Thursday, June 12, 2008
Fountain Valley schools consider 'In God We Trust' tonight
Board will discuss whether to consider resolution proposed by Ocean View School District Trustee John Briscoe.
By JULIE ANNE INES
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER


FOUNTAIN VALLEY – Just a week after the city of Fountain Valley nixed a proposal to display the national motto in Council Chambers, the local school board will discuss whether to display "In God We Trust" in its meeting room.

The Fountain Valley School District trustees will discuss tonight whether to put a resolution on a future agenda to display the national motto in the boardroom.

The resolution proposed by Ocean View School District Trustee John Briscoe states that the words "In God We Trust" be placed behind the dais in letters 6 inches tall or taller.

The motto will "have people think about our country and our governance," Briscoe said. It "belongs up there. It reminds them the basis of governance is our creator."

Fountain Valley School District Superintendent Marc Ecker said that he doesn't know what the board's interest in the matter would be.

The district is fortunate to have a board that focuses on its mission of teaching and learning, Ecker said. He added that he doesn't know how the national motto – or other mottos that would require spending time and money in their discussion – would further that mission.

Because the proposal is a request from a community member, however, Ecker said the board has an obligation to hear Briscoe's request.

District board President Pro Tem Joanne Lew said that since the resolution isn't officially on the agenda yet, it would be premature for her to discuss the matter.

Briscoe said that he wants to eventually bring the resolution to the elected leaders of the Huntington Beach City School District, Huntington Beach Union High School District and the Coast Community College District.

When a similar proposal was brought to the Westminster School District in March, the board did not make the necessary motion to place the resolution on an agenda.

The motto "should be on all places of governance," Briscoe said.
His own district discussed the matter in April, but trustees asked Superintendent Alan Rasmussen, who proposed the discussion, for more information about a display to be brought back at a future meeting.

A proposal to display "In God We Trust" at City Hall fizzled at the City Council meeting June 2 after the measure failed to get the three votes needed for it to pass.

The Fountain Valley School District board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at district offices,10055 Slater Ave.

Contact the writer: jines@ocregister.com or 714-445-6604





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