond Committee Meeting Agendas; Bond Committee Meeting Minutes; Citizens Oversight Committee Reports; Surplus Advisory Committee. 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. The CBSD School Board holds the below listed Committee Meetings at theEducational Services Center:16 Welden Drive in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. First published on August 31, 2021 / 11:39 PM. The board may have faced criticism on Nov. 9 if they had tabled, and effectively denied, the NCTE conference, but Melewsky said at least then the public could have had a say in the matter. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Attendees cheered, booed, and clapped after speakers took the mic. "I'm not surprised, but very disheartened, very upset," a woman said. 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 . The hotline is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can offer free, confidential support. Community members, students, legal experts, and education advocates have been arguing against the policy for months. Stress impairs cognitive function. Looking for charity jobs in team coordinator? For those in our community who weren't in attendance or tuning in to the livestream, you missed . Central Bucks School District high school students handed out bags of chips asking people to support LGBTQ students at the Central Bucks School District board meeting on Jan. 10, 2023. PA 18901 7:00 p.m. Central Bucks School District is live-streaming and recording this meeting. / CBS Philadelphia. After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the board voted to pass Policy 321, 6-3. Suits said the comments came far too late, saying the immediate silence over those comments underscored the decision to cut the new convention requests. 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 . Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. If the meeting does not start at the scheduled time you may need to refresh your browser occasionally until the stream starts. "It shouldn't be a political issue, I think the school board is turning it into a political issue.". Instructional classes meet once a weekfor thirty minutes, scheduled during . 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. 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. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. Hunter said Lucabaugh provided more information on all conventions and workshops at the request of board members the Saturday before the Nov. 9 meeting. 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. Some teachers say they were boycotting a planned meeting between the district superintendent and school . 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. Providing community leadership as advocates for children, the school district and public schools. Policy 321 prohibits Central Bucks School District employees from taking part in political . CBS Philadelphia heard both sides Tuesday some for it and some against it. Special Programs >. 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. Find 73 jobs live on CharityJob. Gov. DellAngelo, a professor of education at the College of New Jersey, said inclusive spaces lead to better educational outcomes for marginalized students. Board members Mariam Mahmud, Karen Smith, and Tabitha DellAngelo voted against the policy. Policy 321 . Gov. 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.". The transgender education program wouldnt start until June and included several half-day work sessions through the summer and ongoing one-on-one consultations into the fall. Some students also shared the chips with their classmates before school on Tuesday, in an attempt to inform others about the policy in advance of the meeting. Flags, banners and photographs and other similar items expressing a political or social stance are prohibited in classrooms under the general rules of the new policy. Assessment and PA Graduation Requirements, CB Building & Floating Substitute Teacher, Elementary New Teacher Professional Reading Library, Instructional Aides-Grit in the Elementary Classroom, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). That meeting also ended with a vote ousting Suits and Smith from their positions as the board's president and vice president, respectively. 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. Assessment and PA Graduation Requirements, CB Building & Floating Substitute Teacher, Elementary New Teacher Professional Reading Library, Instructional Aides-Grit in the Elementary Classroom, 6th Grade Parent Middle School Orientation, Central Bucks School District to Launch Educational Foundation, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Policy 321is a 2018 policy restricting Central Bucks County School District employees from participating in political activities while on the clock. They didnt get that opportunity, obviously, Melewsky said. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA 18901, 267-893-2000. . Looking for charity jobs in people care coordinator? Click herefor a list of 2023 Committee Meeting dates. Got a question about life in Phillys suburbs? 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. The ACLU complaint asked the US Department of Education to follow federal recommendations outlining how to support students within the LGBTQ+ community. Philly schools lift temporary mask mandate as COVID cases remain steady. / CBS Philadelphia. "Because these conferences and workshops do not go through committee for approval, this is simply the same process that would occur if it had, Hunter wrote. "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. Jan. 18The Schenevus Central School District Board of Education appointed a long-term interim superintendent during a special meeting Jan. 17. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? On occasion, we may be unable to remedy some issues prior to the conclusion of the meeting. According to Hunter, Lucabaugh provided more information on each of 18 requests totaling $15,619 on Nov. 6. Board . Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Central Bucks school district. Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (first Tuesday of the month), Tuesday, July 25, 2023 (fourth Tuesday of the month). Central Valley High School (9-12) District Office; Gateway Educational Options (K-12) Grand Oaks Elementary School (TK-5) . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Let our teachers teach. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in protest of Policy 321 Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. Policy 321 on "Partisan, Political or Social Policy Advocacy Activities" passed a 6-3 vote on Jan. 10, but Superintendent . WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Dates for the meetings were not . 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. The five requests for the NCTE conference totaled about $1,916 to virtually attend from Nov. 18 and Nov. 21.
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