Dear constituent,
On May 28th, 2015, in a live-television broadcast it was announced that the AUTONOMY issue, which the entire board had previously had a Sunday afternoon meeting about (dubbed weird, unusual, and a travesty by the media) was going to be DEFINED by a newly-created ad-hoc commitee which only consisted of two board members, two members of administration, and others. This is especially concerning because it allows for the circumvention of the open door law. When less than four (majority) of board members meet, then those meetings are not required to be held in public! I was livid upon hearing this annoucement read on live television without any prior knowledge of this plan. To make matters worse, the annoucement was read from a prepared written statement announcing pre-selected members of a committee which had clearly taken time to deliberate upon and then craft a statement. However, I was never given any information about it prior to it being announced at the meeting. Further, the ad-hoc commitee plan was intentionally revealed at a place in the agenda which did not allow for board member commentary. When I attempted to make comments about the utter lack of transparency involved in this clandestine assignment of responsibilities, attempts were made to silence my voice.
It’s important that you know. If you live in IPS district 2, your representation on the Indianapolis Public School board is being marginalized. If I am not able to speak on issues, then I am not able to represent my people.
The issue of defining autonomy is of such magnitude that it will affect every single decision made going forward. I believe that every single board member should have input on this critical matter, and I have advocated for the entire board to take on the task of defining autonomy TOGETHER. It is the collective responsibility of the entire board to chart the course for the future of the district – however this important decision now rests in the hands of only a select few.
My views are my own. Holla if ya hear me: gayle_cosby@yahoo.com