Reaction to Federal Way School Board Minutes

The School Board is addressing a controversial issue that the whole Board can not and will not agree to. There is a challenge to the process for bringing this issue to the Board. This feels out of control and needlessly messy. I wonder if support materials and communications before the meeting are organized, clear and the same for all Board members. They took a vote even though some members clearly thought this was done improperly. A split vote seems to foreshadow continuing communication problems.

Excerpt

"Director Hoff moved that the Board of Education approve the Meeting Agenda of September 28, 2004 . Seconded by Director Castellar. Director Millen asked to amend the motion to remove Item #B-3, Referendum 55, Charter Schools . The amended motion was seconded by Director VanDorien.

Director Millen said that he believes this is not Federal Way School District business but that the voters need to decide for themselves and that this board does not need any more controversy. Director VanDorien said that this resolution was put on the agenda without notice to the full board. At the most, this needs to be put on for information, not decision. He wanted an explanation as to why this is fast tracked. Director Castellar said that she had mentioned it at the last meeting. She said that she was advised at the legislative assembly that since this board approved of Charter Schools they should create a resolution stating such.

The vote was taken with Directors VanDorien and Millen voting yes to remove this from the agenda and Directors Barney, Castellar and Hoff voting no. Motion failed 3-2."