Table of Contents
Unifying our Schools : One Identity
| Democracy means you can have your say but not necessarily your way. Contrary to what some would have you believe, any Board member has the ability to propose adding any item they wish to a meeting’s agenda by making a motion that is seconded by another Board member. Any Board member can then have their say. It’s been interesting to read the Citizen the last couple of weeks and see the erroneous narrative that the Board of Ed doesn’t allow all of its members to have an opportunity to raise issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. (And apologies for a letter that’s more process than policy!) Board rules require a minority voice on the agenda setting committee (one out of three Board members). The agenda setting committee also just sets the initial meeting schedule subject to revision at a Board meeting. If the agenda setting committee does not schedule an item and a Board member wants an issue discussed, they can make a motion at the meeting. The Board can then modify the agenda during a meeting by a Board vote. In the last two years, EVERY motion to amend the agenda has been approved by the full Board. ALL motions by Republican Jenn Jennings to add an agenda item have been approved by the Board. For all the bluster, you might be surprised to hear that there has only been one such motion in the last two years. On Oct. 24, 2022, Mrs. Jennings proposed adding a contentious issue to that meeting’s agenda. I supported her motion because I believe all Board members’ opinions should be respected and heard. I even seconded her policy proposal motion, which I disagreed with, so it could be discussed. She proposed that the Board take a position on a divisive state-level issue that the two candidates for governor were sparring over. While her proposal was voted down by Board Independents and Democrats (the vast majority of the BOE, myself included, would not play politics with your kids’ education), Mrs. Jennings was afforded every opportunity to be heard. The fact that the Republican Party has been unable to convince Independents and Democrats to agree with its policy positions is not evidence of suppression of views or imbalance. The Republican Party made its case at Board meetings. The rest of the Board – Democrats and Independents – simply disagreed. |
Book Review Process
| Much has been made lately in these letters, at Board of Ed meetings, and on social media about certain books in the Glastonbury Public Schools’ libraries. From the outset, the undersigned board members have consistently identified that any parental concerns about school library books should follow established process consistent with board policy. That process involves a review of books in question when there is a complaint. The decision on whether to remove a book from school libraries or otherwise restrict access is made by our educational professionals – not by politicians pushing agendas. The books that have been the cause of some controversy have been run through the time-tested process and we trust the judgment of our educational professionals. To families concerned that such a review will lead to some larger purported “book audit”, we afford our commitment to GPS maintaining a robust, diverse collection of age-appropriate books in school libraries. We will stand up to any attempts to ban books that have otherwise been determined by our educators as being age-appropriate to GPS students. To families concerned about parental choice, we will reassure you that we support your fundamental right to be involved in your children’s education. In fact, board policy promotes your right to be involved in the materials to which your children have access. Families can request that their children’s access to certain books or subject matter be restricted. The process outlined above also promotes parental involvement. And finally, to our educators, we wholeheartedly support you. It may seem at times that you’re under consistent attack and scrutiny. You have done and will continue to do a first-rate job educating Glastonbury’s kids. That you for all of your hard work and resilience. While each of us may disagree on particular issues, we stand united behind one principle – political agendas shouldn’t interfere with our education. |
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