I'm sorry. [Music] Yeah, guys, you're on you're on the screen. You can be seen from inside the room. Can you hear? Okay. Thumbs up if you can hear the volume through the Josh. You just let us know when you're ready. You're ready. Okay.
All right. We'll go ahead and get started. Um I have the public comment uh signup sheet here. So I just want to read off a few house rules um as we're um going into the public comment portion of this meeting. So per board policy
H225, we will accept comment on today's agenda item. You will be limited to two minutes each. Shay is going to be our timer. And uh we will allow 30 minutes total for all speaking points. Um so please keep your comments concise and
respectful. Um and please announce your name prior to speaking. So I the first name on here is Billy Joe King. We were told to sign up when we came in. That was my fault. Oh. Oh, sorry. Sorry.
Speak. Oh, it's okay. It's okay. I mean, I don't mind to speak, but that's up to you. I definitely wasn't expecting to stand up and speak first or anything like that. Were you going to announce what the agenda was or
uh Yes. So, it's recommendation of personnel. Um that it's in relation to Huh. In relation to Mr. Buck. In relation to Mr. Buck. Yes. That's you. Um, basically I have had uh three
children in the school system. Um, I currently have a child in Mr. Buck's classroom and he was told as soon as this happened that um, he's no longer attending that class. If he's has to be picked up from the school and withdrawn
from the school, that's what we have to do. I do not want my child in his classroom whatsoever. Thank you. Um I apologize. Having a hard time walking.
Yep. Okay, perfect. He was actually told to go to the principal office that he will not attend that class. I think the presence of the people here speaks enough. Thank you. Uh, it looks like Bradley Davis is
crossed out. Uh, Jennifer Davis. Yeah. So, I want to speak on behalf of what I feel like is the entire Triton Central community right now when I say that to not get rid of Mr. Buck in the school system would be a very poor
decision on all of our behalfs. the negative impact that he has had on myself, other past students, current students, and future students is something that needs to be taken heavily into consideration with this. I think when you look at where we are as a community, that this would really turn
things in a bad direction. And so I, as a parent, as a representative of all the other parents, I think we all echo the same sentiments that it is Mr. Buck's time to go. He has had more than enough opportunities to change his ways over the years. We know that this man has had
more complaints than any other teacher in the system. I've heard it from so many people I can't even count that high, which is ridiculous. And we do not want this person teaching our children and promoting the things that he says and does. He makes unprofessional, inappropriate comments. This is not a
standard that is acceptable for a teacher that should be in our school system. Well said. Yes. Very well said. Thank you. Uh Holly McCoy. Yeah, that's me. I'm Holly McCoy. I'm going to try to keep it at two minutes. Okay, so I was told it
was Buck's freedom of speech to be able to say what he said. Um the Supreme Court Pickering versus Board of Education from 1986. It says a teacher does have that right. Um they are not protected though from um from
consequences if that right if that speech u makes intentional or reckless false statements. nor can they disrupt the educational interest of the school district. They cannot undermine authority adversely affect working relationships with the school, the
parents, the staff. Um it also says that that that it cannot uh disrupt the school operations, be unprofessional and is against employers interest on maintaining an effective learning environment. If Triton Central is telling me that they are okay with
keeping budge, but because it's his freedom of speech and that tells me that Triton Central is okay with saying that it is allowed and it's all right and it must be protected to murder someone in cold blood due to having a different of beliefs because that is what Buck is
telling our children. I do not feel that my children is safe. I don't feel that anybody's children is safe in his class. I have dealt with Buck for over six years now. I've had parent emails about Buck. I've brought it to the attention of Mr. Chandler and Mr. Hope and it
seems to always go swept under the rug. I've brought it to the school board many times as well. Twice actually, not many. And it has went in my opinion nothing has happened. Um Travis Sandos was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin teacher and he was
fired for making similar comments about Rush Limbaugh. Um he was removed from teaching because teachers are to be an example of tolerant, respectful and inclusive people. Um we can if it disrupts we do not have to if we allow
it to happen and it disrupts then he is not what happens after is not protected. Thanks Julian Dale. Um my name is Julian Dale. I have five children that attend the school district
from high school down to elementary. Um I will tell you this is my second year dealing with Mr. Buck in middle school now in high school. Um the comments made by him while they are freedom of speech. However, there are
certain members of the community, attorneys, doctors, teachers, they are held to a higher ethical moral standard. So freedom of speech, I'm all for it. Like absolutely, but you have to be respectful and you have to realize your position in a community. Realize how
many people people you are impacting. And I think that there's plenty of parents here that just outside of just this very specific incident have had so many negative interactions with him that it is ridiculous. I know I've had two since the beginning of the school year
and my kids missed the whole first week because we were taking their dad down for an appointment which seemed to be a very big issue for Mr. That tells me he is disrespectful. He does not care. This man was murdered in cold blood. He was a father. He was a
son. He was a husband. Nobody deserves that. And if he feels that way, that's fine. But it's also my understanding that he has also obeys some very racially motivated posts as well beyond the Charlie K. So if Tribe does not want to hold them
accountable, I I will tell you this is not just local attention at this point. We are getting it's gaining momentum. I do not want this school district that I have always been so proud to send my kids to school here. Purposely have not moved,
drove 2 hours one way for work, my husband has to keep our kids here. I do not want the spotlight on our school district by one bad apple and the school district is okay. You're telling the community that it is okay to behave this way. And it's also my understanding that
has kind of been the theme for him because this is not the first time that people have had a big big issue with him. Use this opportunity to get rid of him at this point. He has made his bed. He can lie in it. He wanted to tell my
child to grow up and be responsible and take accountability. How about you do that, Mr. Buffer? Um Jake J. Yes. Yes. I'm not really here to speak like someone else. I don't have the
education. I apologize for that. But I do feel that this is gone way too far. My kids don't feel safe and I don't feel safe having them here and I just wanted to make sure something was going to be done about it. Period. Thank you. And then Andrew
Carr car I'm assuming. Yeah, you're the last one. Um yeah, I have four boys uh who attend tri boys and I have one, two, three, four of the coaches sitting on board. No. Um and I think I have I have really
good boys who add a lot of value to this district. uh just in in their character and just how they carry themselves and uh we've had negative interactions with Mr. and uh my boys are pretty lowkey boys and just my my oldest coming home
uh one example is you know his grade wasn't as as good as we would expect it to have been last school year and uh so he began telling us about how much Mr. will intentionally embarrass the children in class as a result of making
mistakes. And so, as a father, I'm telling him, raise your hand, participate, get more engaged, make that up great. But that's essentially being um contradicted by him being intentionally embarrassed. He's a good
boy, doesn't get any trouble. Um, and so I along with some other parents I'm at a point where is it safe for my kid to go to this school system and my boys have been pretty damn much most of their lives except for my oldest. And so um I'm not
comfortable with my son going to this man's class any longer. Um, I mean, I have my reservations um about it before all this, and I initially wanted to address it, but my was adamant that I do not address it
because he was fearful of retaliation. If you say something, then he's going to keep embarrassing. And so, it's just um, as a person who's been in education for 20 years and a principal myself, like, I couldn't fathom it being. So, I would
just encourage and hope that we can do the right thing. You know, kids get first. Thank you. I'd like to ask a couple questions. I'm sorry if you didn't sign up on this show. I did. You forgot to uh ask concerned citizen.
Well, you'll have to state your name. I didn't know. I I don't have a problem stating my name. My name is Jeff Ael. Um, is Mr. Buck currently serving a 30-day suspension? Is that correct? I I'll I'll answer that. He's currently on administrative leave priming action
from his board. He has not been physically present on campus since last. Is that with or without pay? Is with pay. Is with pay. How many years are left on his contract? Uh each teacher signs a one-year contract, Mr. Ed. Okay. Um here's understand.
Is the board going to change the decision? Is that what this meeting is for? Is it just for us to put the input and nothing will happen? No, I understand the nature of your question. I hope you understand from our perspective, there's a limit to what we can discuss in a public setting. I understand that.
So, the board is here to listen to comment from the public and deliberate on taking action on recommendation from regards to this particular issue. I'm limited to what I can Jeff. I'm limited to what I can say outside. I I know that. I know that. That's fine.
I just he he's on administrative leave at this point. Hasn't been here since last week. How long? There's no date set to the administrative leave though vote. It's indefinite till this board takes action.
Just the next order of business on the agenda. Is it true that you guys having a hard time finding someone to replace and that's why that's level I can't I understand why you asked that. Well, I mean, there's a lot of speculation and rumor going on in the community.
Certainly is. And uh I was just I understand why you're asking. I I hope you understand there's a limit. I I do understand the legal ramifications. Okay. Thank you. And with that, we will move
into um Mr. Hook's recommendation. So for the board is I stated the employee has been on administrative leaves in this last week. Mr. Buck has submitted a request for leave till the end of the academic year and has submitted a notice of his
resignation or his retirement at on that time at last teacher day which is May 22nd. It's my recommendation that the board both grant his leave and accept his retirement. This does require a motion and a second. Um and because we've got our two virtual
men here, uh we'll have to do that individually rather than as a group. Um but we'll take any further board discussion on the matter if there is any. All right. Motion made by Karen. Second made by Sam. All right. So then
we'll do this by roll. Um starting with Mr. Turner. What is your vote? Yay. Yeah. Miss Tant. Yay. Miss Humphre. Yay.
Mr. Allen. Yeah. Mr. Plug. Yeah. Mr. Hensler. Yay. And myself. Yay.
Motion carries 70. Uh to accept Mr. Buck's leave of absence until the end of the year resulting in his retirement at the last day of school. Um with that, I would like to read uh a
statement on behalf of the board um and myself. Uh, I appreciate the community's patience as we've navigated this matter. I also appreciate those that have civily and respected or respectfully submitted their concerns to
Mr. Poke, the staff, and the board. I want to also reiterate a portion of the press release from earlier this week. Callous, insensitive, ill-advised, and nor mean-spirited expressions or comments expressed privately by employees do not reflect the values, beliefs, or philosophies of all things
we hold dear here at Triton Central Schools. We always strive to do what's best for our students, our parents, our staff, our administration, and all of you, our community, every day. Charlie Kirk's untimely death has grieved us as a community and as a nation.
It has caused us to reflect on our own lives and re-examine how we are called to live and treat our neighbors even if we disagree. That is what Charlie Kirk stood for. My call to all of us is to respect one
another even in disagreement. To remember that there is always a person behind every opinion. that we here at TC are first, best, and different in the very best ways. And I we are blessed to serve on this board,
to serve all of you, and to serve our community. So, thank you very much. And with that, I will take a motion to adjourn the meeting. Okay. So, movement by Shay, second, second by Wilson. All those in favor
signify by saying I. I. All those opposed. Meeting adjourned. Thank you all very much for being here tonight. I'm going to uh turn the phone call