The issue of whether to adopt a policy regarding flags and other displays in Three Rivers classrooms will be on the docket tonight at the Three Rivers Community Schools (TRCS) Board of Education (BOE) meeting. At its February 20 meeting the board tabled the discussion and made assurances to continue crafting the policy at a future work session. 

The BOE is set to meet Monday evening at 6 p.m. for a regularly scheduled meeting, as well as a work session devoted solely to the flags and display policy. The current expectations for classrooms and common area displays listed in the BOE agenda packet for tonight’s meeting are:

• All displays must align to the District’s Mission Statement.
• Create a learning environment that stimulates interest and challenges student knowledge and understanding of the world.
• Encourages respect for the school environment and actively works to ensure it is an enriched place to work and learn.
• Uses display and resources to impact learning.
• Reflect a high-quality learning environment that has a direct impact on the standards and attitudes of the pupils in our schools.

In addition to the aforementioned expectations, the current administrative guidelines also state, “It is the responsibility of the building administrator to ensure classroom displays support a learning environment for all students that aligns with the district’s mission. In addition, classroom displays can be discussed as long as the displays do not substantially disrupt the educational environment. Teachers should consult with the building administrator and advise them of classroom displays being proposed.”

The guideline also states that in the event classroom displays violate the above expectations, the superintendent or designee will conduct an investigation of any alleged act or omission by a teacher that may result in disciplinary action. This disciplinary action may be reviewed by the BOE. 

According to the current guideline, appeals may be applied for in writing by the teacher or a family within three school days of the decision on a classroom display. The request for further review must be provided following the chain of command outlined in these steps:

1. The building principal will make a determination with the District Administrative team.

2. The superintendent will review the building administration team’s determination.

3. The BOE will make a final determination aligned with the district’s mission and following the public complaint process.

In December 2021 the school board voted unanimously to lift the district’s temporary Pride flag ban, which garnered both national and international attention. Though the ban was removed, the board announced plans to formulate a classroom display policy while utilizing community feedback and the aid of Neola, a third-party educational consulting firm. Policy 8805 drafted by Neola and proposed to the BOE would essentially prohibit flags unless representing the United States, State of Michigan, or a university. The recommendation to the BOE on February 20 was to not move forward with Policy 8805, and instead have administrators implement administrative guidelines at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year for classrooms and common area displays.

The Board of Education meeting location is inside the District Training Room in the Administrative Office Building at 851 Sixth Ave Rd, Three Rivers. 

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.