The Bethel School district isn’t feeling the love this Valentine’s Day from many parents. They’re upset about recent policy changes in classroom holiday observances. Briana Friden reports.
At a recent Bethel School District board meeting streamed online, tempers flared as parents confronted educators.
“This isn’t fair to anybody. This isn’t fair to you guys, this isn’t fair to the parents outside” exclaimed one parent.
“Everyone came here for a reason!” shouted another.
District officials say, “some Bethel residents are concerned the district is removing holiday celebrations from schools”. The most recent outrage is about the decision to not observe Valentine’s Day through card swapping and classroom parties.
Other examples include no costumes on Halloween and rebranding Thanksgiving as “Harvest Day.” Parents have demanded more time to discuss holiday policy.
“You guys don’t owe us every single holiday. But what you do owe us is an even playing field across the board” called out an unidentified man.
The Bethel School District Board has scheduled a special meeting for February 15th to hear public comment.