I’m Reed Sutman with Decatur Vote. For a copy of this speech see [that table] or DecaturVote.com
You stated you would “schedule a community forum” to share recommendations. A forum suggests back-and-forth discussion. Instead, you prepared a final recommendation, scheduled a special meeting where the board would vote on the plans, and only gave the public two days notice.
Clevenger commented on Byers & Co that he expected “a little bit more parental involvement” at that meeting. On Facebook, folks have complained about only receiving two days notice, about it being scheduled at 5pm, and about being expected to speak before hearing the plans.
I commend the district for the updated plans tonight that offer 16 modular units, costing up to $2 million dollars, that should allow all Dennis kids to stay together. So many people asked for that, and it’s good that you listened.
Clevenger also criticized the community for bringing more complaints than solutions, but again – the District did not hold a real community forum.
Last Wednesday, Will Wetzel asked how the Board will hold themselves accountable to being transparent. Clevenger essentially responded that he’s dealt with the Open Meetings Act for 40 years and will try his best.
Dennis Families and the public didn’t receive information until after the last day of school. The Open Meetings Act did not provide transparency, and saying you have experience and will do your best is not a systemic solution.
I have several questions that remain unanswered:
- Why won’t the District answer questions about transparency?
- Why won’t District Officials take an interview about Dennis?
- Why didn’t you act after a public commenter detailed structural concerns in August?
- Why didn’t you disclose concerns before the end of the school year? Who made that decision?
- Why didn’t you schedule the inspection sooner? The District has misled the public about the scheduling process. Email records prove it.
- Were gas leaks at Dennis addressed? Public Commenters in August mentioned gas leaks in the boiler room
- Why didn't the District hold a community forum before presenting a recommendation to The Board?
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