Public comment at the Kern High School District (KHSD) board meeting was dominated by opposing viewpoints over recall efforts targeting two trustees, transgender student participation in athletics, and renewed calls to display the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Defense of trustees facing recall
One speaker, who identified themself as a teacher at Liberty High School, spoke in defense of David Manriquez and Steven Rodrigue, the two KHSD trustees facing a recall effort, saying the campaign stemmed from a vote to comply with California law allowing transgender athletes to participate in high school sports.
“Regardless of your opinion on this issue, in no way does their vote negatively impact the Kern High School District,” he said. “They are following the law.”
The teacher criticized the recall as politically motivated and urged the board and community to refocus on improving educational outcomes rather than engaging in divisive cultural issues.
Push to display the Ten Commandments in schools
Several speakers advocated for reinstating the Ten Commandments in district schools, framing the proposal as an effort to highlight foundational historical documents rather than promote religion.
Angelo Fraizer told the board that the Ten Commandments and the Bible played a central role in shaping the nation’s legal and moral framework. He argued that the U.S. was founded on freedom of religion, not freedom from religion, and said recent legal shifts support a historical interpretation of religious displays in public spaces.
“This effort does not advocate a theocracy or extreme nationalist ideology,” Fraizer said. “Rather, it is to seek to reflect what the founders envisioned.”
Another speaker said adding the Ten Commandments would make a significant shift back towards the values the United States was founded upon.
Fraizer said he and others were drafting a formal resolution for the board’s consideration and repeatedly framed his remarks in religious terms, stating that he prays for board members.
Opposition to religious displays in schools was voiced by multiple speakers, including longtime community advocate Nadine Escalante, who warned against what she described as political and religious interference in education.
Escalante defended trustees facing recall, saying they were elected by the community to represent students and families, particularly on the East Side. She emphasized that students have constitutional rights and said she had contacted the U.S. Department of Justice to alert civil rights attorneys about concerns related to religion in schools.
Brian Osorio, speaking on behalf of Building Healthy Communities Kern, also urged the board to maintain religious neutrality. Osorio said the organization works closely with families from diverse faith backgrounds and stressed that schools should remain inclusive and welcoming for all students.
“To ensure every student feels they belong, it is important that school environments remain neutral,” Osorio said, adding that inclusive policies strengthen the district as a whole.
Retired photojournalist and former college instructor John Harte warned the board that moving forward with any effort to place the Ten Commandments in district schools would likely trigger organized opposition and prolonged legal challenges.
“The primary reason why I’m here is to tell you that if you should proceed with an attempt to have the Commandments placed in Kern High classrooms or facilities, we will fight you. Progressive political activism has changed dramatically in Bakersfield and Kern in the era of MAGA and Trumpism. I’ve watched it in the 45 years I’ve lived in this community,” Harte commented. “We are many, we are organized, we are passionate, we know where the legal aid is, and we are prepared to wage a years-long battle.”
Harte cited a recent Kern County Superintendent of Schools board meeting where similar proposals were ultimately withdrawn following community pushback, warning that litigation could divert hundreds of thousands of dollars away from student education.
Senator calls for Trustee Kathy Scrivner to step down
Outside of public comment, controversy surrounding KHSD Trustee Kathy Scrivner continued to draw political attention.
State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) released a statement calling on Scrivner to resign, citing allegations related to a criminal investigation involving her son, Zack Scrivner.
“It is long past time for appropriate charges to be filed and meaningful penalties imposed, not only against Zack Scrivner, but against Kathy Scrivner as well,” Grove said.
Grove referenced statements by the Kern County Sheriff describing body camera footage that allegedly shows Kathy Scrivner impeding a criminal investigation and encouraging her grandchildren not to cooperate with law enforcement.
“As a mandated reporter and an elected official entrusted with protecting the best interests of children, her actions represent a complete failure of that duty,” Grove said. “She must step down without delay to restore public trust.”
Grove also criticized the Attorney General’s office for failing to file charges, calling it a serious flaw in the justice system and saying she is working on legislation to address accountability for elected officials.
