Student expelled for firearm in vehicle, parents air grievances about sporting events supervision policies

By Garrick Moritz, Gazette

            The Garretson School board had a very active session this last Monday. Every seat was full in the Garretson school library as the board convened for their regular monthly meeting, as parents wished to air grievances about the supervision policies at sporting events and the board discussed a student matter, in the end voting to expel the student.

            It should be noted that the School Board had two special meetings over the past three weeks for student and personnel matters, all of which were held behind closed doors in executive session.

            While the information about who and what those proceedings were about are unclear, it can be concluded that the student matter in question was related to a recent student arrest. The arrest occurred when a firearm was found in said student’s vehicle parked on school grounds by the school’s resource officer, Deputy Jason Aanenson, after a student complaint was filed.

            The other matter involved a parental complaint. The board directed attorney Rodney Freeman to prepare a statement of facts and conclusions, which resolved the complaint in the eyes of the board.

            As to the contents of the report and facts about the complaint, there are few details that have been made public.

            After the meeting began, and the agenda was approved, the board went to the Open Forum section of the meeting. Because of the rules change they made at the recommendation of the ASBSD (Associated School Boards of South Dakota), speaking to the school board in open session like this is a lot less onerous than it used to be.

            Board President Shannon Nordstrom recognized Natasha Mendoza to speak. Mendoza had prepared a presentation on the school’s current policies at sporting events, specifically the supervision rules that the school uses to create a controlled environment at said events.

            “These are reactionary policies that do not express the values of our families and our small-town consciousness,” she said. “Because of this, our families are re-thinking the merits of game attendance. The policies are pushing people away and that’s the last thing we want. The policies, as they are, won’t even let students go to the bathroom unaccompanied. Our students can’t even gain the experience to go and buy a candy bar without mom and dad helping. What question that we’re asking the board tonight is, what Garretson stands for? We have strong families that love and support our district, but we need to change direction!”

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