The Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors continued to snub its nose at patrons, students, and employees by conducting business at a retreat in Branson.
Though it could be argued that nothing major was discussed at the meeting, which has become an annual tradition, that is beside the point. Public meetings should be held at a place that is convenient for the public to attend. It doesn't matter whether the public would actually attend, what matters is that it is afforded the opportunity to do so.
It is not easy for a civic-minded person who wants to know how the Board of Governors is running the university to drive from the Joplin area to Branson to attend a meeting. The reasons for having the retreat are sound...from a business standpoint. It makes sense for the board of directors of a business to head to some scenic spot for a get-together and to recharge the old batteries.
That being said, boards that conduct the taxpayers' business are different. Their meetings must be open and accessible. It doesn't matter if 1,000 people want to attend the meeting or just one, all anyone who wants to see the Board of Governors in action should have to do is drive to the college.
Who is paying for this retreat?
ReplyDeleteIn the June 3 Joplin Globe, staff writer Jeff Wells wrote: "Leon said he estimates the retreat will cost the university less than $1,000. The board conducted a retreat at the same hotel last year. That two-day meeting cost about $1,800, but Leon said no one will stay overnight this year."
ReplyDeleteDr. Leon, however, is incorrect when he says it will cost the university that much...it is the taxpayers who will foot the unnecessary expense
ReplyDeleteIt sure is nice to know that my hard earned tuition money is being used for something worthwhile. JEESSH! $1,000 would have made a nice scholarship for a student. $1,000 might have bought some much needed equipment in a department somewhere. This is just another reason for them to up the tuition in a few years. Why couldn't the board members paid their own way for the retreat? Why couldn't they have gone somewhere free? A park, a restaurant in another town (since they see the need to get away), or heck, there are some really nice picnic tables at the MSSU biology pond! Oh wait they want to get away from this area to think better! Yeah right!
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