Parent raises concerns about racism, bullying in New Kent school system

A parent of a New Kent student has expressed concerns about the culture for black students in the school system.

Tiffany Lewis addressed members of New Kent County’s School Board during Monday night’s regular board meeting. Lewis told board members that black students are still facing several issues within the confines of buildings.

“I am addressing as a concerned and disappointed parent,” she said. “As a parent of black children in this district, my concern is clear and undeniable.

“It has been the experience of many black students and families that New Kent County Public School shas a climate and culture of problematic racism,” Lewis continued. “I am sure many of you are well-versed in the Green vs. New Kent County Supreme Court case in 1968 when the entire county watched as the Supreme Court unanimously decided that New Kent County Public School board and boards across the county should integrate schools immediately.”

Lewis continued, talking about the historic significance of the landmark case and how it should help minority students and not hinder them.

“There are a myriad of incident reports being processed in your schools daily regarding racist, verbal, and physical altercations towards black students,” she added. “In New Kent County Schools, black students are being called [a derogatory term], they are being called monkeys, and other racial epithets from some of their white peers and classmates.

“When black students follow protocol and are brave enough to report these incidents, they are met with a lack of accountability or even questions about their alleged participation,” Lewis said as she wrapped up her comments. “Black parents are given quote on quote investigation promises and responses like we can’t help what children hear at home. This is inexcusable.”

District 3 Board Member Heather Donbrosky commented on the issue during board comments.

“Thank you for coming out and speaking,” she said. “We cannot address problems that we’re not familiar with, and it’s so important that we speak out about these issues.

“I’ve been contacted by other parents who have been concerned about the bullying issues,” Donbrosky continued. “I feel we need to do a better job in addressing what’s going on and can’t do that unless we have people who come out and speak out.”

In another issue, New Kent County Public Schools Director of Finance Haynie Morgheim addressed board members about the upcoming budget.

Morgheim commented that while the state budget isn’t available, the school system is planning to make adjustments for the upcoming cycle due to dialogue with the county’s board of supervisors. Currently, the finance director is expecting to make $277,805 in cuts while also looking for another $222,195 to help balance the budget.

Among proposed eliminations to address the budget include decreasing summer school funding, eliminating a health and physical education teacher, eliminating a gifted teacher, eliminating a reading specialist at the middle school, reducing healthcare, residency tuition, and reducing residency salaries. Increases are expected in the areas of after school remediation, a two-percent salary adjustment being increased to three percent and modifying the Beta Club stipend to grade two.

Currently, the county is proposing a $700,000 increase in the general fund transfer line to the school system. New Kent County schools have requested $1.2 million.