JULY 30, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A5 Students speak out at school board meeting BY HERB SWETT For the Keizertimes Antagonism toward school offi cials regarding minorities was voiced by a suc- cession of audience speakers at Tuesday’s work session of the Salem-Keizer School Board. Most speakers were students, but a few were parents and recent graduates. Not all focused on minority issues; several of the earlier speakers commented on problems involving COVID-19 and the plans for returning mostly to the usual procedures with the opening of the next school year. Anita Brannigan, the fi rst speaker, urged board members to communicate more with the public. She is a member of a group that encourages people to speak up without being intimidated. Several commented on masking. Abigail Eckhart told the board she has a developmentally delayed son who needs to see people’s faces to learn. Melissa Phillips, who has been home schooling her three children, said parents should be encour- aged to make mask decisions, because there is no one-size-fi ts-all answer. She added that children in Sweden have stayed healthy without being masked. Heather Stevenson said she had eight- year-old twins who will have to repeat the second grade. She said one has epilepsy and the other is deaf in one ear. Lee Morales urged that the school dis- trict show its curriculum on its website to enable parents to comment on it. Then a long succession of speakers, mostly students, alleged that some school directors and administrators did not care about minority students. Board Chair Osvaldo Avila urged that speakers show their concerns but be respectful. Several were unimpressed by his call for respect. One who identifi ed herself only as Cindy said, “Some of you act like the chairs you sit on are thrones.” After all speakers from the fl oor were fi nished, Avila said, “Thank you. We’ll take this up at our next board meeting.” Other board members were equally receptive. Maria Hinojos Pressey said the board should regularly allow lead time for people to speak from the audience. Marty Heyen, the only director attending remotely, said whatever mask policy is enacted, “50% will be mad.” Iton Udosenata, the assistant superin- tendent, then outlined administrative goals for reopening schools: • Five-day week. • Emphasis on academics and social/ emotional needs. • Ongoing parent engagement and communication. • Safety considerations. • Close cooperation with the Oregon School Activities Association. Follow THE LEADER …in Keizer news Facebook • Twitter • Instagram @keizertimes senior housing guide DIRECTIONS FROM KEIZER: From I-5, turn west on Lockhaven. Turn left at River Rd, then left on Claggett St. Immediately turn in driveway at left. 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