Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Iranetta Wright didn't find out through her colleagues that Friday's Woodward vs. Taft varsity basketball game would limit spectators. She found out through social media.
Leaders from Woodward and Taft worked together to make the call because of a previous fight that broke out when the teams played each other in January. Adults from the stands were involved in the fighting, too, Wright said. But district leadership wasn't privy to the decision until parents were already informed through their schools' principals.
"I found out about the actual decision after it had already been placed on social media," Wright said during Monday night's school board meeting. "On a lot of different levels, there were questions.
"It became very public very fast."
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Community leader Ozie Davis posted about the decision on Facebook last week, prompting comments from Wright and board members.
Board member Kareem Moncree Moffett said: "I was not made aware that this was even under consideration to present to our families, nor was I asked for input. I'm learning of this at the same time as this post. I will certainly be asking the Superintendent about this for clarity to the community to understand the rationale."
Wright added in the thread: "As the Superintendent, I wasn't aware of this decision as it appears the principals and the athletic team thought it best to do so for the safety of their students. I have many questions that I will address with our staff."
The schools' leaders were concerned about experiencing another altercation at the game, Wright said Monday. And the district is reviewing its game policies to ensure safety and security measures are top-notch. But the superintendent hopes that in the future, the district can handle these situations in a streamlined way that includes conversations with the students and parents.
Friday's game ended without any altercations, Wright said.
While parents did comment on social media last week, no one spoke during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting
"I just wanted us to at least tell the community what happened," Moffett said during Monday's meeting. "Now we have an example of how parents feel and they do want to be included."
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