FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – corrected date

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Contact: jbryan@reg4.k12.ct.us

REGION 4 BOE TO CONTINUE DISCUSSION REGARDING MASCOT AND USE OF NATIVE AMERICAN IMAGERY AT VALLEY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Over the course of the 2019-20 school year, the Region 4 Board of Education began public discussion about the status of the VRHS mascot and usage of Native American imagery to represent the school and its various programs. This discussion in part, was in response to a petition to change the mascot that had been received by the Region 4 BOE and the central office. Central office worked with the high school administration to hold focus groups of students and staff at VRHS to assess the school’s sentiment on the issue. Administration followed up in a public presentation to the Region 4 BOE on March 05, 2020.

On Tuesday, August 04, 2020 at 6:30 p.m., the Region 4 BOE will meet to provide time for public comment and to continue their discussion on the issue. All interested stakeholders are strongly encouraged to join the meeting and share their comments. To listen and/or participate on August 4th, Please Dial (‪US)‪+1 (440) 561-6781 PIN: 299 253 771#

Additionally, there will be a special meeting held Monday, August 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. for the Region 4 BOE to hear additional public comment; have a follow-up discussion; and a possible vote on the issue. Again, all interested stakeholders are strongly encouraged to join the meeting and share their comments. To listen and/or participate on August 10th, Please Dial (US)+1 (929) 900-1739 PIN: 692 956 407# The Region 4 BOE and administration look forward to hearing from as many stakeholders as possible on this meaningful issue.