Beginning with the first year of the C. J. Huff administration, the board has severely limited public access to the agenda. Those who wish to address the board are only allowed to address topics that are already on the agenda and up for vote.
That, combined with the board's apparent view, expressed after last month's retreat, that it was going to try to leave dealing with the public to the administration, has virtually denied the public access to their elected representatives.
The petition reads as follows:
The Joplin R8 Board of Education currently requires the public to submit written requests in order to give their opinions in front of the board. All opinions must pertain to items on the agenda which require a board vote.
This process undermines Board transparency and public opinion. By creating barriers for the public to address the board, taxpayer concerns are shutout. We request that the R8 Board of Education remove their requirements to address the board and seek public opinion on a new policy.
This process undermines Board transparency and public opinion. By creating barriers for the public to address the board, taxpayer concerns are shutout. We request that the R8 Board of Education remove their requirements to address the board and seek public opinion on a new policy.
1 comment:
Lack of transparency played a part in the rejection of the Joplin School's Race to the Top application. The review of that document cites a lack of transparency in funding, lack of evidence of teacher buy in, and a lack of evidence of long-term success in academics as reasons for rejection of funding.
Perhaps the Board should welcome transparency and the voting public as evidence that there is nothing to hide.
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