Dear Editor:
I believe our school board should adopt some very basic attributes for bettering its communication with the community at large: Maintain channels of communication, treat all individuals with respect, strive to reach consensus on difficult issues, accept criticism well, work out interpersonal conflicts appropriately and demonstrate honesty and sincerity.
The board has been frequently criticized for poor communication. Constituents claim the board isn’t ‘listening? when it acts contrary to public views expressed during meetings and in letters. The board has also ignored views at the end of meetings during board commentary.
I believe the board should expand public commentary to include a time for public expression before and after the items on the agenda have been addressed. Then the board should determine how other unresolved issues will be addressed later.
Second, the board should always introduce public dialogues for exploring important topics. Two or three members could run a session, promoting them in local papers and on the school website. Formats should be informal, giving constituents and members a chance to exchange information.
Third, the school website should become a source for up-to-date information about the district including: our current level of activities and reports and adding all committee meetings with agendas, ad hoc meeting dates, budget and financial reports, and project updates. A ‘Frequently Asked Questions? could provide extra information on hot topics. Our marquee should also be fully utilized.
Finally, board members must model how to research issues, share information, and resolve conflict whenever they meet. Their actions should reflect the respect the have for the people’s right to disagree and the need to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives.
I truly believe in a well informed community. I will expand communication efforts and help the board and the community address our district’s challenges.
Mark Griffiths
Goodrich