Cd'A schools, listen closely

Coeur d'Alene School District is again facing constituent challenges.

And some of their own making.

The district seems to attract more lightning because it's willing to risk flying higher. That's commendable. But as a Press story outlined last weekend, the district is facing wilting criticism for adopting school board meeting policies which some perceive as antagonistic to patrons. We see both sides.

New policy: Restrict public comments to items on that meeting's agenda. Time limit is still 3 minutes.

Perspective: To some that sounds like a door slammed on free speech, but it's a practical solution to a problem caused by a very vocal minority. Some members of the community have had a running battle with the district and, in essence, have attempted to filibuster school board meetings.

Solution: There's a better way to express concerns, particularly if one actually wants answers, information or action. Put it in writing. Then it's incumbent on the school district to communicate with its patrons with real answers, not lip service or silence. Better yet, arrange to meet with school board members and discuss concerns and possible solutions privately.

New policy: Because it can be "intimidating," no video or audio recording is allowed at school board meetings.

Perspective: Again, this is in reaction to a very small but mobilized minority. The district points out that all its meetings are aired on a city cable channel. However, not everybody gets that channel, nor does this policy actually clear the way for district business to be conducted.

Solution: The school board chair should ensure the district's business is conducted appropriately. Rather than adopt a restrictive policy, run meetings professionally. Any interruption or disruption could be resolved by asking the audience member to refrain. If that fails, have the violator removed.

We understand the district's plight and empathize because we, too, have dealt with some of the same problems. The district doesn't have unlimited time and we don't have unlimited space. At times, we've seen from citizens an effort to bully, monopolize and manipulate, rather than respectfully communicate and accept the consequences if they do not go your way.

But having said that, the district leaves itself vulnerable to criticism. It can tell patrons that the ultimate solution to their complaints is to elect school board members who represent their educational values, but that suggestion rings somewhat hollow.

Right now, of the five citizens serving on the Coeur d'Alene School Board, four of them were appointed. There appears to be a disturbing practice firmly in place: School board members approaching the end of their terms resign, allowing the district to pick the replacement. This circumvents the election process and bolsters the perception that only like-minded candidates need apply.

Greater confidence in the district will diminish the criticism and complaints. There is no better starting point for confidence than having trustees complete their terms before a vote of the people can determine who should represent them on the school board.