School board backs no Halloween decision

PUYALLUP, Wash. – The school board stood firm despite pleas from an angry crowd: No Halloween in the schools.

“Improving student achievement is our highest priority,” board president Greg Heath told about 400 people at the board’s meeting Monday. “The school board supports the decision of our administration.”

Puyallup School District officials announced last week that festivities would be canceled to stop losing instructional time and to avoid offending believers in the Wiccan religion.

“Our children are very creative, and this mixes education and fun together. Let’s not take that away,” parent Vicki Hambroff told the board.