Letter: Outsider Says Details Important to School Board Governance
To the Editor-
Relative to the lead story January 24, 2015, “Three on School Board …”, first a few disclaimers: I am a resident of an adjoining school district; I know nothing of the merits of the possible censure action against school board members Totten, Shirek, and Kochanowski; and I also know nothing of what if any influencing political winds might be blowing on either side of the matter.
I would, however as a former school board member, like to raise a couple points of order – that might be relevant no matter what your district: 1. Perhaps I’m mistaken, but my understanding is that state statutes require any disciplinary action by a school board toward fellow members must be done in open session, and 2. Concerning an earlier article, if a member decides to excuse one’s self from voting on a particular issue (usually out of an abundance of caution over a possible conflict of interest), they are still members of the board, should still be privy to board discussions on the matter, and should not be pressured to leave the room.
If not law, this is just common sense — imho. Cheers.
Andrew Wegner
Amherst Junction.