The Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board Meeting on Thursday, October 5, brought together a diverse range of voices and celebrated outstanding achievements within our community. From academic excellence to concerns about inclusivity, the meeting addressed various vital topics.

The meeting opened with a commemoration of academic excellence. Lukas Cao (12) and Ky-An Dinh (12), students from Ayala High School, were celebrated for their exceptional performance on the Advanced Placement Research Exams, where they achieved perfect scores. This outstanding accomplishment places them among the top 1.26% of students internationally, who earned the prestigious perfect score status, highlighting the district’s commitment to academic excellence.

“There were so many late nights that my sister would spend doing her work because there was just so much care required,” Ky-An’s brother, Khai Dinh (9) said. “I remember watching her type away with sheer determination.”

However, the meeting also addressed some pressing concerns within the CVUSD community. Ayala students Rochelle Henare (12) and La’Maya Epps (12) spoke up about their experiences of racism in class, expressing feelings of isolation and sharing encounters of ridicule from their peers. These discussions shed light on the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the district, prompting further dialogue. 

Current Ayala English teacher Ms. Wei Yeh followed by validating and emphasizing the significance of students’ voices in front of the board.

“It’s important that the board is made aware of what our school culture is like,” Yeh said.  “If there are students who are not happy with the way things are, then it’s my job as a teacher, as an educator, to amplify their voices.” 

Yeh’s commitment to amplifying student voices resonates with the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment.

“Everybody in their life needs a support system,” Epps said. “If I didn’t have the support I needed, I probably would have never spoken up.”

Another issue raised during the meeting was the shortage of teachers within the CVUSD district. A concerned parent expressed worries about the impact of this shortage on the quality of education their children receive, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to attract and retain qualified educators.

A topic that sparked significant debate was the controversial issue of book banning in school libraries. One parent strongly objected to what they termed a “book-banning rampage,” citing concerns about moral outrage and the potential impact on students. 

Lastly, a parent raised concerns about LGBTQ+ students who may not feel safe coming out to their families. They argued that the district’s policies might endanger the welfare of these students, igniting a passionate debate within the community about the best way to support and protect all students. This issue has divided the community, with some supporting the removal of certain content and others endorsing the district’s stance on students coming out to their parents as part of their educational experience. 

The CVUSD Board Meeting served as a platform for vital discussions within the community, addressing academic achievements, diversity and inclusion, teacher shortages, and contentious issues surrounding book bans and LGBTQ+ student welfare. These conversations reflect the diverse perspectives and concerns within the CVUSD community and showcase the importance of open dialogue and engagement to foster positive change in our school district.