A Teacher's Letter to the WCCUSD Board

"The School Board either wants to hear from its stakeholders; parents, students, teachers, and other concerned community members, or it doesn't.  The fact that school board agendas bury public comment at the back of the agenda sends a strong messge of disinterest to those whom you serve.  Years ago, public comment was placed closer to the beginning of the meeting.  People who don't know you can bump it up, by asking, would never think to do so, and this I'm sure has discouraged many who want to speak. When xxxx and I asked Mr. Taylor about moving up public comment, he replied that it would come up as it was written on the agenda.  I looked at the agenda, and there appeared to be about 20 items before public comment. You, Todd, were kind enough, with Mr. Ramsey's thanks, to move it to the front.  My point being that even Mr. Taylor did not know that you could do that.  How do you think other community members would feel after hearing a basically, "Too bad." response from a District leader?  You should seriously consider following the Hercules City Council example; Public communication at the beginning of the meeting, 10 speakers max, 3 minutes each, and then a later agenda item for speakers who still want to speak.  Having been the only 2 people to speak, on 2 separate occassions, I don't see this as a hardship for anyone. The maximum time for early public comment is 30 minutes, less when you have fewer than 10 speakers.  Doing this will make a tremendous difference in how the communities you serve perceive your true interest in what we have to say.  I will continue to publicize this problem, as long as it takes to change it."