School Board Appoints Louise Hines, Approves Eight Policies
The South Washington County Schools Board appointed Louise Hines to fill a board vacancy and approved eight policy updates during their Feb. 20 business meeting, but not before a heated debate over diversity messaging in schools.
Hines will begin serving March 27, 2025, with her term lasting until the November 2025 general election. The board unanimously approved her appointment through a roll call vote.
The board also approved eight annual policy updates, including harassment and violence policies, mandated reporting procedures, and student discipline guidelines. However, the vote sparked controversy when board members Eric Tesmer and another member objected to diversity-related displays at East Ridge High School, citing signs reading "protect black youth" and "to be young to be gifted and to be black."
I think it's very ironic that on an inclusion center we have what to me appears to be an exclusive phrase," Tesmer said, arguing the messaging contradicts the district's harassment policy by creating a "hostile" environment through omission. Board member Sharon Vener countered that students of color "have been silenced" for centuries and deserve to "speak up and speak out.
The meeting also featured the district's annual indigenous education report, highlighting programs serving 386 Native American students. Coordinator Stephanie Schroer outlined initiatives including ACT test prep courses and literacy tutoring using indigenous-authored books, funded by $300,000 in state aid.
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