Appointed in 2022 - Term expires 6/30/23 One is expected soon. Sign up to get important news and culture from around the Northwest, delivered to your inbox six days a week. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. We will be losing a leader who has pulled us out of financial ruin, who has rebuilt community, who has rebuilt relationships, she said. Piros asked her colleagues to take more time before going forward with the major, unannounced decision. The Newberg Education Association argues the policy violates multiple sections of the Oregon and U.S. constitutions. The complainant appealed the decision. The lawsuit requested a jury trial, sought an injunction stopping enforcement of the boards directive and asked for a declaratory judgement from the bench admonishing the board for their actions. Two of those board members were elected this past May. The. Be a part of it! Numerous school and district administrators also have resigned from the district. 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. After voicing strong objection to the move, the board's other three members, Rebecca Piros, Brandy Penner and Ines Pea, voted against. 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. 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. "Dr. Morelock, we know you and we trust you and this pains us terribly," she said. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. On Wednesday morning, KGW spoke to Heidi Pender, whose daughter is a freshman at Newberg High School. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! ", "Oregon school board drops ban on LGBTQ pride, Black Lives Matter and other symbols", "Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Newberg_School_District&oldid=1134844881, This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 00:40. 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. The Newberg School Board has rescinded a controversial policy that banned staff from putting up political signs or displays in schools. The lawsuit further argued that prohibiting teachers from displaying signs in their classrooms was a violation of their rights of free speech and free association guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Latino leaders could collaborate with Black communities. I feel like this has been on your agenda since Day 1, since the two new board members were voted on. If you could say something to the school board members making these decisions, what would you say? Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate. 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. We asked a few of the attendees why they turned out. Easterday granted a summary judgment in the case of teacher Chelsea Shotts vs. the district and the four conservative members of the board. The Newberg School District board has hired Stephen Phillips to serve as the district's next leader. Director Zone 2 The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. Those protesting or . What the district has done is unacceptable. Think about the lives it will really affect. I continue to stand with parents, students of color, LGBTQ students, and all members of the community who have courageously continued to speak out against the school boards unacceptable actions. No, Brown replied. 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 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. 1:09. 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. Brown, the board chair, seemed unaware of the details of the complaint, despite its inclusion in the board packet. Board chair Dave Brown did not reply to a request for comment. Board members said they did not receive the documents until the executive session that evening. This was the argument voiced by those who arrived on Oct. 1 not associated with Newberg Rejects White Supremacy Rally. The ACLU of Oregon and law firm Davis Wright Tremaine argued that the ban violates the Oregon Constitution. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Why would you remove something that wasnt harmful but is going to cause harm?, Roland Herrera, a Keizer City Council member, says he attended the Newberg protest against the political ban in the school district to support his neighbors. Many have called for the recall process of Board Member Shannon, the driving force behind the ban. The new dynamic has allowed the conservative board members to pass motions that the previous board neither permitted nor passed. 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. Those in favor did not explain their decision. A White man was scared to death of Ralph Yarl. Director Zone 4 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). The apparel rule would only apply to staff while they are working. Comments will be read in the order they are received. 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. If we want to have these symbols and speak our minds we should be able to, silencing us isnt OK., I would tell them to think before you create action. The main office is located at 714 E. Sixth Street in Newberg. 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. 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.. 971-385-2880, Tabitha Renne When the conservative majority of the Newberg school board voted in early November to oust the district's superintendent, board chairman Dave Brown advocated for an accelerated process to name Joe Morelock's successor by January. 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 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. Candidates' Forum Review - Newberg Neighbors for a Better School Board Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. Business meetings and work sessions are held at the Newberg School District Office, 714 East 6th Street, Newberg, Oregon. "I have no idea, financially, how our school district will recover from this. Judge: Newberg School Board ban on symbols is unconstitutional | kgw.com It's a huge hit to our school district," she said. PORTLAND, Ore. ( Portland Tribune) Newberg has been in the news a lot lately. Superintendent Joe Morelock said he will have to meet with the district's lawyers before enforcing the ban. Newberg teachers union sues district over BLM, Pride flag ban Amanda Boothby, a 2015 Newberg High School graduate, organized Tuesdays demonstration. I went to NHS and graduated in 2015 and I knew I was gay but didnt have the support to say anything then. Recently, The Newberg Graphic has reported on two different lawsuits that involve the ongoing feud between the conservative majority of the Newberg public schools board and the sinister mafia-esque group called Newberg Equity in Education, which as I have previously reported, is a splinter cell of Progressive Yamhill AKA Save Yamhill County PAC AKA Yamhill County Democrats, led by Lynette Shaw . Oregon school board ban on anti-racist, LGBT signs draws ire 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. Attempts to gain comment from the author of the board policy amendment, Shannon, for his thoughts on the settlement were unsuccessful by press time Saturday. 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. 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. On that agenda: consulting with lawyers and discussing employee dismissals or disciplinary matters. Director Zone 3 Comments submitted via email, that are intended to be read aloud by the superintendent (or designee), need to be sent to publiccomment@newberg.k12.or.us no later than 4:00 pm the Monday prior to regular session. 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 . "This feels so draconian this feels so anti-everything," one board member said. The ACLU celebrated the ruling in a tweet Thursday, saying they await the courts final order. Im so in awe at how many people are here because my experience wasnt the best so seeing everyone so gung-ho about it is heartwarming.. He has been key in the transformation of a struggling district. 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. 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. We are just destroying one another, Powell said. 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.". Newberg School District (29J) is a public school district headquartered in Newberg in the U.S. state of Oregon. The board will later decide what counts as "political," but Pride flags and BLM messages were repeatedly referenced during the meeting. Board delays decision on next Newberg school superintendent ACLU sues Newberg school district, the latest of multiple lawsuits 'Silencing us isn't OK:' Newberg residents protest school board ban on Joe Morelock, Newberg school board hires new superintendent with past controversies in Beaverton, Jewell, Lawsuit targets Newberg school district policy banning political symbols. Home Page | Newberg Oregon School District 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 fact that a person cannot run for school board in Newberg without having his or her life ripped apart is an absolute tragedy for our community and we ask every candidate in the race for school board to condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms." Emails to Brown seeking comment on Wolfer's withdrawal went unanswered by press time. Trevor DeHart Forms will also be available at the regular session board meetings. The students are not being heard., The board was also expected to work on "replacement language" for the district's anti-racism policy and consider re-examining the Oregon Department of Education's "Every Student Belongs" policy, which, in part, "prohibits hate symbols, specifically three of the most recognizable symbols of hate in the U.S. the swastika, the Confederate flag, and the noose.". We tabled a motion on if were going to figure out if a rainbow sign is political or not, because people didnt have enough time to review the packet that they had for four or five days, Penner said. The initial board conversations about the policy centered around banning Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ Pride flags. (If you do NOT receive a confirmation receipt for your public comment request, please reach out to Tabitha directly at 503.554.5041). Newberg schools' ban on certain symbols violates Oregon Constitution A pair of petitions to recall Newberg school board vice chair Brian Shannon and board chair Dave Brown have each officially obtained enough signatures to qualify for a vote next month, Yamhill . It supports all the steps we have taken to fight the policy change. Controversial School Board Decision Continues to Divide Newberg ", "Policies such as ESB are in place to ensure students feel welcome and safe while learning," he said. It argues that the policy violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing free speech and the 14th Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. The firing is effective Nov. 19 and according to board member Brandy Penner, the district will continue to pay Morelock his salary and benefits for the next 12 months, in addition to paying the salary and benefits for the district's next superintendent. This is a tough one, Im not going to lie.. Newberg School District - Wikipedia This ban was the first big item on the newly conservative Boards agenda. Board Vice-Chair, Director Zone 7 I always tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up, said Herrera. The Newberg teachers union said the firing was another example of a board majority bringing instability to the districts schools. [9], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}451735.56N 1225840.39W / 45.2932111N 122.9778861W / 45.2932111; -122.9778861 (Newberg School District office). To me its sad that were still doing this, because Ive been out here doing this since the 60s and we have to keep being on top of it., I would tell them to listen to the folks. School board zone map and written descriptions are available online: For questions contact Tabitha Renne at 503-554-5041. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. parents, moving secondary school schedules to trimesters, and changing start times to earlier for all ages. The Newberg Education Association gathered with community members ahead of the Newberg School Board vote on whether to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride flags at the school. She tried to get gas. "I'm baffled why you feel this needed to be done and why you feel it needed to be done tonight," Piros said. Schneider and other members who oppose the ban believe the flags provide a source of safety and security to underrepresented and vulnerable students. 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. Maybe it's nothing to you as a white privileged male, but it's a really big deal to a lot of our community, a lot of our staff, and a lot of our students.. This means ensuring school boards are held accountable; that there is access to training around educational equity and governance that is action-oriented for leaders; securing students a say and a voice at the policy-making table; and making sure superintendents jobs are protected when they are simply following the law, according to the statement. Two of those board members were elected . The Snapchat group sometimes specifically targets Black students. Its just common sense to me.. So everything will work out eventually.. Some board members seemed confused about what executive session business would become public. Director Zone 5 "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety.". In Newberg, four of the seven board members voted to fire Morelock, who was under contract through June 2024. 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. Campaigns to recall Shannon, Brown from Newberg school board gain - MSN IE 11 is not supported. Elected in 2019 - Term expires 6/30/23 And Im just very disappointed in this decision., Thanks Rebecca, Morelock told her. "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? I am proudly defiant of this boards illegal and immoral actions.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. NEWBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT | 714 E. 6TH ST. NEWBERG, OREGON 97132 | (503) 554-5000. "He had a very personal approach and didn't just sit in his office and make decisions arbitrarily. "I protest that none of you had anything to say about why you wanted to do this, that the public is ," Piros said before she was interrupted by Brown. pic.twitter.com/XqAevRkRB7. email:phillipss@newberg.k12.or.us, Address: 714 E. Sixth St,NewbergOR 97132-3406 Their place is to teach the approved curriculum, and thats all this policy does, is ensure thats happening in our schools.. 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. You know exactly why," she said. [7] This ban ended in 2023. 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. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. Take action today! Newberg, Oregon 97132. 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.. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. I assume that is because the state court had already enjoined enforcement of the school board policy that led to both of the lawsuits. Were going to move forward.. A conservative majority now exists on the Board, after the local group Save our Schools backed two successful bids for spots on the Board. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! But the board voted, again 4 to 3, to keep paying the attorney. 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. Be a part of it! Emails show Newberg school board chair rushing decision on interim Boothby says she organized the protest because when she attended Newberg High School she didnt always feel welcome as a gay student. Related: Newberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols. Morelock had been superintendent for two years and was under contract through June. 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. "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety. 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. NEA settles lawsuit against Newberg OR School District, board All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions as authorized by law. One local grandmother noted that she had no problem with the opposition, her only concern was that she too wanted to be heard. "I feel like this is the nail in the coffin as far as her desire to stay and keep making change here," she said. Newberg school board votes to fire superintendent, no cause given On Sept. 1, Morelock said during a board meeting that he wouldn't uphold the ban because he'd been advised by district lawyers that it was illegal. "This is going to set our district back decades. Morelock determined it was a slogan for George Fox University and not a political symbol. 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. Led by the superintendent, their goal was to review this situation over a period of six weeks in order to come to a determination about how to move forward. 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.. abruptly firing former Newberg superintendent Joe Morelock without cause, he board named as its next superintendent, Stephen Phillips. In a 4-3 vote, the Newberg school board decided to terminate the district's superintendent, Joe Morelock, during a meeting . 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. Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday Building doors are locked at this time, please ring doorbell for entrance. 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. I dont serve Black people, an attendant told her. My mom, in the 50s and 60s, fought for Black rights. To get in touch with any Director, you may contact them directly or contact School Board Secretary at 503-554-5000 The entire Board can be reached at boardmembers@newberg.k12.or.us. The conditions of his hiring are the basis of a lawsuit against the school board, according to the Newberg Graphic. Newberg School Board recall election draws big voter turnout Screenshot taken from YouTube. Before the resolution was brought forward, Penner, Piros and Pena attempted to stop it and adjourn the meeting. Superintendent: Dr. Stephen Phillips I dont believe this is political, its about human beings. Phone: (503) 554-5000, Fax: (503) 538-4374. 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. But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. She pointed at the opposition: We dont have a problem with them here, but they dont even let us get near them. As a family with BLM and Pride signs passed by the small contingent of conservatives, a Black father shouted, Black Lives Matter doesnt represent me. He and his son brought out a banner that read, #All Lives Matter.. 2 more resign from contentious Oregon school board | AP News 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. Board Member Piros, one of the dissenting members regarding the ban, offered an avenue to discuss the issue further by creating a team of six faculty and two staff members, as opposed to simply adopting more general language. Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News. Board vice chair Brian Shannon, who created the initial wording of the political symbols ban, called it the grayest of gray areas. Newberg school board member resigns | kgw.com 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.
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