During its monthly meeting on December 11, the SCSD#3 Board witnessed a significant turnout of community members, with several parents voicing their concerns regarding the ‘House System’ implemented at Clearmont School last year. Out of the attendees, eight individuals spoke passionately about their thoughts on the system, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks.
One key speaker, Kelly Betz, a Clearmont graduate and parent of two children enrolled at the school, expressed her overall love for the institution. However, she urged the board to acknowledge that the House System may not work for all students. Betz suggested organizing a public forum to facilitate discussion, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.
Another parent, Amy Vineyard, also an alumnus of Clearmont, shared her views on the House System. While she recognized its potential benefits for elementary students, she raised concerns about its application within the high school environment, specifically criticizing the points system associated with the houses.
Sam Olson, another concerned parent, expressed his dissatisfaction by indicating that he would withdraw his daughter from Clearmont. He described the House System as feeling like a “cult” and advocated for a more optional approach that mirrors extracurricular activities like sports and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Olson’s family had moved to the area specifically for the educational opportunities provided by Clearmont, making his position even more poignant.
Cindy Miller, a parent who initially had a favorable impression of the school, revealed a significant change in her perspective and announced her intention to pull her daughter from Clearmont. This sentiment resonated with Katie Fennema, who has two daughters that graduated from the school and passionately supported Miller’s viewpoint.
Despite the criticisms, defenders of the House System also made their voices heard. Natalie Stoll, one of the house leaders, shared her positive impressions of the system. Additionally, Jesse Holland, a current student, endorsed the benefits he perceives in the House System, highlighting the mixed reactions within the student body.
In response to the community’s concerns, the board announced a listening session scheduled for December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the school gym, inviting everyone interested in discussing the House System to attend. This session aims to provide a platform for community input, allowing parents and residents to express their views and learn more about the initiative.
Additional discussions from the board meeting will be covered in a forthcoming report, ensuring that the community remains informed on all aspects of the school’s operations and ongoing developments.
