98 replies to this topic

[tessieca]

There's never been a meeting where board members stood up to leave during public participation. It's not helpful to start new rumors that might cause anger when we really need everyone to work together. I'll get the details on exactly how/when it was reinstated so that the few who hang onto the perception that it was not can let it go.

[rightwingknot]

It has also been suggested to me that much of the bitterness the teachers harbor is due to their belief that they were disrespected when they took issue with the .87% that was never restored. Apprently during a meeting on this issue, some board members ( I don't know which one(s)) became frustrated or didn't want to listen (I don't know) and got up from their table to leave? I wasn't there, so I don't know the particulars. The quote I heard was "We were mistreated and treated like dirt." Again, I wasn't there. But perhaps there is an opportunity here to build a bridge where currently there is a steep crevasse?

Pari.

I would hope so also. As with any work force, there are those who truly care and understand the situation,and then there are those who are self-interested SOB's. However, I believe the selfish ones are a very small minority which means that there is a chance to enlighten the rest of the working members of the district that we are truly in an historic economic crisis and that there is no room for turf wars on this. Everyone is going to be affected and everyone will ultimately bear some amount of pain. The real question is, will they open their eyes and minds to see this reality. I pray that teachers, classified, etc. all realize that this present situation is unprecedented and respond accordingly.

[Parizienne]

Oh dear. I'm not trying to stir up misinformation or rumors. I think it's important to get out to you (and whoever else might help to resolve this issue) what exactly the problem is.

I don't know that the meeting was a board meeting. I don't know what kind of meeting it was. The person I spoke to about this never said the board members actually left, just that they started to get up to leave. Maybe they were talking about a district administrator and I misunderstood. I really don't know What came across clearly was the sense that the teachers feel disrespected. That was crystal clear.

This IS a historic crisis. It's so scary to think that people might not understand how crucial their attitude and role is in the outcome. This includes my colleagues in the district as well as people who think this crisis can be resolved with spending cuts alone. A broader perspective and collaborative approach are so critical.

Pari.

There's never been a meeting where board members stood up to leave during public participation. It's not helpful to start new rumors that might cause anger when we really need everyone to work together. I'll get the details on exactly how/when it was reinstated so that the few who hang onto the perception that it was not can let it go.

[jennyjen]

Please bear with me, I am truly trying to understand all this. I have been to many a school board meeting and here's what I really don't understand. I download the agenda, I look at what is being voted on, I go to the meeting. The closed session happens first, I am assuming that the board is discussing how they are going to vote on the agenda items during this closed session. (I assume this because at one particular meeting regarding the budget Mr. Benton or Mr. Godwin (I don't recall) basically said, we need to pass this tonight so.....thanks but ...)

Public session begins - people speak to their issues - the board says thank you for your input and after all public speakers are done the board votes on the agenda items sorta like in a mass bulk - not each one individually, that would waste a lot of time. So I am wondering: Does anything the public says really mean anything to the board? Can anything anyone says make a difference at this point? I want to help, I want to make a difference I just don't know how or if I can.

[JoAnne Reinking]

Please bear with me, I am truly trying to understand all this. I have been to many a school board meeting and here's what I really don't understand. I download the agenda, I look at what is being voted on, I go to the meeting. The closed session happens first, I am assuming that the board is discussing how they are going to vote on the agenda items during this closed session. (I assume this because at one particular meeting regarding the budget Mr. Benton or Mr. Godwin (I don't recall) basically said, we need to pass this tonight so.....thanks but ...)

Public session begins - people speak to their issues - the board says thank you for your input and after all public speakers are done the board votes on the agenda items sorta like in a mass bulk - not each one individually, that would waste a lot of time. So I am wondering: Does anything the public says really mean anything to the board? Can anything anyone says make a difference at this point? I want to help, I want to make a difference I just don't know how or if I can.

[Bill Z]

Joanne,

Did you mean to say something , cuz all I saw was the previous person's quote and no added verbage from you?

[tessieca]

Please bear with me, I am truly trying to understand all this. I have been to many a school board meeting and here's what I really don't understand. I download the agenda, I look at what is being voted on, I go to the meeting. The closed session happens first, I am assuming that the board is discussing how they are going to vote on the agenda items during this closed session.

If this were to happen it would be illegal. The Brown Act covers open meetings, and the board cannot discuss non-confidential issues during closed session much less decide how to vote on them. Closed session is limited to certain items that are confidential. Personnel decisions are made in closed session and are always reported afterwards (report out from closed session). Litigation may be discussed, or student matters such as expulsions. Budget cuts are not appropriate items for discussion in closed session unless it relates to personnel actions related to those cuts.

Because of the structure of meetings, it is extremely difficult to have give and take, as you have seen. The staff presents an item along with a recommendation. Often recommendations are given substantial weight because they are made by people who are supposed to be the most knowledgeable and experienced educational leaders we can find. Also, budget reductions are often aired and discussed many times and in several arenas before a recommendation is presented.

So, now we have a recommendation and probably a deadline for making a decision. Then, the public is invited to provide their feedback, suggestions, pleas, and comments. Board deliberation follows that input so that the board can take it into consideration. The deliberation includes some argument when the board is in disagreement. It is helpful for the public and especially for the speakers to hear responses to their comments, so they can understand why a board member is agreeing or disagreeing with them and/or the recommendation.

It's a tough structure for ensuring that feedback and input is given true consideration before a vote, and different people give different consideration to what they hear at meetings. What I would suggest would be to look at the agendas in advance and offer your thoughts to board members via email or phone calls prior to the meeting. Then, you can reiterate them at the meeting in case someone missed it. It will ensure that at least you are heard and considered even if ultimately nobody agrees with you.

[jennyjen]

So the thing for people who want to really be heard at school board meetings and are not aware of the meeting structure should contact the board via emai/telephone prior to a board meeting. Why wouldn't the school board share this info. with everyone so they know how they can help and get involved? I mean isn't that what the board really wants, involvement? I don't envy your positions, particularly in a bad fiscal environment such as now. It's a thankless job so we have to believe you all are in for the right reasons. However, if I were a board member I would want to get as much information as possible out there so parents could truly get on the right track and understand how it works rather than just bickering about the decisions the board makes. Maybe I am just thinking too altruistic.

Thank you for enlightening me on this and I wish the board the best in balancing the budget (which I tried to undertand but got lost after page 176 of the 326 pages). It won't be easy for sure.

[JoAnne Reinking]

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Did you mean to say something , cuz all I saw was the previous person's quote and no added verbage from you?
[/quote]


Yes. I started to reply to jennyjen message. Then on second thought decided Teresa could and hopefully would reply much more eloquently then I. Couldn't seem to find a way to delete once I started to post.



I just received an email from a parent questioning whether Board members will be at the forums. The forums are being hosted by Mr Godwin and Ms. Bettencourt. They have the responsibility of preparing recommendations for the Board to review. Board members may or may not be present at the forums. The Board members present would simply be there to observe and not participate or draw attention away from the main forum

Another item brought up in the email was the value of the budget survey. Comments regarding how it may or may not be used have been misunderstood. Results will be given consideration but don't expect the outcomes to reflect exactly what the "survey says"

I personally think that our district is trying exceptionally hard to get the public involved in this process. The district is working diligently to provide a thorough and fair list of recommendations and community comments to consider. I appreciate the fact that many community members are sharing ideas and comments. To get through this situation will require cooperation and compromise from all sides. This community is capable of working together to get through this and that our children will continue to receive a top notch education and programs.