ANOKA, Minn. — The Anoka-Hennepin school board met for the first time Monday since board member Matt Audette threatened to not vote in favor of the 2024-25 budget.
One of its members, Matt Audette, is threatening a showdown if the district doesn't get rid of a laundry list of programs around gender and racial equity. Audette wrote a lengthy Facebook post on April 12 that, in part, says, "It is time to put a stop to the spreading of divisive, one-sided views, training, and learning that go against the values and beliefs of many families, students, and staff in our community."
In response, hundreds of students gathered and held a unity march ahead of the meeting and included several speakers like junior Sydney Oundo.
“I was flabbergasted because I think when we think about Minnesota is we don’t think about things like this happening to us,” said Oundo. “I think what made me so surprised and hurt is knowing this can happen to anybody in any state.”
There are six board members and Audette claims two other members support him. Without a majority, the budget won't pass and state law requires districts approve a budget by July 1. If that doesn't happen, a district can't spend any money and it will essentially cease operations — including teacher salaries and health insurance to grounds keeping and construction projects.
The dozens of people speaking out during public comment lasted hours, with many of them asking for everyone to unite and compromise.
There were a few people who spoke out in support of Audette, one of them saying, “Keep social justice out of the classroom and focus on academics.”
The board members have not responded to KARE 11 interview requests and only two issued a written statement that co-chair Kacy Deschene reiterated at the meeting that said, in part, “No decisions have been made or direction given involving these matters. The School Board remains committed to our shared leadership model, working together to find a path forward."
The board will formally adopt the budget next month and discussions will continue around whether to pass it. The district is grappling with a budget deficit and has to make some $25 million in reductions over the next two years.
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