Minutes of the School Board Meeting Sept 26, 2006:E. BOARD MEMBER PICTURES FOR WEBSITE AND DISTRICT OFFICE
Motion by Stackhouse, second by Whalen,
TO HAVE A GROUP PICTURE OF THE ENTIRE BOARD AND INDIVIDUAL PICTURES OF EACH BOARD MEMBER DISPLAYED ON THE WEBSITE, TO CONTACT THE HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB TO CHECK THEIR CAPABILITY OF PRODUCING QUALITY PICTURES OR CONTRACT WITH A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER IF HIGH SCHOOL CLUB IS NOT ABLE, TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WITH A MINIMUM COST, TO HAVE A GROUP PICTURE DISPLAYED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND TO ANNUALLY UPDATE PICTURES AS NECESSARY AFTER THE SPRING ELECTION.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Batterman, Gibbs, Havel-Lang, McHoes, Stackhouse, Whalen
NAYS: Diedrich
MOTION CARRIED: 6-1
So...why isn't Diedrich's picture out on the website nearly 3 years later?
Well..because she "doesn't like her picture".
Hello...McFly! You're an elected official, Caren! You're picture is pretty much in the public domain, whether you like it or not. And if you don't like it... why on earth have you continued on as a board member all these years?
This is, first and foremost about community engagement. Caren, we're sure community members would like to be able to approach you and share their perspectives on the issues as you're out and about. In order to do so, however, they need to know what you look like. This was, indeed, the impetus behind the agenda item in the first place!
Of greater significance however, is the issue of what happens when a board member defies policy enacted by the board. That, mes amis, is a very treacherous and slippery slope. This vote represents de facto policy. Further, a legal vote becomes binding, whether you agree with it or not. In fact, Diedrich has long been a board member that preaches the concept of presenting a unified front once a vote has been taken. Hmmm...guess that only works when you actually agree with the results of a particular vote!
Arguably, this vote is the legal equivalent of board policy, and Diedrich is openly defying it. We know that Whalen, and Stackhouse before him, have "had words" with Diedrich on the matter, but, in typical fashion, the board has abdicated responsibility.
Oh, the critics will point to this being such an insignificant thing...pictures on the web and all. And we agree. But conceptually, it's the "elephant in the room"to use Diedrich's pet phrase. How can this board ever hope to gain the respect of this community...to effectively engage the community...while it is abundantly clear that board members get to do their own thing regardless of what is voted?
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