SOUTHLAKE (WBAP/KLIF)- The Carroll ISD Board of Trustees discussed a detailed plan on how to handle racist incidents at last nights’ meeting.
More than 100 speakers signed up for public comments for the virtual school board meeting to discuss their thoughts on the “Five-year Cultural Competence Action Plan”.
“When we live in a town infamous for multiple viral videos of students using racial slurs and audio clips of parents using racial and homophobic rhetoric we have to acknowledge the need for change and implement those changes,” said Former CISD Student Kallie Smith.
Former and current CISD students and parents voiced their appreciation for the plan, expressing they’re experiences with racism in CISD schools. However, others argued it is too costly. According to a petition on southlakefamilies.org the plan is expected to cost $425,000 it’s first year and then $250,000 annually.
Those who are opposing the plan asked the board to delay its vote for 6 months so parents can properly review the 34-page document.
“I do believe the issue of racism needs to be addressed however I don’t believe this document is the correct method,” said Randy Robbins. “We are facing uncertainty of state funding, student attendance and a potential budget shortfall…adding something of this magnitude is not a fiscally responsible thing to do,” he said.
Robbins argued that it’s bad timing to implement a plan of this magnitude during a pandemic. “The dual implementation of online and on-campus learning will be a daunting task already and asking leaders to implement a plan of this breath is not appropriate,” he said. Last Night the board ultimately decided to formally accept the plan but to hold workshops to discuss the plan further before it will be considered for adoption.
The district’s Diversity Council made the plan after a video of CISD students saying the n-word went viral in 2018.
