Freedom From Religion Files Grievance Against MSD

The Mansfield School Board met on Monday evening, October 21. Board members present included Trent Hayslip, Mark Barton, Dewayne Ward and Mike Gipson. Board President Rick Nicodemus was absent. Also present, Superintendent Joe Staton.

Missing from the agenda, and from the meeting…prayer. Gipson inquired about the omission. Staton shared that the Wisconsin group, Freedom From Religion, had filed a formal grievance against the school. As a result, prayer was removed from both the agenda and from the meeting itself.

This isn’t the first time FFR has come against the district. Last year, they rallied to end prayer at graduation.

Next, the board voted to go into executive session at 6:02 p.m. After reconvening at 6:28 p.m., members accepted the resignation of Carla Carter, a cafeteria worker at the elementary school. Additionally, voted to hire Emily Myers, full-time.

In the superintendent’s report, Staton shared training dates and times. Lastly, shared progress on repairs being done to the baseball field fencing. “We will try to have that done before wet weather gets here,” added Staton.

High School Principal Donnie Eveld and Elementary Principal Kim Arnold both gave brief positive progress reports.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield School Board was adjourned.