In last week’s Oregon Observer Dan Krause referred to concerning behavior and actions for some school board members.
I find it concerning that Gwen Maitzen, who leads the Policy Committee and serves on the Human Assets Committee, has been quoted that “she isn’t concerned with policy and procedure”. Clearly the actions demonstrated by Maitzen and Rae Vogeler since taking their board chairs support her position. Our family has been personally impacted by lack of procedure and policy.
Conducting board business without required notification to other board members and the community along with actions outside their board positions seem to be procedures that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In fact, one might question if they fall into the category as “questionable actions (legal)” described by the board president.
As a family (including an OSD teacher and coach) that works and lives in the Oregon School District, I believe our school board should be reflective of all the needs of the public school system and have the balanced and experienced view to serve in their position.
Committees are effective and long-standing functions of many boards. They have a history of demonstrated results. Why is it that these committees are no longer a solution for the board to conduct their business? Is it simply because two board members have a disregard for policy and procedure?
Observing these board meetings, it is clear that other board members have a true interest to operate as a board and some rely on their knowledge and experience to serve the public school system. It is also clear that Vogeler and Maitzen often disrupt the progress that is attempting to be made.
Our community deserves more than having to see their school board restructure what has been a successful approach because of a couple of “rogue” inexperienced board members.
We often talk of accountability in the public school system, where is accountability of the actions of these board members?
Linda Nedelcoff
Village of Oregon