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Heads up! We have scanned the upcoming agenda for RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS. We found 6 items that need your immediate attention before the vote.
| HIGH CONCERN (LEVEL 10) |
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District to Allow ‘Smart Speakers’ in Classrooms
The Board is voting on Policy 3050, which would explicitly permit teachers to use ‘smart speaker’ devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home in the classroom. These devices are designed to be ‘always listening,’ creating a significant privacy and data-security risk for every child in the room.
Recommended Action Plan
PACK THE ROOM: This is a critical threat to student privacy. Email the Board of Education (contact info on the district website) and sign up for public comment. Demand they vote NO on Item 7.1, Policy 3050. ‘I do not consent to my child being recorded by an always-on listening device in the classroom. Vote NO on this policy.’
💰 Impact: Your Child’s Privacy
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| HIGH CONCERN (LEVEL 8) |
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Board Adopts Lobbying Plan for SEL, Equity Agenda
An attachment to the Government Relations Update (Item 6.2) reveals the Board’s official legislative goals for 2025-2026. The district plans to use taxpayer resources to lobby the state legislature for programs promoting ‘Social Emotional Learning (SEL),’ ‘Equity,’ and the ‘Whole Child,’ while actively opposing school choice and voucher programs.
Recommended Action Plan
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Contact the Board of Education (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). Ask them: ‘Why are our local tax dollars being used to lobby for ideological agendas like SEL and against parental choice in education? The Board’s job is to focus on academics in Ralston, not political lobbying in Lincoln.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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| NEEDS REVIEW (LEVEL 7) |
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New 1:1 Device Program Hidden in Consent Agenda
Buried in the Teaching & Learning subcommittee minutes (attached to Consent Agenda Item 4) is a discussion to potentially replace Chromebooks with a new Apple ‘Neyo’ laptop for all students in grades 5-12. This is a massive financial and screen-time decision being moved forward without a dedicated public discussion or presentation of academic benefits.
Recommended Action Plan
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board of Education before the meeting. ‘I demand the Teaching & Learning subcommittee minutes be pulled from Consent Agenda Item 4 for a separate discussion. Parents deserve to know the academic justification and screen time impact of a new device program before any decisions are made.’
💰 Impact: Increased Screen Time
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| NEEDS REVIEW (LEVEL 6) |
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Unexplained 1400% Increase in Federal Grant
The Grant Funding Report (Item 6.8) reveals a 1,438% increase in the federal ‘Title III – Immigrant’ grant, jumping from $15,473 to $238,017 in one year. The district has not provided any public explanation for this massive increase or detailed what new programs or staff this money will fund, which often come with ideological strings attached.
Recommended Action Plan
ASK THE QUESTION: Contact the Board of Education (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding the Grant Report (Item 6.8), please explain the 1438% increase in the Title III Immigrant grant. What specific programs, curriculum, and personnel will this $222,000 fund, and what federal requirements are attached?’
💰 Impact: $222,544 (Federal Strings Attached)
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Board Policy Limits Public Comment Time
Under agenda item 3.1, the board states it will ‘generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.’ If more than 10 people sign up to speak, that time is divided equally, potentially cutting individual speaking time to less than three minutes and limiting the community’s ability to be heard on important issues.
Recommended Action Plan
DEFEND YOUR VOICE: When you sign up for public comment, politely note the time constraint. Email the Board President: ‘Parents are the most important stakeholder. I urge you to extend or waive the 30-minute total time limit for public comment when parent turnout is high to ensure every voice is heard.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Parent Voice
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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District Protects and Details Advanced Learner Program
The board reviewed the High Ability Learner (HAL) program, which provides robust services for gifted students, including enrichment, project-based learning, and radical acceleration in math. At a time when many districts are dismantling advanced programs in the name of ‘equity,’ Ralston is maintaining and showcasing a strong academic pathway for high-achieving students.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Show up or email the Board to thank them for supporting the HAL program (Item 6.5). ‘Thank you for continuing to invest in the High Ability Learner program and for recognizing the need for accelerated and enriched academics. Please continue to protect these vital opportunities for our students.’
✅ Why It Matters: Protecting Academics
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“We do not co-parent with the government.”
Moms for Liberty is the nation’s largest grassroots organization fighting for parental rights. Through national members and local chapters, our work ensures parents, not the government or radical activists, make the decisions concerning the upbringing and education of their children.
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