Community Interaction

By Melissa C. Booth

In search of Vital Community Involvement through enhanced transparency techniques is of vital concern. Let our voices be heard. Speak to me - mcbooth@comcast.net

My initial concern was the lack of transparency and public interaction with our sitting school board. Having dealt with our children's education over past years, dealing with their differing needs and developmental capabilities, I understand how important and intrinsic this interaction is to fulfill the needs of all students.

This concern also happened to be one of great importance related through door to door discussion with constituents.

In the past there was much interaction, commitment and comment from our citizens. When our children were attending OJR there was such interaction. I understand that was 15 or 20 years ago, but I hope to revise this enthusiasm.

The OJR sitting school board is doing a good job, has hired an excellent Supervisor and fulfills their duties. However, I feel it would be greatly beneficial to expand this board's interaction. I have attended board meetings and understand the public's frustration with their lack of knowledge and opportunity for resulting involvement. There are simplistic moves which could alleviate some of these concerns.

• Reformulation of public committees which afford citizen opportunity to view information prior to resulting board decisions. Such committees could be structured as a vehicle for sharing knowledge of budget considerations - not just total numbers - but specifics. The same is applicable to curriculum consideration and core values. Not all information on any subject matter can be divulged, but much can.
• At full board meetings the use of verbal subject matter for vote replacing or in addition to the use of Segment @.1.3 [example] reference agenda points would offer transparency and knowledge to the public. It is very difficult to make comment, present question and/or concern when not communicating the subject matter in a viable method. To be a truly open Meeting the public must understand what is under review and consideration. Public attendance is minimal due to this method of agenda presentation.

I possess both time & commitment to fulfill this enhancement.

Parents and constituents deserve this, desire this, and are by law due this opportunity.

Sincerely, Melissa C. Booth Hopeful Candidate for School Director OJR School District