Feb 11, 2021 / 06:25 AM EST
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) Families in the Hamilton Southeastern Schools district said Wednesday they will not back down until Superintendent Allen Bourff steps down.
Concern continues to grow across the district. Thousands have signed petitions disagreeing with the way Bourff suggested teachers discuss the Black Lives Matter Movement in the classroom.
On Wednesday night, nearly 20 people stood holding signs in subfreezing temperatures and snow to send a message to the school board members meeting inside. The group says they were blocked from entering and speaking.
Aaron Ferris said he was in communication with the superintendent’s assistant who told him there would be limited capacity at the meeting due to COVID-19 and he would need to sign up early. Ferris did and was told he would get in, but that changed when he filled out the public comment section of his request.
Bourff called it One of the most significant issues of our time.” Too little too late,” said parent Amber Welch, who also stood outside the school board meeting with a sign.
Credit: Hamilton Southeastern Schools
At the meeting, HSE school board President Jane Pritchett apologized for Monday’s letter. We know that our students, teachers, and community deserve more than an apology. We must commit to reopen relationships, restore trust and prevent this hurt in the future,” said Pritchett. I challenge us all to stand in solidarity against injustice, racism, and violence and to continue the quest for equality,” Pritchett added.
Feb 9, 2021 / 10:46 PM EST
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Allen Bourff to step down.
They’re criticizing how he wants the Black Lives Matter Movement addressed in classrooms.
The petition created by parent Amber Welch calls for Bourff’s replacement to be, in her words, someone of higher character, preferably a person of color. Welch also said current events and history need to be taught from a more honest perspective.
An email Bourff sent to faculty surfaced on an a Hamilton Southeastern parent Facebook page. Welch said the part where Bourff called the Black Lives Matter Movement political bothered several parents.
Schools Planning For Vaccine Rollout
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) Officials from both the Fishers and the Hamilton County health departments are discussing options for school employees to be vaccinated, even though they don’t know when that will happen.
For both departments, keeping school going without interruption is a top priority. However, the way each is planning vaccinations for school staff is a little different.
Hamilton County is considering a phased approach.
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Christian Walker said based on current supply, he can’t justify opening sites to teachers only.
“Carmel Clay Schools would go through two weeks of vaccine just to do their school district,” Walker said.