Champaign school parents tired of feeling unheard

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — People met in a Champaign firehouse on Sunday to talk about frustrations with the Champaign school board.

They voiced concerns about everything from FOIAs being denied, inadequate busing, and public comment cards. Chad Smith, who organized the meeting, said it was a good way for everyone to hear each other out and come up with a coordinated way to start a dialogue with the district.

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“The only way we’re going to come to a constructive conclusion or hopefully a beneficial result in what’s going on in the community with Unit 4 is to coalesce, come together, and actually present that in a very concise manner,” Smith said.

Joel Franken attended the meeting because he has been watching public comments in front of the board, and said he feels like that is getting parents nowhere.

“So much of what it seems the community is frustrated about doesn’t get addressed in the meetings, or if it is being addressed, I’m missing it somehow.”

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Parents said they feel the school board are acting as “gatekeepers” when it comes to public comment sessions at meetings.

Organizers handed out comment cards for parents to fill out in anticipation of Monday’s meeting. People will have 30 minutes collectively to speak at the meeting.

After that, the board will appoint a new assistant principal at Kenwood Elementary School. They will also discuss board member’s communications, and what those limits are.

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