By Marilyn Deutsch
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NEWBERG, Oregon (KPHO) — The first and only Latina member of the school board for Newberg Public Schools has resigned, citing a “toxic work environment.”
Newberg Public Schools has been the subject of controversy for months, with a ban on political signs and the firing the school superintendent.
Ines Pea, who has been a member of the school board since 2017, resigned during Tuesday’s board meeting.
“I’m stepping down from my role on the Newberg School Board,” Pea said.
Pea wore both a Pride pin and a Black Lives Matter Pin, so it was clear where she stood on the issues that have shaken her school district.
In Newberg Public Schools, a battle between conservative and liberal values has played out over the past year. First, the majority – four members, of the school board voted to ban school staff from displaying political signs in schools. Pea was the minority vote.
Protests followed the ban. Some in the community said that the signs were harmful to students of color and LGBTQ+ at Newberg.
The conservative majority then voted without cause to fire Joe Morelock, the school superintendent.
In resignation, made in Spanish and English, Pea called her work environment “toxic.”
“This was by no means an easy decision, but it is the right decision for me. It was worth it. I have earned the right to leave this toxic workplace. I will no longer tolerate the emotional, and psychological abuse,” Pea said in a Facebook post. “To clarify, I don’t use the word ‘abuse’ lightly. Our board training includes being capable of identifying abuse. What I have witnessed, and what I know others have, is abuse. I will no longer contribute to the destruction done to our community. Instead, I will continue passionately advocating for the equitable education our students deserve.”
Pea served just more than three years on Newberg School Board. The board will now decide who should replace Pea.
Two board members – Chairman Dave Brown and Vice Chair Brian Shannon – were subject to a recall election last month. Although the recall has not been officially decided, it appears that Shannon and Brown will keep their seats.
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