Citizens’ comments are welcomed during HCSB meetings. While board members agree that the public has the right to air grievances, they feel recent negative comments have detracted from the recognition of outstanding teachers and students.
During the HCSB workshop on 09/06/16, Public Information Officer Karen Jordan presented challenges of the current process: misinformation being presented, assumptions of why the Board does not respond directly, and issues the Board cannot resolve.
Proposed recommendations were suggested in the timing of the comments so that the public can be heard on the public hearing items before the Board, and later in the meeting about general concerns. And in what Superintendent Lori Romano explained was the attempt to foster “a culture of civility,” Jordan shared a proposed updated form to the board members.
The new form will address the prohibition of profanity and request that specific student names are not used during comments. It also notes that there may be times that the Board cannot directly respond to issues that are discussed. The final form will be presented at an upcoming Board meeting.
Citizen input during board meetings is tracked and follow-up does occur; however, the public is not always aware that the district is addressing the concerns, and there are some issues which cannot be publicly disclosed due to the confidential nature of an issue or are inappropriate for young students who may be in attendance. Future school board meetings will include a segment to share progress being made on those concerns which can be made public.