Agendas Over Unity! School Board Ignores Massive Community Testimony, Passes Divisive Policy 3203
Despite an outpouring of public testimony from the community to delay and revise, the Tahoma School District Board unanimously passed divisive Policy 3203 during the 6/13/2022 school board meeting. Parents and members from the district crowded out the boardroom Monday evening, requiring many to watch the proceedings from the hallway. Public comment became so passionate that the board even had to call a recess at one point.
Topics of heated comments (which the board has not been resolving) also included sexualization of the school environment, unresolved bullying, security concerns, and the Tahoma School District’s failure to include a large portion of the community in its decision-making processes. Comments over Policy 3203 dominated the night however, with many calling for the district to simply delay the vote so that the policy could be worked in a way that the entire community would support. The extremely divisive flaws in the policy were pointed out repeatedly by parents throughout the night.
Unfortunately, the board did not heed the advice of the majority of the parents who commented to delay and work the policy under a unified umbrella. Instead, they stiff-armed a huge portion of the community and passed the policy 5-0, signaling that their priorities lie in pushing divisive agendas over truly representing and unifying a community for the greater success of all kids.
Approximately half the community and student body were alienated in one quick swoop.
We understand that many are feeling a sense of nihilism and defeat right now, but do not give up hope! This was the first time concerned parents rallied together to challenge the board. We worked as a team and acted against something we know is wrong. We proved that we DO have the ability to organize. We showed that we will no longer be sidelined. We will no longer sit idly by while divisive leaders decide what is best for our kids.
HOW DO WE UNIFY? HOW DO WE MAKE CHANGE?
1. WE MUST elect unifying leaders to the school board. It’s clear that our current board has no interest in representing the needs of all families and unifying the community. To do this we need brave people who are willing to step up and serve on the school board. We need people who will actually listen to concerned parents and not ignore them. We need leaders with integrity who will desire to unite the community and create compromise, even when it’s the hard choice.
At least 4 of 5 school board positions will be up for reelection in 2023. Are you interested in making positive change in the TSD? Contact Us Now so we can help you get started!
2. WE MUST monitor the implementation of Policy 3203 through frequent records requests and discussions with TSD staff. Any violations of RCW 49.60.400 must have legal action taken against it.
3. WE MUST continue to report incidents of unresolved issues. Knowledge is power! The reports you make to us help Tahoma Parents raise awareness of the unresolved problems occurring in the district. This awareness is how we build a unified group that can enact positive change.
4. CONSIDER donating money or time to Tahoma Parents. We rarely ask for money, but we must be positioned to help elect unifying candidates, as well as take legal action against district wrongdoings if necessary. We can’t lead this charge without funding.
If you can’t donate money then consider donating time, which is equally as appreciated and necessary. We need skilled and talented parents to do things such as write articles, report information, investigate issues, and more.
Want to write and publish an article on Tahoma Parents? Contact Us Now so we can publish.
The storm is upon us. What we do now is crucial for the future success of our children, our community, and our society. Reject apathy and defeatism. Stop letting them ignore you.
Take a stand knowing you are not alone!
WATCH THE EVENTFUL MEETING BELOW
