During last night's discussion of the supe's contract, I searched frantically through the Board packet for the information that was being discussed but it wasn't there. I raised my hand to ask a question and was told by the Board chair that she "wasn't taking questions or comments." At the end of the meeting I approached her and the following exchange ensued:
Me: "There was no information on the new contract language in the packet. How can the public comment or ask questions when we don't know what will be discussed?"
SS: "It was on the agenda."
Me: "But there is no accompanying information, just the agenda item. How can we ask questions or weigh in on a discussion without any information?"
SS: "I don't see that you need to. It is up to the Board to negotiate the superintendent's contract."
Me: "But the public has a right to know and to let their wishes be known. You need to allow public comment at other times, not just at the very beginning of the meeting."
SS: "I will not discuss this with you. I have a training to go to."
This is a hell of a way to run a public school district. They hide information, they make all the real decisions in "work sessions," and they treat members of the public as nuisances. They're happy enough to have our money but our opinions are of absolutely no consequence.
A School Board is a joke. They only know what the district wants them to know. They don't get to make real decisions, they vote with what the current Superintendent wants, since he is the "boss" - school boards are just there because the law says they have to be, they have no power. The employees need to be heard, apparently saying they have no confidence in their 'boss" had no influence on them- giving him a three year contract????? Mr. Hunter should have asked for a one year contract, and expressed to his employees that he would try to do a better job.
ReplyDeleteDr. Hunter is no dummy, a three year contract covers his butt in case of a mutiny! Can't the Board see what is happening within the district and it's employees? Every time I have attempted to meet with Dr. Hunter he has been unavailable, usually I am told he is in a meeting, that man must be in meetings 24/7. Are that many meetings necessary, do the administrators need to be at his side constantly to hold his hand. He was hired to be a leader, so he needs to start leading, instead he has beefed up is admin staff to "assist" him with his job. Can he not do it himself? If he is found that he "cannot" do the job, are we still liable for his pay?
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