Most of the Oct. 12 meeting of the Eureka Springs School Board dealt with an annual report to the public. A short business meeting followed that presentation, and board member Ginger Johnson continued a discussion she had initiated at the September meeting, asking whether this district should join in a lawsuit targeting social media companies and their policies to keep children dependent on their sites.
Johnson said a class-action suit had initially involved only large school districts, but Meta has already settled out of court with a small school in Kentucky. A trial is scheduled in February in Arizona, and the outcome of that case may determine the future of similar lawsuits.
The lawsuits allege that social media companies target young users, who then become users for life. Johnson agreed with the need for parents to regulate their family’s use of social media, but she said these companies know their products can hurt children. As an example, she said research shows that one in five Instagram users said the site makes them feel worse about themselves. The school has had to use resources to deal with online conflicts and threats.
Although other board members agreed with the problems of social media, they objected to joining a class-action suit. Board member Gayla Wolfinbarger said class-action suits primarily benefit attorneys. Any settlement money remaining after attorneys take their fees would be spread over many litigants.
Johnson compared the situation to tobacco companies targeting kids, and legal actions helped to change that. She cast the only vote in favor of joining the lawsuit.
In other business:
- A proposed budget for the 2028-29 school year was approved, along with a related sample ballot. The proposed budget was prepared by the district’s financial advisor.
- Renovating the old elementary cafeteria will create a series of small rooms, which can be used as offices, for meetings, or for small-group instruction.
Information from the annual report will be posted on the district’s website.