Tension At

Board Of Education Meetings

To the Editor:

Ten days ago I emailed all members of the Board of Education asking for clarity on remarks made by the superintendent concerning an agenda for the professional learning on early dismissal days. I was surprised but not shocked when I only received a reply from Ms Fetchick. If email was inappropriate, I would have thought a quick note on how to properly ask questions from the board would have been a polite and speedy response. Thinking this “no response” was odd, I attended the BOE meeting this past Tuesday and was disappointed at what I witnessed.

The first topic for me was a request by a board member to the superintendent for a firm date for the view-only capacity of the school’s finance records. To my surprise no date was promised because the superintendent thought that if it was missed then people may get angry. Wow! Welcome to the real world.

The superintendent then announced that she had appointed a “lead” teacher at Hawley School. I am not sure what that means but I can comment on the board’s response. When asked why the board was not advised, it was discovered that superintendent only consulted the BOE chairman. The contention from both the superintendent and the chairman was that this was not under the purview of the board. Is this true? It seemed strange to the rest of the board members. Three members spoke on the subject and all thought that it should have gone through the board and were disappointed not to be involved. Ms Fetchick wanted to discuss the matter further but was silenced by the chairman. Why did the superintendent contact the chairman to discuss the subject? I would have thought that any information discussed with the chairman should be discussed with the entire board. According to the BOE bylaws, “The Board of Education does not exist between meetings. Board members have no authority except at board meetings or when discharging an assignment made by the board.” So I am not sure why the chairman would meet with anyone to discuss anything not open to the board.

Finally the early dismissal agenda. I am not sure of the exact content because extra copies of the distributed material were not available for the public. I did note that the material being referenced for the K–8 plan was dated 2007 and there is no agenda for the high school early dismissal days. The teachers I have met so far through my kids have been extraordinary and I can’t imagine them needing this remedial workshop. I still believe that the kids belong in the classroom learning the basics not participating in “enrichment” activities.

There was a certain amount of tension in the room and I am disappointed that board members were arbitrarily cut off from asking questions.

Just an observation.

Larry Garner

6 Forest View Drive, Sandy Hook                        September 8, 2010