Take a look at the new "safety procedures" for Tuesday's board meeting.
These were sent out to Media with the announcement of the October 26, 2021 board meeting. I almost didn't open the email, because it usually is just boilerplate.
I have already let the board, the superintendent and several staff members know my opinion of this.
I informed them that board members don't need protection from the public. It's the PUBLIC that needs protection from this board!!!
If you are also incensed, send your emails to the board and to every parent you know.
Well, of course you can watch from home. Doesn't that seem like a great opportunity? The board will miss out on your groans and grimaces.
NO! What counts is showing up in person! Who is responsible for such a dumb decision as this? Since the board did not hold a special meeting and make any agreement about this change, I think it's safe to say that the superintendent is 100% responsible for this.
Maybe he is just trying to get fired. Then he can collect $366,000 in severance pay and start a new job on November 1. Think so?
This following is from the District's email. The highlights are mine.
"Members of the community may notice several new safety procedures at the meeting.
In order to allow for social distancing due to COVID-19, a safe distance between the public and the board, and to ensure adequate access for emergency personnel, capacity for the members of the public who wish to attend the meeting in-person is limited to 20. In case that capacity is reached and to provide members of the public the ability to watch the board meeting from the safety of their home, the meeting will also be streamed live at http://www.richland2.org/livestream.
Citizens coming to attend the meeting will be allowed in on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 5 p.m. and be seated in the boardroom. As the lobby closes to the public at 5 p.m., citizens attending the board meeting will not be allowed to linger in the lobby.
The public will not be allowed to protest or loiter in front of the main entrance. This is for safety reasons to allow emergency access into the building and for others who have other business to enter the building.
In an effort to effectively maintain a safe environment, any person attending the meeting who is out of order, loud, disruptive, making inappropriate comments, and/or a safety concern will be asked to be seated or leave by a security officer. If the person does not comply, a Richland County Sheriff Deputy will escort them off the property.
No signage or other objects will be allowed into the facility that could either be a distraction or used as a weapon."