Be a part of it! Newberg educators support Dr. Morelock and the 3 board members who tried their best to stop this atrocity. This sentiment has been expressed by students who have recently given public comment in School Board meetings, one even stating that the Pride flag could mean life or death for some, given an estimate that at least one transgender minor attempts suicide every 45 seconds. The four conservative members of the board voted, 4-3, to fire Superintendent Joe Morelock at the end of Tuesday night's school board meeting. Penner said the decision will set the district back several years. Were going to move forward.. The Oregonian confirmed that the district will pay Morelock $175,000 over the next 12 months, cover his health insurance and pay $5,000 into an annuity on his behalf. The union claims that the district policy violates state and federal constitution. Pender said when Morelock was hired, she felt like there was hope for the first time that the school district was headed in a better direction. A conservative majority now exists on the Board, after the local group Save our Schools backed two successful bids for spots on the Board. Home Page | Newberg Oregon School District Its just common sense to me.. The Snapchat group sometimes specifically targets Black students. Why dont they? Judge: Newberg School Board ban on symbols is unconstitutional | kgw.com An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. For months, the Newberg School District has been making headlines, while its school board mulls a. Jozie Donaghey | The Oregonian/OregonLive, ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners, construction of a large Pride flag within sight of the citys high school, The Newberg Graphic the ban is likely unconstitutional. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Shannon told the Oregonian that Pride flags and banners were to be included in the ban due to conversations he said he has had with a few Newberg families who dont agree with the gender ideology that flag represents.. It's done, Rebecca," he said. At the start of the public meeting, the boards conservative 4-3 majority voted to add the superintendent discussion, seemingly based on what the board had talked about when they were behind closed doors. With that, the board turned to their actual conversation about Morelock. So why would they do that? Newberg, Oregon 97132. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "He made sure he was in schools every week with kids interacting," she said. On that agenda: consulting with lawyers and discussing employee dismissals or disciplinary matters. Think about the lives it will really affect. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve, Bonamici wrote. It's a huge hit to our school district," she said. All rights reserved (About Us). The sign featured a rainbow, a heart, and the words "Be Known." Navigating a global pandemic with immense challenges, Dr. Morelocks leadership has been demonstrated in the low turnover of building and district leadership, and the hiring of excellent new teachers and staff who more closely reflect our student body. This has been the shadiest, shadiest process ever and unfortunately, it is our children who will have to pay for this. Board Chair, Director Zone 6 The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. NEWBERG, Ore. Newberg School District board member Ines Pea has resigned her position. In Newberg, four of the seven board members voted to fire Morelock, who was under contract through June 2024. 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Be a part of it! 2 more resign from contentious Oregon school board | AP News In a statement shared Thursday, the Oregon legislatures Black, Indigenous, People of Color Caucus said the boards decisions threaten Newbergs economic vitality. The group also said it will take action in the next legislative session. A sign depicting a rainbow flag with a heart superimposed, along with the words Be Known, in Shotts classroom window at Dundee Elementary was the subject of the first complaint under the policy. State and local leaders across Oregon have spoken out against the actions of the board majority over the last few months. All rights reserved (About Us). They filed a lawsuit against the school district and the four board members who voted for the policy chair Dave Brown, vice chair Brian Shannon, Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart. Elected in May 2021 - Term expires 6/30/25 The employee was terminated from her position. The policy was denounced by the boards three liberal members, who accused the conservative majority of passing a measure that the community does not want. The Board hires the superintendent, who is responsible to carry out Board policies, provide educational leadership and manage the District's budget and staff. But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. The ACLU of Oregon and law firm Davis Wright Tremaine argued that the ban violates the Oregon Constitution. Morelock had been superintendent for two years and was under contract through June. 503-476-2636, Shelley Kolb For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Its just such a bold statement to make, said Sophia. These symbols arent hurting anyone and I dont see why banning them is necessary., Siblings Charlie (left) and Sophia Gates attended to protest because as Black students they say their voices are being silenced. Former board member Ines Pea resigned several months ago, alleging that she faced a toxic work environment on the board. Those wishing to speak at the regular session will need to complete the Newberg School Board Public Comment form and submit it to the board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. By almost every metric, the assertion that the board currently supports all parents' rights is untrue. He didnt rush to do something he felt was illegal; he was protecting the school district from our rashness, and that is what a CEO does, he sees the big, big picture, Piros said. They knew or should have known that their actions were unlawful under both the Oregon and federal constitutions., The lawsuit also alleged that the school board violated teachers 14th Amendment rights to due process and equal protection by adopting a directive that is vague and overbroad in its scope, leaving association members without guidance as to what speech is prohibited and potentially a violation of district policy leading to potential discipline by the district and/or or their licensing through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.. Unfortunately a few school board members are forcing through these inappropriate, and possibly illegal, changes, which will have long-lasting consequences and threaten student safety. Pamplin Media Group is a KOIN 6 News media partner. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! 503-887-6447, Raquel Peregrino de Brito [2] Portions are in Clackamas County and Washington County. They think this quality will be hindered by the presence of ideological symbols. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. His mother says he told her White men were cha Sheryl Lee Ralph on her historic Super Bowl act: Its just really neat, Man who died after police used Taser had warned of heart issue, video shows, Memphis officer texted a photo of bloodied Tyre Nichols, records show, Harris, in funeral address, says Tyre Nichols should have been safe. Penner and Piros said the packet outlining the resolution to fire Morelock was not provided to board members until the executive meeting, hours before the board meeting, and so there was insufficient time to review the motion. Kate Brown (D) announced last month that all teachers, staff and volunteers in the states public schools had to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18. My child is LGBTQ and so I came out here to support their rights and their voice., I would say to take the politics out of it. We're so sorry. As an elected official you want to listen to understand their perspective and put yourself in the shoes of a gay person or trans person. NEWBERG, Ore. When the Newberg School District Board of Directors voted 4-3 to fire former Superintendent Joe Morelock without cause on Nov. 9, multiple dissenting board members. Dont wait. Dont wait. But critics remain upset about what the adopted policy will mean for the school district. We are supposed to be here for all children and to make all children feel safe and welcome, and by lifting one group or several groups over another, thats not welcoming and safe.. These counter-protesters noted they simply wanted to voice their support for the ban. ", Penner said the move to fire Morelock would have "rippling effects for months and years to come. Since the school board approved the policy in September 2021, tension and conflict has continued among school board members, district employees and those in the Newberg community. Board Vice-Chair, Director Zone 7 PORTLAND, Ore. ( Portland Tribune) Newberg has been in the news a lot lately. This is an after-party of four members, so I say lets just vote get it over with. She added, Its going to be our community, staff and students who are left to fight this.. Numerous school and district administrators also have resigned from the district. Families, staff, and community members marched in support of the LGBTQ+ community and Black Lives Matter ahead of a Newberg school board meeting Aug. 10, 2021. Shotts, a special education teacher in a Newberg elementary school, filed the lawsuit with the aid of the American Civil Liberties Union and a Portland law firm in late 2021, challenging the boards policy restricting political, quasi-political or controversial displays, including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ flags. abruptly firing former Newberg superintendent Joe Morelock without cause, he board named as its next superintendent, Stephen Phillips. I assume that is because the state court had already enjoined enforcement of the school board policy that led to both of the lawsuits. Some board members seemed confused about what executive session business would become public. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. But the board voted, again 4 to 3, to keep paying the attorney. The split between the boards majority and minority was clear, with members in the majority remaining quiet, and minority members repeatedly objecting to the speed of the conversation and pointing out the cost, financial and otherwise, of losing Morelock. On the day before Thanksgiving, as Newberg school district staff scrambled to fulfill other duties after the firing of superintendent Joe Morelock, Newberg School Board chair Dave Brown. Campaigns to recall Shannon, Brown from Newberg school board gain - MSN "This is going to set our district back decades. Man shot by Salem police officer was person of interest in police car shootings, 'I am sorry': Shemia Fagan ends consulting side job with cannabis company, Portland temperatures soaring after weeks of near-record rainfall, Newberg teachers union sues over 'political images' ban in schools, Newberg school board votes to ban teachers from displaying BLM, Pride symbols in classrooms, Dozens in Newberg rally against hate amid ban on political signs. As pressure mounted, the four conservative members voted to hire a. "That was her first reaction, grief," Pender said. The school board initially voted on Aug. 10 to ban those specific symbols in the classroom. Piros concluded the meeting by addressing Morelock. The policy limiting the kinds of images or signs school employees can display on campus originally began as a ban passed by the school board in August of LGBTQIA+ and Black Lives Matters flags. I wanna ask why? "Just remember that from the darkest dark comes the brightest light. The decision in suburban Portland follows a pair of recent racist incidents at Newberg Public Schools. We're going to lose so much from this action. On Wednesday morning, KGW spoke to Heidi Pender, whose daughter is a freshman at Newberg High School. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. They cant discipline her or them for putting up a poster in violation of the policy.. Two board members resigned from the board this week citing this and other recent moves by the board.Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian. The 4-3 decision drew widespread scrutiny regionally and across the U.S. as national news outlets reported on some of the blowback, namely the construction of a large Pride flag within sight of the citys high school. We are very disappointed in this decision.". Newberg school board votes, 4-3, to fire superintendent - KGW Board members said they did not receive the documents until the executive session that evening. The board's four conservative members, David Brown, Brian Shannon, Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart, voted at the start of Tuesday's board meeting to add the resolution to the agenda. Amanda Boothby, a 2015 Newberg High School graduate, organized Tuesdays demonstration. It is exclusive to this particular case, though, and doesnt apply to the other lawsuits that have been filed against the district and the school board, of which there are many. They gathered at 4:15pm on Sept. 29 at the Newberg city centers flagpole where, fittingly, the citys major highway splits. Newberg school board member resigns | kgw.com VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. The school boards vote to terminate their superintendent Tuesday night comes after months of local and national attention on their effort to ban what proponents deemed political symbols, as well as several racist incidents involving staff and students. Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. We wish you well, were so sorry, she said. The Newberg Education Association argues the policy violates multiple sections of the Oregon and U.S. constitutions. She made remarks to a group of sixty in opposition to the recent ban on controversial symbols and imagery. When I was there these symbols were allowed, so to see it come to this is really disappointing. The settlement, according to a release from the Newberg Education Association, accomplished three things, primarily that the school board will not appeal the lower courts ruling that the ban be lifted; that the board will either add language to GBG recognizing the lower courts ruling or rescind the amendment entirely, which the board did at its Jan. 10 meeting; and that the board reimburse the union for a significant portion of the legal fees incurred from fighting this illegal amendment, the release said. Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the district policy prohibiting plaintiff association members from hanging, posting, erecting or otherwise displaying any posters, signs, flags, banners, pictures or other digital or physical image that depicts support of opposition relation to a policy, quasi-political or controversial topic, violates plaintiffs guarantees under Article 1, Section 20 of the Oregon Constitution against vague laws that confer unbridled discretion, because such discretion creates the potential for unequal application of the law, and thus arbitrary or unequal treatment of individuals, the filing said. Board member. On behalf of Dr. Morelock and the work he has begun, we will continue to fight for safe, stable learning environments for our students. The board decided to table the decision to uphold or reject the districts response to the complaint, voting along the same 4-3 line as with most other decisions they made Tuesday. I am proudly defiant of this boards illegal and immoral actions.. Thomas Crist, a Portland attorney who filed a friend of the court brief in the case on behalf of the plaintiffs, concurred with his cohort from the legal community. She announced her decision at a board meeting Tuesday night, citing a "toxic work environment." NEWBERG Two members of the Newberg School Board announced their resignations at a meeting earlier this week, citing controversial board decisions in the past year. As a mentor, I always tell folks to put yourself in the others position and then see what you think, I dont know what happened to empathy, but its taken a hit the last few years. Mailing Address for the Board For Black boys, this isnt A Black man was dismembered. Never mind that the Newberg School Board has made two significant decisions in the last month without involving many (or any?) ", "This feels so draconian this feels so anti-everything," Penner said. NEWBERG, Ore. A bitterly divided Newberg school board, which has been enveloped in controversy for the past few months over its decision to pass a policy limiting the kinds of images or signs . Yale honors Black girl who was reported to police as she sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police footage. School board zone map and written descriptions are available online: https://bit.ly/3MULBka For questions contact Tabitha Renne at 503-554-5041. If you looked at the agenda for Tuesdays Newberg school board meeting, youd have no idea the board was planning to fire Superintendent Joe Morelock. Under his leadership, new contracts with our associations brought better pay to teachers and staff, more educational school days for our students, a stabilized financial situation with a safety net of over $9 million in the ending fund balance, and the passage of the largest Construction Bond in the history of Newberg Public Schools. Newberg school board rescinds political sign ban, settles lawsuit | kgw.com NEA settles lawsuit against Newberg OR School District, board Candidates' Forum Review - Newberg Neighbors for a Better School Board "Our children should not bear the brunt end of partisan politics meant to further divide. Superintendents for Greater Albany Public Schools, Adrian School District School, and Woodburn have all been removed this year, for varying reasons. I dont serve Black people, an attendant told her. Newberg School Board loses 2 more members over recent controversies In the matter of three months, four people have completely destroyed that.. Responding to Morelocks termination, Oregon House Democrats said theyll take action on Newberg in the next legislative session. The lawsuit, first filed in Yamhill County Circuit Court by the Portland law firm Bennett Hartman, was advanced to U.S. District Court in Portland in December 2021 as a civil rights case. Everything will work out eventually OK," he said. Also Tuesday night, the board discussed its first complaint under the new political symbols ban, a rainbow sign in an elementary school window that said Be Known, a slogan used by George Fox University. The board is also expected to discuss challenging the state's mask mandate at their next meeting. Zone Name Term Ends 1 Trevor DeHart 2025 2 Shelley Kolb 2023 3 Ron Rilee 2023 4 Raquel Peregrino de . NEWBERG, Ore. (KOIN) The Newberg Education Association is suing the Newberg School District after the. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). "I have no idea, financially, how our school district will recover from this. Elected in 2019 - Term expires 6/30/23 Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday Building doors are locked at this time, please ring doorbell for entrance. Our educators are united in their goal to create classrooms where students can walk in and feel like they belong.. The Yamhill County Circuit Court has made a decision in a case filed last year by a Newberg teacher against the school district and four members of the school board. (If you do NOT receive a confirmation receipt for your public comment request, please reach out to Tabitha directly at 503.554.5041). It makes me feel unsafe in my district and like Im not being heard., I would ask them how can you do that to your kids, your community? We will be losing a leader who has pulled us out of financial ruin, who has rebuilt community, who has rebuilt relationships, she said. Today we are here because the School Board has to right a wrongthey must repeal this bad policythey must do it tonight. These strong words were amplified through a bullhorn by Newberg Teachers Union president Jen Schnieder. It protects marginalized populations in our student and staff bodies. There is no point in a federal judge striking down something that a state judge already had.. The Newberg teachers union said the firing was another example of a board majority bringing instability to the districts schools. Is Wakanda Forever too woke for Marvels own good? Meetings and Agendas Policies Programs and Services Student Success Act School Board Internal Staff Directory Strategic Plan Superintendent; Schools Welcome to our schools. Board member Brandy Penner countered that the top five performing schools in the state had diversity coordinators and diversity statements, while the districts that were struggling educationally have a "lack of anything to do with equity. Brian Shannon, the Newberg School Boards vice chairman, introduced the measure over the summer. The Newberg School Board usually meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We could have upheld the Newberg traditions of the past and collaborated together as a united team.. The disputes in the Newberg School Board have come as schools nationwide have become rife with arguments over vaccine and mask mandates, how racism is addressed in teaching, instruction related to sexuality and gender-neutral bathrooms. rennet@newberg.k12.or.us. He referred to a packet given to board members in executive session, but not shared publicly, that had to do with Morelock.