Jacqui Kelleher will formally step down as president of the Board of Education Monday night, according to the agenda of the school board meeting. Kelleher, a cordial presence on the board, was challenged to keep board meetings moving at a reasonable pace during her six months in the role in the face of opposition from members of Connecticut’s Working Families Party. Democrats on the school board generally vote a slim 5-4 voting advantage.
Kelleher, a professor at Sacred Heart University, says she wants to relinquish her role as president so she can engage in active debate on school board items. Her replacement will likely come from Vice Chair Ken Moales or Tom Mulligan, an attorney. Supporters of this move hope a stronger parliamentarian can keep the agenda items moving at a faster pace for school board meetings that at times have approached midnight.
The Working Families Party opposition will continue irrespective of the new board chair. From the school board agenda:
RESIGNATIONS & ELECTION OF REPLACEMENT BOARD OFFICERS:
Resignation of Board member Jacqueline Kelleher from Office of Board Chairperson/President Effective date March 25, 2013 and upon the election of her successor.
Election of successor Chairperson/President to serve out the unexpired term of Board Chairperson/President Effective date March 25, 2013.
Possible Resignation(s) of such other Board Officer(s) (e.g. Vice Chairperson/Vice President and/or Secretary) as may be necessary due to the results of the election for the position of Chairperson/President Effective date March 25, 2013 and upon the filing of written notice of such resignation in accordance with statutory requirements.
Possible Election of successor Vice Chairperson/Vice President and/or Secretary as may be necessary due to the results of election for the position of Chair person/President Effective date March 25, 2013.
“Moving at a faster pace” is a euphemism for acting as a rubber stamp for Finch and Vallas and silencing any criticism or questions. Moales looks like he wants to be a dictator and not a chairman …
If the Board members are the same nine persons on Tuesday as they are today, Saturday, what practical difference will this make? Will simple majority rule in the election? Is another person accomplished in Robert’s Rules and practical ideas to keep discussion, review and voting moving? Are there strategies that can shorten the time it takes to ask a direct question? Like writing it down and reading it, rather than composing it on the fly that seems to often be the way dialog proceeds?
I find being under a two-minute time limit for public comments, or five minutes at City Council forces me to logically organize my comments and questions in an orderly manner. That is not always possible, I know, but where it is, good effects happen.
I have not attended BOE meetings frequently enough to provide a sense of discussion timeliness, but I was impressed by a meeting 10 days ago that had an agreed 90-minute time limit. Everything was covered and the matters were serious and immediate. Time will tell.
“The Working Families Party opposition will continue irrespective of the new board chair.”
Is that reporting or commentary? Really should everyone just roll over and become a Vallas lapdog?
Funny how we want to teach the kids to think critically and ask questions, but the adults are supposed to fall in line and buy all the “reformy” talking points.
Asking if a paid employee is certified for a position is opposition? Expecting a highly paid traveling celebrity to obtain the proper credentials required by state law is opposition? Asking for a breakdown of contracts awarded to educronies is opposition?
Why don’t you just elect a set of bobble heads and leave the superstar temporary super in charge?
Words of wisdom: Opposition does not bother to smear what it deems insignificant.
Methinks you protest too much. Lifting the veil off the hypocrisy is dangerous in Bridgeport I suppose.
beware, who’s protesting? Just pointing out a fact. Why do you view that as some sort of commentary assault? The opposition will continue irrespective of a new board chair. That’s not to suggest opposition is wrong. And yes commentary is welcome on OIB. Even yours.
Definition, noun: Resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument.
Synonyms: obstruction, antagonism, objection
So I suppose word choice matters. Maybe you meant fulfilling their civic duties, protecting the taxpayers, children, families, teachers, community at large. That’s better.
*** Easy fix, make Bobby Simmons the BOE president! *** SINK OR SWIM ***
Mojo, on this one I agree with you. Make Bobby Simmons the BOE president! Remember years ago the BOE with a Democrat majority had a Republican as the BOE President for almost 20 years. Simmons is accomplished in Robert’s Rules and practical ideas to keep discussion, review and voting moving.
Lennie, beware–beware.
Or just think first.