Fremont School District Statement

Fremont School District RE-2 would like to respond to allegations in the complaint filed in Federal Court by our employee, Rob Basevitz, claiming violations of the establishment clause by Florence High School. The district and our legal team have been working diligently to settle this matter informally, but regretfully, we were unable to do so.

Our first and foremost concern is for the uninterrupted education of our students and thank our staff for their continued focus their important work. I also, want to reassure our community that Florence High School has been, and continues to be, an educational institution that does not promote religion, as contended in the complaint. The majority of the information in the complaint is inaccurate, or at best, taken out of context. Any concerns raised by Mr. Basevitz were immediately addressed.

Additionally, it is important to understand that there has been no retaliation against Mr. Basevitz. All of the District's staffing decisions are based on the needs of our students and consistent with the terms of our negotiated agreement.

Fremont RE-2 School District is in compliance with the guidance in law regarding the separation of church and state. The district is committed to following the letter of the law, while still allowing students the right to have student led clubs that reflect their interests.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact me.

Thank you,

Rhonda Roberts

Fremont RE-2 Superintendent