LGBTQ+ students in the Central Bucks School District gathered on Tuesday to give emotional testimonies against the passing of "Policy 321," which bans any display related to politics, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation in the district's schools. Bucks County Justice Center 100 North Main Street Doylestown, PA 18901 Phone (toll free): 1-888-942-6528 Phone: 215-348-6000 Email Us The law only applies to elected officials and a violation can occur if a quorum of a board, in this case five of nine members, meet to discuss or vote on agency business. First published on August 31, 2021 / 11:39 PM. Boards fulfill this role by performing five major responsibilities: Setting direction. / CBS Philadelphia. These middle school teachers requests had been approved by the administration. . 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. takes on CBSD complaint:Department of Education will investigate complaint against Central Bucks School District. Dates for the meetings were not . Central Bucks board meetings have been a hotbed of heated and vitriolic comments for much of the coronavirus pandemic. Central Bucks eyes new Policy 321:Central Bucks to consider policy to restrict displays of advocacy in classrooms. January 10, 2023 / 10:14 PM 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). The decisions that the district is making have a real-world impact on our students and our community.". People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 1-800-799-4889. Print Close. Parent Leah Barnhart spoke in support of the policy. 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. Because these meetings are streamed live, the potential exists that any number of technical issues could impact the audio stream. Meeting Lists: Response: 16 Welden Drive Doylestown, PA 18901 7:00 p.m. Central Bucks School District is making an audio recording of the meeting and streaming the audio live. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. On occasion, we may be unable to remedy some issues prior to the conclusion of the meeting. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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). 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. CBS Philadelphia heard both sides Tuesday some for it and some against it. Education dept. CB West West Wing Band Concert, 9:00 AM These five responsibilities represent core functions that are so . "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. 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 School District teachers walk out of meetings over new policy. If you reached this newsletter online, but would prefer to receive it via email, please register your email address here. The CBSD School Board holds the below listed Committee Meetings at theEducational Services Center:16 Welden Drive in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. 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. Tom Wolf's declaration on masks earlier in the day. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. Policies. 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. What took place at the school board meeting on Nov. 9 never should have been allowed to take place. (Jeff Werner) DOYLESTOWN, PA As the Central Bucks School District moves into 2023, front and center on its agenda will be decisions on . 1 min read. Pennridge students share insight on their experience with a policy up for vote in Central Bucks School District that may censor classroom decor and conversations. "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 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "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." District Departments >. Special Programs >. Bond Committee Meeting Agendas; Bond Committee Meeting Minutes; Citizens Oversight Committee Reports; Surplus Advisory Committee. 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. Instructional classes meet once a weekfor thirty minutes, scheduled during . Audio Player 20 Welden Drive | Doylestown, PA 18901 | Phone 267-893-2000 . 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.". Finance Committee Meeting, Download the Central Bucks School District Mobile App. 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 board votes passes controversial policy. 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. Please share any feedback with Angela Linch, director of communications and community relations, at alinch@cbsd.org or by calling 267-893-2073. Agendas will be available twenty-four hours before a scheduled meeting. 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA 18901, 267-893-2000. . Central Bucks hires former U.S. Attorney McSwain to investigate ACLUs allegation of anti-LGBTQ discrimination. 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. Attendees cheered, booed, and clapped after speakers took the mic. Philly schools lift temporary mask mandate as COVID cases remain steady. 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. Looking for charity jobs in people care coordinator? Stress impairs cognitive function. 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. 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. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR. 0:00. Tom Wolf's declaration on masks earlier in the day. ', Central Bucks community raises funds for teacher conference on transgender education after BOE denies request, Central Bucks board ousts president in unexpected mid-term reorganization, Central Bucks has become ground zero for debate over masks in schools, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Board . Creating inclusive spaces in part means that students see themselves and one another reflected in positive ways in books, materials, displays, etc. 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. Surplus Advisory (7-11) Committee Meeting Agendas . If the meeting does not start at the scheduled time you may need to refresh your browser occasionally until the stream starts. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 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 The ACLU complaint asked the US Department of Education to follow federal recommendations outlining how to support students within the LGBTQ+ community. Stay Updated on this Important Initiative, 9:00 AM 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. Download the CBSD Alexa Skill. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Agendas are available 24 hours in advance of each meeting. 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. The school district's 2022-23 academic year operating budget; the agenda and minutes from the most recent school board meeting. Central Bucks teachers gathered outside of CB East High School Tuesday in . Got a question about life in Phillys suburbs? Central Bucks educators, students, and parents rallied outside the administrations meeting about a policy that bans Pride flags and other inclusive classroom decor. This policy is a roadblock to that progress. Teachers in the Central Bucks School District staged a walkout Tuesday. 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 . It was a packed house inside the Central Bucks School District Board meeting in Doylestown. In an auditorium, parents yelled across the aisle at those on the other side, ignoring warnings from officials to keep it civil. "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. U.S. markets open in 3 hours 26 minutes. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes. 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. It attempts to make LGBTQ support invisible," he said. Its a funny play on words and its an appreciated joke. Jan. 18The Schenevus Central School District Board of Education appointed a long-term interim superintendent during a special meeting Jan. 17. To do so is to suggest any teacher that doesn't have a pride flag would accept you less," said Mara Witsen of Chalfont. Those also against it say it's a form of censorship. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. 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. Download meeting agendas. Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association Attorney Melissa Melewsky said earlier this month that this decision might have run afoul of Pennsylvanias Sunshine Act. 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) Debates over mask rules for K-12 schools have only driven that community . Maybe my sister couldnt have gotten through it. Gane said she has been speaking at board meetings to give her sister a voice. This program allowed school districts to deliver instruction remotely on days in which they would otherwise have closed due to an emergency. Some teachers say they were boycotting a planned meeting between the district superintendent and school . 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. 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. 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. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. "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. Select the Committee from the dropdown located in the upper right corner of the BoardDocs homepage. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Use of Facilities; Certificated Salary Schedule; Parents. Teachers, parents, and students are protesting in the Central Bucks School District over a new policy banning pride flags in the classroom. 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. 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. District board of Education will investigate complaint against Central Bucks School District select the Committee from the located. 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