Letter: Keep a close eye on the school board

Published 12:04 pm Friday, June 24, 2022

When the bond measure for the Ocean Beach School District failed by 77%, I was shocked. No school board can fail by that much if they are honoring public opinion. So, is this corruption or incompetency?

I attended the April 27th school board meeting in-person. The secretary told me that I had to sign in, despite the fact that it is illegal in the State of Washington. RCW 42.30.040 reads as follows: “A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his/her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his attendance.”

It gets worse. While I was at that same meeting, the controversial subject of redistricting was immediately tabled for a work session. School boards are not required to take public comments at work sessions, but other school districts encourage public thought. Work sessions should not be used to filter out public opinion.

The school board is in the process of adopting a district map. To me, their plan smacks of an effort to dilute the voice of north peninsula voters. RCW 29A.76.010 states: “To the extent feasible, the district boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized, natural boundaries. The district boundaries shall also preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest.” The map they have proposed puts parts of Ocean Park into three districts.

RCW 28A.320.015 states that opportunity for public comment, both oral and written, is required before the board adopts or amends a policy.

Do not let the school board intimidate you. Speak up if you disagree with their actions. Thank you.

KATHRYN FLEISHMAN

Ocean Park