A Message from the Board President

Dear Penfield Schools Community,
 
On behalf of the Penfield Board of Education, I would like to address the events that occurred during our Tuesday, Feb. 11th Board meeting.
First, I would like to emphasize that under Open Meetings Law, Board of Education meetings are business meetings that are held in public. Recognizing that community members would like to share their concerns with us during our business meetings, we have included a designated public comment period on our agendas.

Unfortunately, at our Feb. 11th meeting, there were multiple disruptions which led us to recess the meeting. These disruptions prevented us from completing our business, hearing from residents during the public comment period, and perhaps most concerning, left a student visibly shaken. 
It’s imperative to address the significance of these disruptions and the need for us to suspend the meeting:

Disruptions and the Need for Recess
As detailed in our public comment policy, a productive and respectful school board meeting requires that all participants adhere to the principles of decorum and our District Code of Conduct. When individuals in attendance repeatedly spoke over the Assistant Superintendent and the Board President, it undermined the ability of district leadership to conduct official business and engage in meaningful discourse. Such interruptions not only disrupt the meeting's proceedings but also prevent the board from addressing critical matters affecting the school district and community.

Offensive Conduct and Racially Insensitive Behavior
Additionally, the presence of an individual wearing an ape suit at the meeting was deeply offensive and unacceptable. Such imagery is rooted in historically racist tropes that have been used to dehumanize Black individuals. The display of this attire at a public meeting where Black board members and a Black superintendent were present was not only inappropriate but also an act of racial intimidation.
The Penfield Central School District is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We unequivocally condemn any behavior that seeks to demean or marginalize individuals based on race or any other identity.

Commitment to a Respectful Dialogue
Our district values the voices of all community members and encourages constructive engagement. However, respect, civility, and adherence to meeting protocols must be upheld to ensure that all discussions remain productive. With this in mind, we have decided to pause public comment at BOE meetings during the months of March and April so that we can all work together toward restoring a positive environment in which respectful conversations can take place. In the meantime, should you have concerns you wish to bring to the Board’s attention, please email us at our Board email address: boepublic@PenfieldSchools.onmicrosoft.com

Sincerely,

Dr. Emily Roberts, President
Penfield Board of Education