School district to discuss motto

The Ocean View School District board of trustees will talk Tuesday about whether to put up a display in its chambers that includes the national motto “In God We Trust.”

The proposal, brought by the district’s Supt. Alan Rasmussen, would not put the motto up alone, unlike recent votes in other school districts and city councils; instead, it would include mottoes and slogans from the city level up to the national level, ranging from “Surf City, USA” to “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out Of Many, One”). Rasmussen is scheduled to make a presentation on his idea and answer questions from school board members.

The motto drew controversy before a display of “In God We Trust” was approved at the City Council’s meeting last week. Opponents said the focus on the motto was an effort to promote a particular religious viewpoint, and a split council voted to approve a display of the words 4-2, with one abstention.

Members may not vote on the item at the Tuesday meeting, but have the opportunity to ask it be brought back for a vote at a future meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Ocean View School District offices, 17200 Pinehurst Lane.