KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. He also covers agricultural topics. Share your story idea with Ryan.
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In December 2024, the Paola School District decided, in accordance with a USD 368 board policy, to take down Safe Zone signs from school campus buildings.
A "Safe Zone," according to Paola High School freshman Ellie Johnson, indicates the school is accepting of all groups of people.
"It was a rainbow triangle that said, 'Safe Zone,'" she explained. "We want to foster a welcoming environment for Native Americans, all races and different groups of people."
Since January, Paola High School students have amplified their voices to the USD 368 school board.
"I just want the Safe Zone signs to go back up," Johnson told KSHB 41.
That's the goal — to obtain board permission to put the signs back on the school's walls, designating the campus safe for all.
"Imagine not being able to show your true skin," explained Caden Griffith-Hizey, a Paola High School sophomore. "You walk around and feel like people can see you're not wearing your own skin. But you can't show them your real skin because horrible things could happen to you if you do."
Griffith-Hizey identifies with the LGBTQ+ community.
She's fighting for equality in her school's hallways.
"I want to foster a welcoming environment," Giffith-Hizey said.
Since the group of about 10 students started the Safe Zone sign fight, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, per the group.
At the April 14 meeting, the students, again, received pushback from a community member during the public comment period.
"I don't have any problems with you kids, but you're here to learn," said Paola resident Steve Speakman.
Speakman failed to address the board, facing the group of students behind him instead.
A school board member asked Speakman to address the board.
He later went on to add, "I don't know if any of you are lesbians... Do you even know what that is?"
Following Speakman's public comment opportunity, he addressed the board and students.
"I think you all have severe psychological problems," he said.
The board stepped in as Speakman left the stand.
In response to the April 14 meeting, Elsie Blackmore, alongside her classmates, relaunched the Gay-Straight Alliance club (GSA).
"With what happened last week, we've seen some of that in our student body," Blackmore said. "It's been really stressful."
Blackmore is the standing president of the GSA club, which has come and gone a few times in its history at the school.
In just one week, Blackmore told KSHB 41 the group has welcomed in more students to the club than anticipated.
The GSA even offered a student a chance to share their opinion during the club's first meeting.
"In such a rural community, there is going to be a clash of opinions," Blackmore explained. "After last week, we are seeing such a great response from our community. What we are lacking is that response at meetings from our student body... We can only do so much as students. But they care so much about the taxpayers and voters to come up and share their opinions, so we need more support for them."
Blackmore is asking her peers and residents to stand by them at the May 12 Board of Education meeting.
KSHB 41 reached out the each USD 368 Board of Education member and the district superintendent for an interview — no one made themselves available.
Kansas Republican House Rep. Samantha Poetter-Parshall also resides on the Paola School Board.
The USD 368 Board of Education issued this statement:
"There has been much public discussion regarding the Board of Education enforcement of board policy IFA – Classroom Displays and the removal of Safe Zone Signs. This decision was a directive by the board to the superintendent as part of the December Executive Session as it related to the superintendent’s evaluation. The board believes all areas of a school should be safe for all students. Board members always appreciate hearing from students. Our leadership team continues to work closely with Paola High School students and staff to make sure our entire school is safe and we want every student to be supported so they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential."
Carla Blackmore is Elsie's mom. She told KSHB 41 she's been at each meeting in support of her daughter and her students. Carla Blackmore also expressed her displeasure with how the board has responded to the students speaking up for what they believe in.
"This is what you teach your kids to do; stand up for [what] you feel is right," she said. "These kids show up and are polite and respectful... These adults that I can vote for sit up there and roll their eyes, not paying attention. It infuriates me... I just want this on the agenda to be discussed... What happened Monday is an escalation of you doing nothing."
The USD 368 Board of Education provided KSHB 41 with the IFA - Classroom Display policy:
Materials displayed in and around a classroom are generally considered instructional materials and must comply with board policy. They may be selected by the classroom teacher but should be grade-level appropriate and align with the subject-matter being taught. Materials or displays not meeting these criteria are subject to removal by the principal.
Classrooms are not public forums for the display or distribution of political, religious, or personal viewpoints. Employees may not use classrooms for the posting or display of materials to promote or convey a political, religious, or personal message.
This policy does not require a principal to remove photos, decorations, or other personal items from a teacher’s desk or surrounding area as long as the items do not disrupt the learning process.
The next USD 368 Board of Education meeting is set for Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m.
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