ROISD Trustee will vote no on district contract tracing

RED OAK – Red Oak ISD Trustee Place 5 Penny Story says she will vote “no” on paying for issues resulting from ROISD using contract tracing.

The resolution regarding Story’s referenced contract tracing did pass according to Beth Trimble, CPC, Red Oak ISD, Executive Director of Communications.

“The resolution regarding extended sick leave during the epidemic was approved 6-0 with one absent trustee – Dr. Joy Shaw,” Trimble said. 

A resolution regarding extension of leave for employee quarantine was also approved 5-1, with Story voting “no.”

“I will be asking for a public workshop on suggested policy changes from Texas Association of School Boards,” Story said prior to Monday night’s Red Oak ISD school board meeting.

Trimble confirmed the board is planning to hold a workshop on the TASB Update 116 for five local policy changes recommended by TASB following legal changes.

The Texas Association of School Boards is a voluntary membership organization. Story said the district pays $11,500 per year to be part of the organization – and, “the organization supports a group called Student Voice, which supports liberal, Marxist ideas.”

A brief look at the Student Voice website did not readily indicate Marxist ideas stating, “We believe that since schools are the first civic institution many young people interact with as stakeholders, they should teach students how to meaningfully engage in the democratic process.” And, “We envision an education system where students and adults work as partners to create meaningful change in their schools and communities. Through committed youth-adult partnerships, we cultivate a shared commitment to creating more equitable social outcomes.”

Story also invited a nationally known “Classic Education authority,” Alice Linahan, to speak at Monday night’s meeting regarding the curriculum being presented. Linahan is the founder of Voice Empower and the author of “Your Child’s #1 Threat; 21st Century Learning and the Common Core.”  

Trimble confirmed Linahan, from Argyle ISD, did speak about the Strategic Plan Social Emotional Learning skills. 

“Red Oak ISD Curriculum & Learning follows the TEA TEKS / Scope & Sequence for courses,” Trimble concluded “as discussed by Scott Rogers, Exec. Director of Curriculum & Learning during the Curriculum Update.