The school board has started developing the next bond proposal without public input. Board Chair Bob Hennessey’s top priority is a new track and field. He wants the board to decide if it should be usable year-round without first considering the health, safety or environmental concerns the community expressed about artificial turf. If you care about that, you better let the board know.

At the board’s last March meeting, I shared my survey results, including that most people who responded to my survey identified artificial turf as their top reason for voting “no.” As they listed their top priorities at the most recent meeting, none of the board members mentioned the glass falling out of windows at McMurray until I pointed it out. Very few of the repairs needed at the elementary and middle schools got any attention.

As for community input, they decided to pick their priorities and explore options for them and then have “listening sessions.” Dan Chasan said, “This is not a community process, it is a board process.” He wants the community to “feel” listened to but he doesn’t seem to think the board needs their input.

I had recommended that they solicit volunteers who would represent the diverse interests in our community and who would bring inquiring minds to looking at the possible projects. By hearing their questions and concerns, the board would be better able to develop a proposal that would pass. They were dismissive of “cherry-picking” committee members and “starting over” asking the community what should be done without using the information developed so far about needed repairs and projects. I never suggested doing that.

New board members Toby Holmes and Zabette Macomber are climbing a steep learning curve. They seem more open to input than their board colleagues, but they need to hear from you. I will not be the community watchdog on this and Hilary has resigned that role. It is up to you now.

— Laura Wishik