by Joseph Schultz
Wayland School Board discussion got a bit testy at a work session Monday evening when reviewing “board operating procedures.”
The issue was about board members asking questions at a public meeting without the board president and school superintendent having prior knowledge about it.
This issue appears to have come about because Board Secretary Becky Hohnke asked about some fund-raising activities for a basketball trip that was mentioned in the Safety & Security Committee meeting. Hohnke brought up her question in the regular board meeting Jan. 12.
Superintendent Tim Reeves accused Hohnke of “grandstanding” because he was not prepared for the question and would have to get back with them with an answer, which was “not a good look.”
Board President Jeff Koon said the board “should not have a gotcha question” for the administration.
Board Vice President Pete Zondervan said he wants the board to praise publicly and correct privately. He added that they are not trying to limit questions, but to be more respectful, and did “not want too many surprises.”
Hohnke defended herself, saying that sometimes questions come up in a meeting. She reminded the board that they are public officials who work in public.
Hohnke indicated that she was getting the impression from the discussion that the administration didn’t want questions asked at meetings.
Board member Erin Stepek said she has gotten the impression that the administration gets defensive when asked a question.
Both Reeves and board Treasurer Theresa Dobry said those impressions were “not fair.” Reeves stated that they were strictly addressing surprises.
Hohnke and Stepek asked when would be a good time to ask questions and have an open discussion. Reeves answered that they could move to a closed session, or bring these up in a workshop.
Dobry agreed that a work session was the best setting to bring these discussions up.
Hohnke also took issue with having to explain a “no” vote. Reeves explained that the administration wants to know why because they only wanted to bring things to the board that they are confident that the board would approve of.
Hohnke explained that they all have different backgrounds, and that it was OK if a vote is not unanimous. The board was reminded by Koon that once the board has voted, the decision should be supported publicly.
It seems more like the admin wants to save face at public meetings.
They need to review the Open Meetings Act regarding closed sessions. The reasons for a closed session are very limited.
I’ve never been to a public meeting that didn’t allow board members to ask questions of the administrator. It is their job. Asking to do it all behind closed doors is ridiculous.
I have a couple thoughts and maybe a question if allowed.
Joseph Schultz, thank you for bringing this information forward. This seems to be a trend with the board, In My Opinion. Did you get Reeves and Co. to sign off on your article? Please be careful with the information and content you bring forward as they might have the school attorney review the information, in My Opinion.
Hohnke and Stepek: Ladies please keep asking questions. DO NOT be bullied. You were elected by your constituents to hold each other accountable and to make good informed decisions. It is absolutely OK to be a no vote. I know its like being on a deserted island at times, however step out and do the right thing. The right way isn’t always the easy way.
T Storm: Excellent!!
To Reeves and Co: When should the general public address questions and concerns to the board? Reeves wonders why no one shows up to the workshops and coffee shop gatherings.
The above is strictly my opinion.
Cheers!!
Thank you for your concern. I will, as they say in the Air Force, “Check six”.
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