Dear Vanderburgh County Voters;
As early voting in Vanderburgh County begins, I want to remind City-County Observer readers and Vanderburgh County voters that I am asking for their support in the race for the At-Large seat on the EVSC Board of Trustees. I am deeply committed to increasing transparency in all decisions, and am especially interested in properly respecting and encouraging the input of the public. The practice of holding Executive Session meetings before each regular scheduled School Board meeting is a concern to me.
Many of the citizens I’ve talked with during this campaign feel that present School Board members may be making decisions in Executive Sessions prior to discussing School Board issues among themselves and before receiving public comments. State law allows certain school board matters to be taken up in private Executive Session, but other decisions are to be made in full view of the interested public. As a School Board member, I will make it a priority to use these Executive Sessions only for the issues for which they are intended. Otherwise, deciding the direction of our schools needs the open and full participation of School Board members, parents, teachers, support staff, students and the general public.
I am advocating good public policy as a way to improve the performance of our schools and restore public pride in the achievements of our education system. I believe it is the function of an open and effective School Board to reflect the goals and values of the community, rather than automatically yielding to the wishes of individuals who choose not to openly discuss the business of our schools. If the voters see fit to choose me to represent them, my top priority will be to listening and responding to their concerns. I understand that the job of the School Board is to hold the administration accountable on behalf of the voters who put them there.
Thank you,
Tony Ricketts
At Large Candidate of the EVSC Board of Trustees
Posted by CCO without bias, editing or opinion