The board's decision-making processes seem to more closely follow
those of, say, Dorm Freshman Party Planning Night than they do
parliamentary procedure or Robert's Rules of Order. This group seems
to have no clear idea what it is doing, is constantly reacting
instead of acting and, most obviously, doesn't know or won't follow
state open meeting law.
The Bowman hiring is a classic case. Learning their interim
superintendent was in the running for other jobs, the board -- all of
whom magically agreed that Bowman met their criteria for the
permanent job, despite the issue never once having coming up in
public session -- quickly offered him the permanent position.
Never mind that a public angry at Aponik's hasty dismissal had
demanded a big role in selecting his replacement, in exchange for not
launching a recall drive on the spot. Never mind the pontificating by
board members about how important public input was to the process.
No, when they perceived their backs to be up against the wall, these
board members threw their word and what's left of their honor as
elected officials out the window so they could desperately cling to
the man they believe to be their savior.
He might be, and for BUSD parents', teachers' and students' sakes,
we hope he is. Oddly, though, his hiring might very well coincide
with the sound of a bell ringing the start of the final round for
this school board, for it is difficult to imagine the public -- after
all the hijinks of the past few months -- having any stomach left for
this group come election time.
