HomeMy WebLinkAbout080725 email - The latest in QuilceneALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Heather, Heidi, and Greg,
As the Jefferson County representative on the WA State LGBTQ Commission, of which I am co-chair of our Executive Committee, I want to make sure you're up-to-date on what's coming down
with the Quilcene School Board.
At last night's Quilcene School Board meeting (which I have not yet had time to audit)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1REMfo-IQuwxnTE62Re97ZULxtKrbUNRV
rogue school board members proposed two changes to their official policies. To quote the notes of a Quilcene teacher who attended, those changes will affect two policies:
Policy 1111
Current:
Oath of Office
According to statutory provision, each newly elected, re-elected, or appointed director will take an oath or affirmation to support the constitutions of the United States and the state
of Washington and to promote the interests of education and to faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office to the best of his/her ability. A school district officer or notary
public authorized to administer oaths must certify to this oath and the signature of the member. After completion, the oath of office will be filed with the county auditor.
Proposed changes (still waiting on the official, this is based on my notes from the meeting):
Oath of Office
According to statutory provision, each newly elected, re-elected, or appointed director will take an oath or affirmation to support the constitutions of the United States, (add) Federal
laws, and Executive Orders [remove: and the state of Washington] and (take out) to promote the interests of education and to faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office to the
best of his/her ability. A school district officer or notary public authorized to administer oaths must certify to this oath and the signature of the member. After completion, the oath
of office will be filed with the county auditor.
Policy 1400
Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quorum
They want to:
Change the public speaking time to allow:
Only parents of students in our district and staff (Brick and Mortar and PEARL) will be able to speak during the 3 minute comment section via Zoom.
That would limit anyone else from speaking via Zoom. They are saying if it is important enough to speak, people can drive to the meeting. The new policy would exclude remote comment
from disabled persons and even community members who are caring for children and cannot come in person, people who are sick, elderly community members, acknowledged experts who live
outside the school district, and even county and state officials who do not reside in Quilcene.
I've also learned that board members will be working with Quilcene Superintendent Ron Moag over the coming week to draft their revised public comment policy and will be moving it forward
for a vote by the board at their regular board meeting on 8/20/2025 at 6:00pm. The official proposed wording should be available soon.
I'm told that someone in has been working with the Attorney General’s office. I'm also told that both ACLU & AGO are watching the board closely. Who will act, and how, is TBD.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
jason victor serinus
Co-chair, Executive Committee, WA State LGBTQ Commission
Jason Victor Serinus (he/him or they/them)
Co-Chair, Executive Committee
Washington State LGBTQ Commission
Port Townsend / Jefferson County