Stardate 3-26-2012.At the school board's Finance Committee meeting, the big ticket item on the agenda was the 2012-13 budget...the "35,000 foot view". Seeing that we were less than a week from April and this was the first hint of any budgetary info coming from the district, one would think that time for public commentary would be reserved.
Not so!
Despite having 10 or so minutes before the start of the full school board meeting, McCourt took comments from committee members and then proceeded to adjourn. Hold the phone, Tyrone.
Resident Rick Mealy felt that a few questions were in order.
McCourt responded that according to policy there was no public comment allowed foir informational agenda items?
REALLY, Mr. McCourt?
Which policy would that be? Because the only one that discusses public comment (PROCEDURE BAA-R) relates to meetings of the full school board. In fact, the full board has told the public time and time again that the place for asking questions is at committee meetings. So now McCourt wants to cut off that avenue as well?
And even if McCourt was referring to policy BDDH, that policy states that the Board will schedule time at the beginning of the meeting for residents to comment on items not under "New Business". McCourt made no such time available...and never has.
One could even posit the argument that, were it not for bold community members pushing for their right to comment, McCourt would have been in violation of board policy BBF, Board Member Code of Ethics.
To add insult to injury, other school board committees operate under full sunshine, allowing community members to comment during any agenda items.
Where's the consistency, Jimbo?
Is that how you deal with questions and comments in the real world?
Perhaps it becomes no wonder why you "haven't received a paycheck in years"...as you so often have stated.
Shame on you, Dr. No...err...Mr. McCourt.
Community engagement much?
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POLICY BAA - BOARD OPERATIONS
6. Conduct Board business openly, soliciting and encouraging broad-based involvement in the Board's decision-making processes by the public, students and staff.
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BDDH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
2. The Board shall schedule time at the beginning of each regular Board meeting for members of the public to speak to items not on the agenda and items on the agenda that are not listed under “New Business.” This time may be extended beyond one-half hour upon majority approval of the Board members.
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POLICY BBF - SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
6. Encourage the free exchange of ideas and opinions by all Board members in a courteous manner; encourage communication between the Board and students, staff and community members; and, abide by the rule of the majority.
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