Richard Fleming, School Board Trustee Place 4, made the following comments on June 4 regarding the lawsuit Guillermo Ramos vs. Carrollton-Farmers Branch at the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School Board Meeting.
“In the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD’s statement of beliefs; bullet point #2 we state the that: “Diversity strengthens the community and enriches the fabric of our society”
We have a very diverse student body, teaching staff and district staff. Those groups reflect the CFB-ISD districts core statement of belief on diversity. The greatest asset in the Carrollton Farmers Branch School District is the diversity of our students where a multitude of different languages are spoken. Ladies and gentlemen that is truly blessing not only for our kids but the community as a whole.
Yet somehow our core belief in diversity has not been fulfilled in regards to diversity in the membership of our school board.
It has been almost a quarter of a century since a member from the Hispanic community has served on this school board. Although the board does its best to feel the needs of the people.
In addition. There has only been one African American that has served on this board; I am not sure if we have ever had a member from the districts vast Asian community to serve on the board. Part of the problem is the fact there is no turnover on the board. Especially incumbents that are doing a great job but part of problem is the fact there are no term limits for school board members. Part of any viable solution has to be term limits.
How can we ever hope that our student body will fully appreciate the importance of diversity if that very concept has eluded us as board members?
In conclusion, I truly believe that we the board members as a corporate body will deal with this lawsuit in an expeditiously graceful manner in which it deserves.”
