Schools

Poll: Should School Boards Discuss All Correspondence at Meetings?

Debate on how to handle correspondence leads to heated meeting at high school board.

Discussion of, and about, recent communications to the was a recurring theme at Monday's meeting.

The board's agenda noted nine emails were received between March 19 and April 12, which is much more than is usual, covering a range of issues, including the , issues with the school's student insurance provider, and adjustments to the calendar.

Beyond the specifics of any particular email was a concern voiced by member Peter Falzarano that not discussing the correspondence by the full board when a resident has asked for a discussion "is a disservice to our constituents."

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Falzarano and Board President Robert Horowitz had some heated discussion as to whether one resident's emailed question had been answered, but the board didn't fully complete discussion about whether or not every request should be given as much public discussion as possible.

Business Administrator Timothy Stys noted some correspondence to the board is answered by himself or Superintendent Frances Stromsland when residents are seeking specific factual information or where to find information about the school. 

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But what about complaints the board receives? If a parent complains about a teacher's treatment of their child, should the board have a public discussion?

Should board members acknowledge every communication in the meetings—or will that bottle neck the meetings too much?

Tell us what you think—do you want to hear everything, only important matters—or none at all?

 


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