CCSD to join massive lawsuit against social media titans

During its June meeting, the Churchill County Board of School Trustees heard a Level 3 grievance, approved the district joining a lawsuit against social media giants and revived the student-built home construction program.

During board reports Trustee Joe McFadden said that in the past few weeks board members had attended events including the Adult Education graduation, Churchill County High School scholarship awards night and CCHS graduation. On behalf of the board, McFadden and President Tricia Strasdin extended thanks and appreciation to the donors, event coordinators, students and the community who made the events successful.

A Level 3 grievance filed by teacher Lisa Fritz was heard by the board. Fritz alleged that the district violated article 16-23 of the collective bargaining agreement and also policy 4811 by not submitting her early buyout application to the board of trustees.

Fritz and Churchill County Education Association Teacher’s Rights Chairwoman Lori Kaiser presented a slideshow that included a reading of the article and policy in question and a timeline of document submittals and email discussions.

Ultimately, the board denied the grievance with a 6-1 vote in part because the submitted application was for a program that is not currently active.

The board unanimously authorized the Frantz Law Group of San Diego, Calif., and its Nevada co-counsel Maupin, Cox & LeGoy to conduct litigation against social media companies including, but not limited to, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Google on behalf of CCSD.

Maupin, Cox & LeGoy Attorney Paul Anderson attended in person to answer questions relating to the mass litigation. Frantz Law Group Lead Attorney William Shinoff gave a presentation via webchat.

“This case is focused on a number of social media companies intentionally addicting children to their platform,” Shinoff said.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a major advisory May 26 of a “profound risk of harm” to the mental health and well-being of 12 to 18-year-old youths which is directly attributed to their use of social media platforms.

Shinoff said the surgeon general only makes a major advisory when something has become a crisis.

CCSD joins 500 school districts nationwide in the suit which is intended to force social media companies to change their practices in determining what type of content can be sent to minors. Possible awarded damages could include funding for mental health programs in the districts participating in the suit.

The CCHS student-built home construction program that had been temporarily on hold was revived for the 2023-24 school year. The board awarded a contract in the amount of $70,000 to David Dakin of Stillwater Homes, LLC to serve as general contractor, supervisor and instructor.

School-to-Career Coordinator Sue Segura and Churchill County High School Principal Tim Spencer invited the community and the board to attend a career fair Aug. 10 at the 3C Rafter Arena beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Forty-five tables will fill the arena with representatives from local businesses, colleges and the military available to discuss students’ plans.

Food for the event has been funded by a donation from New Millennium Building Systems.

“It’s going be a great evening for the community,” Segura said.