| Thursday, April 26, 2007 |
| "Open Communication" it's the new buzzword in Romeo. But can they put their money where their mouth is? |
On Thursday, April 19th during the Channel 6 school board candidate interview, a question about district communication was asked of all of the candidates. All candidates agreed that the current BOE is out of touch with the district and communication needs to be improved.
On Monday, April 23 at the Board of Education meeting, Board President Dale Chesney recommended that the district put the attached board resolutions online, so the public could have access to them prior to the board meetings. The board discussed the idea; Mrs. Wreford stated it could be a problem due to typo's and Mr. Bennett stated that the resolutions change by the actual date of the board meeting anyway(drafts), so a typo wouldn't matter.
The wheels are staring to turn, but they didn't go very far. What good would it do to look at an inaccurate resolution? A better idea is for the board to discuss resolutions at a public board meeting instead of at the closed subcommittee meetings - this would give the public time to digest the information and if questions exist, they could be asked at the next board meeting, prior to the vote.
At this same meeting, public comment time was quite lengthy, several topics were discussed; the tenure of a teacher, re-districting and the removal of the PTO board at some of the elementary's. Prior to public comment the board president reminded the audience that they were only allowed 5 minutes of public comment time. As the meeting went on the "rules" were not adhered to nor acknowledged by any member of the Board of Education. There are several members of the community that step up to the podium during the public comment portion of the meeting, and it is my observation that the Board of Education seems to pick and chose who they will allow to 'break the rules'.
Why the discrimination?
Why is it some community members have the right to speak at length and others do not?
The number one fear of the American public, is public speaking . It is admirable for those who are willing to stand up for what they believe publically, it's a really tough thing to do.
The board needs to recognize this, and let the public speak equally and without retaliation from the board. They need to put their money where their mouth is and truly open up communication. Putting the attached resolutions with the board agenda is a pebble drop in a vast ocean....do the right thing and truly open communication and the district financial records! |
posted by Jennifer L. White @ 6:44 PM   |
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| 1 Comments: |
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Good luck on May 8, 2007 - with all the hard work and dedication you have put into the system, you deserve much support!
You have my vote and hopefully many others! Keep up the fight!
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Good luck on May 8, 2007 - with all the hard work and dedication you have put into the system, you deserve much support!
You have my vote and hopefully many others! Keep up the fight!