Discussion expected on school yearbook

The controversial Clovis High School yearbook is not a topic on the agenda at tonight’s school board meeting. But school Superintendent Rhonda Seidenwurm said she expects area residents will be voicing their opinions on the subject during the meeting’s open forum.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the school administration building.

The yearbook has attracted criticism from some local religious groups and others because photographs of two lesbian couples were published in a segment on relationships. The segment also included photographs of nine straight couples.

Seidenwurm said all school board meetings include a public forum in which anyone can speak for three minutes on school-related topics.

That forum takes place prior to the regular agenda at the beginning of the meeting. Anyone wanting to speak must fill out a form stating their name, Seidenwurm said.

The superintendent said the forum may be limited to one hour if more than 20 people ask to speak.

A group of students is expected to join parents in the open forum.

One issue likely to be discussed is the reason yearbook advisor Carol Singletary is no longer in that position.

Singletary confirmed Monday she is no longer the advisor of the student-run publication, but declined to answer questions.

Seidenwurm said Singletary resigned as the yearbook advisor about a month ago, prior to the controversy, and will still be teaching at the high school.

In a letter to school officials, Singletary said the yearbook needed more financial support from the school, according to Seidenwurm.