ADVOCATE FHSD SEES EXPONENTIAL GROWTH — GETS ORGANIZED

Advocate FHSD grew from a small community of 250 to nearly 1,600 since the June 22nd regular board meeting where the culture of kindness resolution was adopted. We can't tell you how humbling it is to have that large of a community joining this effort. Whether you are here for information, to help take action, or are somewhere in-between, you are welcome here. We also love hearing your ideas, keep them coming! Have feedback? Email us at [email protected]

Six committees were initially identified and organized. The Advocate FHSD admin team met with members of the initial 6 committees and talked about overall purpose and consolidation. The committees are being better categorized, and will be organized into subgroups utilizing a new Facebook tool, allowing us to be better connected. Those are currently in development, and will have additional opportunities to join. This is still a continued experiment as we test the waters to see what works best for our great community. Stay tuned! 

 
WHAT'S NEXT?

• Consolidation talks are still happening without a committee having been formed by board president Linda Hausfeld or the superintendent as procedure requires. We haven't heard the end of that, we're staying on top of those efforts.

 

• Weapons policy? FHSD did not update its weapons policy - not because the board rejected it, but because Governor DeWine singed a permissive law allowing school districts in the state to arm teachers if they wish. That law was signed after the NOLEA policy updates were reviewed in May and presented to the board in June. The policy must be updated to match the law, and the district anticipates it being revisited in the fall.

 

• Book banning is going to be on the menu. Current unconfirmed rumors are that the board will be setting their sites on books next. FHSD already allows student's parents or guardians to opt their children out of books in the curriculum and offer an alternative. Parent choice is already in place in these and other circumstances. We'll keep tracking and update you as things develop.

 

• The attack on curriculum will continue. The national conversation is about to shift from anti-CRT to anti-representation. Our teachers are already being put under additional scrutiny for inclusive and equitable practices that are required by the state curriculum.
  • FHSD already lost one of the top AP Calculus teachers in the state due to the direction of the current board. 
  • Advocate FHSD is tracking resignations and retirements to keep an eye on any potential upticks in turnover.

 

• Student mental health is still one of the community's top concerns. Tension in the community and conversations surrounding the culture of kindness resolution are weighing on our students. As parents and community members, let us open our ears and our hearts and hear and process what they are telling us they need.

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WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS CAN YOU TAKE?

The most important thing we can do as a community is to show up. And showing up means something different for everyone. Some are comfortable attending meetings, our PTO's are desperate for members and are a great way to stay connected with all the goings-on in our schools. For some people, writing a letter or email to the board is a big first step. All we can say is, it helps. Whatever step you take, it helps.

• Email [email protected] - your engagement matters

 

• Ask that the board form a committee as the rules require to explore consolidation, so when they are presented information regarding public business, it's done publicly so community members may stay informed

 

• Attend the regular school board meeting August 17th @ 6:30PM Nagel Library or watch on Facebook Live on the Advocate FHSD page, brought to you by our stream team, or on YouTube on the FHSD channel

 

• Sign up to speak at the regular meeting. Prepare a 1 and up to 3 minute speech to share with the board. Rules for speakers located HERE 

 

• Talk to your friends and neighbors. An informed community is our biggest asset, and personal connections are always the most successful way to engage others.​​

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