Two school board trustees missed an Aug. 26 special meeting, but one voted anyway. That doesn’t sit well with Trustee Joan Patterson, who didn’t vote.
“I think the board needs to decide how it’s going to operate,? said Patterson at the Sept. 28 Clarkston Board of Education meeting. ‘The problem is how does the board treat policy. Is it a guideline or our law, and when it’s not spelled in our policy, do we go ahead and change it first and then implement the policy or vice versa?”
The board allowed Trustee Barry Bomier , who was unable to attend the special meeting, to phone in his vote regarding rehiring three retired administrators on a contract basis.
The vote was 4-2 in favor of the contract, including Bomier’s “yes” vote.
Patterson also couldn’t make the meeting, but didn’t call in because she didn’t think she had that option, she said.
Treasurer Joe Armstrong said this was the first time in four years he has been on the board someone participated in a meeting, much less cast a vote, by phone.
‘I don’t see where it comes up that often,? Armstrong said. ‘He was out of town, we knew he was going to be out of town and they called a special meeting. Normally he is there and I don’t see anyone abusing that priviledge.?
Bomier said being at meetings is important, and absences are rare.
Current board policy states electronic devices can’t be used when “deliberating or rendering a decision on matters pending before the board.”
The school board approved first reading, Monday, of a new policy, ‘Use of any/all electronic devices shall be permitted under circumstand that do not conflict with the Open Meetings Act and meet the specified requirements of the Board.?
The updated policy specifies three types of meetings, “regular,” “special,” and “emergency.” Electronic devices are allowed if the board has advance knowledge and consents to it.
Issues include what constitutes an emergency, whether a board member needs an excuse, such as being sick, and how much advance notice is needed.
President Stephen Hyer said they would have to look at it case by case. They also need to take into account advancing technology, which will change how electronic devices can be used during meetings.
‘I don’t know if I am comfortable having a board member communicate electronically,? said Patterson. ‘It will be trying to get to where everyone is comfortable.?
Second reading and vote is set for Oct. 12. The school board meets at 7 p.m. at Clarkston Community School administration building, 6389 Clarkston Road.
‘It’s a new board so we have to decide,? said Patterson. ‘As a group we need to decide what are our bylaws and how are we going to operate something we are going to do in an ongoing process.?