VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. Responding to Morelocks termination, Oregon House Democrats said theyll take action on Newberg in the next legislative session. This is a tough one, Im not going to lie.. In August the Newberg school board voted to ban pride and Black Lives Matter, and any broadly political signs, clothing, and other items. Newberg schools' ban on certain symbols violates Oregon Constitution 503-887-6447, Raquel Peregrino de Brito 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. Oregon's Newberg School Board bans Pride, Black Lives Matter symbols in Easterday granted a summary judgment in the case of teacher Chelsea Shotts vs. the district and the four conservative members of the board. With that, the board turned to their actual conversation about Morelock. We asked a few of the attendees why they turned out. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Board Chair, Director Zone 6 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. At least one student at Newberg High School has been linked to a Snapchat group called Slave Trade, the Graphic reported, where teenagers nationwide share racist, homophobic and violent messages. PORTLAND, Ore. ( Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school. Robert Till, who is gay and a sophomore at Newberg High School, told the Associated Press that he is embarrassed to live in the city because of the ban. A White man was scared to death of Ralph Yarl. School board zone map and written descriptions are available online: https://bit.ly/3MULBka For questions contact Tabitha Renne at 503-554-5041. Studies, statistics, research and experts can prove 100 times over that removing those items is harmful and thats what were looking at: trying to be supportive of kids. Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News. I feel like this has been on your agenda since Day 1, since the two new board members were voted on. Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. Never mind that the Newberg School Board has made two significant decisions in the last month without involving many (or any?) pic.twitter.com/XqAevRkRB7. We are just destroying one another, Powell said. Penner responded: "You know exactly why, Rebecca. NEWBERG, Ore. Newberg School District board member Ines Pea has resigned her position. The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. [2] Portions are in Clackamas County and Washington County. And the packet that we just received a couple of hours ago, while we were in a meeting, is certainly not sufficient time for me to review it and understand it.. The boards decision comes at a time when Newberg, a city of 25,000 in Oregons wine country, has been embroiled in state and national culture wars over free speech, racism and vaccinations. One of the board members, Renee Powell, said in an email to OPB that she was not aware of hearing and had nothing to report at this time. No one else from the board had gotten back to OPB by the time of publication. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. Think about the lives it will really affect. So why would they do that? There has been insufficient public comments, input, notification, and it is 10:30 at night on a school night, Penner said. A resident of Dundee submitted the complaint Sept. 30, saying the sign amounted to a gay pride poster and should be removed immediately. 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. I assume that is because the state court had already enjoined enforcement of the school board policy that led to both of the lawsuits. This motion was not allowed to go to vote. Late Tuesday night, the Newberg Education Association released a statement on the firing of Morelock: During tonights school board meeting, the 4 board majority fired Superintendent Joe Morelock for no cause. Emails point to fast decision to fire Morelock | kgw.com And Im just very disappointed in this decision., Thanks Rebecca, Morelock told her. Forms will also be available at the regular session board meetings. Morelock determined it was a slogan for George Fox University and not a political symbol. They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. Director Zone 4 Public comments are scheduled for regular session board meetings only. Easterday also granted the school districts and board members argument that the policy is not necessarily discriminatory under Article 1, Section 20 of the state constitution. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I dont believe this is political, its about human beings. "You're a bigger man than I am," Piros said and started to cry, as Penner put her hand over her mouth. 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. School Board Meetings Director Zone 3 The Newberg School Board's choice to ban BLM and Pride flags came following a shift in the Board's composition. 408-472-4257, RonRilee These are their words, edited for brevity and clarity, (From left to right) Amanda Boothby, Morgaine Terry, Abbee Mortensen and Emily Labahn at the Newberg protest on Tuesday night. Zone Name Term Ends 1 Trevor DeHart 2025 2 Shelley Kolb 2023 3 Ron Rilee 2023 4 Raquel Peregrino de . We could have upheld the Newberg traditions of the past and collaborated together as a united team.. Newberg Public Schools Board of Directors / YouTube. All rights reserved (About Us). Every student belongs in school, every student deserves to learn in a welcoming, and safe environment.". The appointee serves until June of the next election year, which in this case is 2023. Newberg School Board recall election draws big voter turnout 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. At a demonstration Sunday, BLM supporters protesting the school boards policy clashed with some members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that has endorsed violence, according to the Portland Tribune. Sept. 23, 2022 9:50 a.m. 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. To understand what theyre going through right now is so important, said Hetrick.Jozie Donaghey, Holly Hetrick, parent and childrens counselor, This is a no-brainer. "Newberg Public Schools Contact Information", "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Yamhill County, OR", "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Clackamas County, OR", "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Washington County, OR", "Count of homeless students in Oregon school districts, 2008-2009", "The Newberg school board issue: How did we get here? The Newberg School Board is responsible for providing a quality educational program for about 5,000 District students. Elected in 2019 - Term expires 6/30/23 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.. email:phillipss@newberg.k12.or.us, Address: 714 E. Sixth St,NewbergOR 97132-3406 The ban on displaying such symbols in the classroom has been condemned by the Newberg City Council and Oregon Democrats, and the Oregon State Board of Education has called on the school board to reverse course. Two of those board members were elected this past May. "My child is LGBTQ and so now I'm out here fighting for their rights and their voice. Its just common sense to me.. I will do everything in my power to create an environment that makes all students feel safe and supported so they can learn and thrive, Shotts said. 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. Under new business, we are discussing the superintendent, said board chair Dave Brown. "Dr. Morelock, we know you and we trust you and this pains us terribly," she said. But Brown added two new items, including one about Morelock. 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. The board voted to table that item during Tuesday's meeting. The Newberg School District board has hired Stephen Phillips to serve as the district's next leader. The main office is located at 714 E. Sixth Street in Newberg. What brought you out tonight to the protest? Campaigns to recall Shannon, Brown from Newberg school board gain - MSN This article was published more than1 year ago. Everything will work out eventually OK," he said. [7] This ban ended in 2023. 2 More Resign From Contentious Oregon School Board - US News She said her daughter cried when she told her. In September 2022 Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Easterday struck down the Newberg school boards 2021 ban on political signs, declaring it a violation of the state constitutions guarantees of free speech. The Oregonian cited Morelock's contract, which the newspaper obtained through a public records request. Were going to move forward.. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. My daughter wears rainbow pajamas all the time, Shannon said. Other lawsuits Its just such a bold statement to make, said Sophia. Individual leaders who have voiced concerns with this policy include the Mayor of Newberg and the President of George Fox University; both of these leaders issued a harsh rebuke of those who classify school as an inappropriate place for discussing contentious issues. As pressure mounted, the four conservative members voted to hire a. The board is also expected to discuss challenging the state's mask mandate at their next meeting. This has been the shadiest, shadiest process ever and unfortunately, it is our children who will have to pay for this. Tue, January 18th 2022, 2:18 PM PST. 503-476-2636, Shelley Kolb "That was her first reaction, grief," Pender said. The school board voted to ban Black Lives Matter and pride flags. They expressed their support for Morelock, saying he guided the school district through a financial crisis and rebuilt relationships in the community. This is my senior year, and this ban would change everything, how I feel about being there. Pefferle was fired over the blackface incident, according to the Newberg Graphic. Wolfer withdraws from school board race - NewsBreak U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat whose district includes Newberg, weighed in with an emailed statement from the U.N. On that agenda: consulting with lawyers and discussing employee dismissals or disciplinary matters. Superintendents for Greater Albany Public Schools, Adrian School District School, and Woodburn have all been removed this year, for varying reasons. I wanna ask why? 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. In the board packet for Tuesday's school board meeting, one agenda item was to address Morelock's response to a Newberg citizen's complaint about a sign in the window of a classroom at Dundee Elementary. This Oregon school-related article is a stub. In a statement sent after the meeting, the Superintendent Cabinet of Newberg Public Schools said it is "shocked and dismayed that the Board would take this disruptive action in the middle of the school year.". 'Deal with it:' Newberg school board's conservative majority defends written and/or digital) that contains information relating to the conduct of the school districts business could be subject to a public records request without prior notice to sender. Please keep in mind that the school district is subject to Public Records laws. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. The move elicited suspicion by the three minority members of the . Board members said they did not receive the documents until the executive session that evening. So everything will work out eventually.. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. We cannot let this group of 4 impose their own political agenda, erode our rights, and strip our support of our students. Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The lawsuit named the school district as well as Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart as defendants. The new dynamic has allowed the conservative board members to pass motions that the previous board neither permitted nor passed. Home Page | Newberg Oregon School District Group showed footage of fatal Breonna Taylor raid at restaurant event, dine BLM co-founders cousin dies after police repeatedly use Taser, video shows, Bidens marijuana policy may change attitudes toward immigrants. On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, who is the Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, released the following statement about the firing of Morelock: The action of the Newberg School Board in firing Superintendent Joe Morelock is wrong for students, wrong for educators, and wrong for the Newberg community. The lawsuit was filed in August 2021 on behalf of four teachers and counselors: Jennifer Schneider, Andrew Gallagher, Katherine Villalobos and Sara Linnertz. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT | 714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132 | (503) 554-5000. PORTLAND, Ore. ( Portland Tribune) Newberg has been in the news a lot lately. 503-888-6365, Brian Shannon The board voted to adjourn the meeting, but not before Piros addressed Morelock. At the time the complaint was filed, Shotts said both she, as a queer staff member, and students should be safe and supported. I just cant stand for it., The lack of action prior to this did not demonstrate any harm. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I move that we table this and adjourn the meeting, I feel its too important to push this through, she said. Joe Morelock, Newberg school board hires new superintendent with past controversies in Beaverton, Jewell, Lawsuit targets Newberg school district policy banning political symbols. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Such a bold statement, and so were out here making ours., Charlie Gates, Newberg High School graduate, As a transgender Black man, I wanted to share some of my story and support the Black and LGBTQ community. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! 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? The dissenting board members said the move to fire Morelock, coupled with litigation over the controversial political symbols ban, could have a grave financial impact on the district. For Black boys, this isnt A Black man was dismembered. 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. The ban is complaint-based. An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. This move is yet another example of a board majority bringing instability to our schools. The school board initially voted on Aug. 10 to ban those specific symbols in the classroom. Two board members resigned from the board this week citing this and other recent moves by the board.Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian. Before the resolution was brought forward, Penner, Piros and Pena attempted to stop it and adjourn the meeting. Board member Rebecca Piros said she can no longer work with people who she feels do not have the best interests of every student and every staff member at heart, KGW-TV reported. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. About 100 protesters gathered in downtown Newberg on Tuesday, weeks after a new conservative school board majority voted to ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners in their buildings. The two agenda items were pushed to a meeting later in August. Our educators are united in their goal to create classrooms where students can walk in and feel like they belong.. "Jozie Donaghey, Ashley McGowan, Newberg School District parent. That does make me a defiant outlier in the face of this board. Dont wait. It argued that the boards ban introduced as an amendment to board policy GBG in July 2021 by vice-chairman Brian Shannon and approved by chairman Dave Brown and directors Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart was so vague and overbroad it could impact teachers abilities to work in the district. Newberg is a town of 23,000 situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Portland. You know exactly why," she said. For the kids that cant say anything now, I wanted to be that voice for them. 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. 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.. Newberg, Oregon School Board Erupts After Superintendent Joe Morlock Yale honors Black girl who was reported to police as she sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police footage. "Just remember that from the darkest dark comes the brightest light. PORTLAND, Ore. (Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school boards 2021 ban on BLM, Pride and other political symbols in classrooms was unconstitutional. The conditions of his hiring are the basis of a lawsuit against the school board, according to the Newberg Graphic. BREAKING: This morning, the Yamhill County Circuit Court concluded that Newberg School District's anti-display policy violates Article I, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution. Piros asked her colleagues to take more time before going forward with the major, unannounced decision. 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. In Newberg, four of the seven board members voted to fire Morelock, who was under contract through June 2024. She tried to get gas. The Newberg School District has faced a school year full of controversy after the board's conservative majority took action last year to ban employees from displaying "political" or.
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