B² commentary: The silent CD school board

Updated Tuesday, 6/12/12, at 7:16 pm with information about the revival of The Foundation for Central Dauphin Schools. (Scroll down to bottom of post.)

I gotta tell you, trying to get a grip on the dealings of the Central Dauphin School Board is baffling me.

As you probably know, the board is dealing with some difficult situations. At the top of the list is the financial crisis caused by reduced tax revenues and increased pension costs.

I feel for Dr. Carol Johnson, the new superintendent, and the school board as they work through the horrendous process of furloughing over 70 teachers.

Heck, last night a passionate ex-teacher was in tears during the board meeting as she tried to understand why she got the axe when other teachers with less time with the district kept their jobs, at least so far.

Awful.

But the current hard times and how they're being handled aren't causing my brain to work overtime.

The thing that gets me is the lack of involvement by most board members who meeting after meeting say nothing other than utter some sounds to approve motions put on the table.

No questions, no counter views, no debate, no nothing.

I hope they are not speaking their piece during the board's infamous meeting before the public meeting, which are behind-closed-doors sessions referred to as "executive sessions," because that most likely would be in violation of the state's Sunshine Law.

Most of the talking at board meetings is done by Ford Thompson, the board president.

It's obvious that Jay Wenger, the board's vice-president, is involved with development of the budget and he asks good questions from time to time.

Last night Brian Faleshock explained an agenda item after it was approved.

And, Chris Judd spoke within the last month about tweaks that were implemented in the district's policies on Internet use.

Folks, that's about it.

Not a single statement or question has been rendered over the last four meetings by the following board members:  Linda Dallago, Erin Grady, Kristine Leber, Janis Macut and Stephen Smith.

You had a chance last night to respond to my questions about transportation staffing and the effectiveness to date of the bus outsourcing, but again silence reigned.

I don't get it, but I'm determined to get to the bottom of this situation.

To the silent majority on the board, it's time to come out of the closet.
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In other school-related news, Central Dauphin school member Linda Dallago may be silent during most board meetings, but she's doing some good stuff behind the scenes by helping to revive The Foundation for Central Dauphin Schools.

CLICK HERE for a must-read article published by The Patriot-News and please consider joining me in supporting this worthwhile cause to help our community's greatest asset, our youth.