Public forum should be inclusive
Published 10:53 am Tuesday, October 18, 2016
The Oxford School Board is commended for being responsive to the one parent group that has demanded a meeting to air concerns.
The organized parent group will get a forum to present concerns to the Oxford School Board tonight in a special meeting, called on 24-hour notice.
But in trying so hard to accommodate the one parent group the Oxford School Board has left the larger community and other parents who may want an opportunity to listen or chime in at somewhat of a disadvantage.
More notice of such an important public meeting is preferred, and a forum for others to speak beyond the one group is also preferred.
We look forward to hearing concerns of the parent group at tonight’s meeting and understand the urgency they feel in having the floor.
But just because the one parent group only wanted to meet on short notice at a specific time doesn’t mean the school board should so easily accommodate.
The future of Oxford schools is important to the entire community and all parents, city leaders and interested citizens having an opportunity to participate is a vital part of the process.
We look forward to a public forum scheduled with plenty of notice that gives everyone an opportunity to participate.