Fosters Opinion: OR School Board can still make it right

Editorial by Fosters Daily Democrat supporting the recent petition for injunctive relief filed against the district by David Taylor:

The continuing denial by members of Oyster River School Board that they did nothing wrong in deciding not to hire nominee Justin Campbell as high school principal and then ousting Howard Colter as superintendent doesn't hold water. Neither does it make sense to Durham resident David Taylor, who filed a right-to-know request and has pursued full disclosure by filing action in Superior Court.

As reported earlier by Foster's Daily Democrat:

"Over the last few months, the district has had turnover of three top positions, including superintendent, director of instruction and high school principal. At meetings, the board has listened to multiple complaints from community members stating they had an agenda and were not providing open discussion with the community.

"Taylor claims the board has failed to inform the public of alleged meetings held just before the buyout of the superintendent's contract. The reason for the buyout has still not been unveiled to the public, and Taylor has said people have wanted answers."

To believe the School Board did nothing in violation of the Right to Know Law is to believe that members individually woke up one day on the same page. To date there appears to be no logical trail of documentation that lays the groundwork for the board's actions.

There is, however, plenty of speculation that may indicate School Board members have talked privately to some district residents. One of several callers to Foster's, who did so, listed reasons in detail why Campbell was not hired and why Colter was for all practical purposes fired. When challenged how she knew so much the conversation quickly changed direction.

All this shenanigans is unfortunate. As several letter writers have pointed out, the School Board could have simply explained its actions early on and put this debate and doubt to bed. But as is often the case, secrecy breeds contempt and mistrust. And that is why the Oyster River School Board now finds itself challenged under the Right to Know Law.

Foster's would urge the School Board do the right thing and fully explain its actions, in keeping with the Right to Know Law. At the preamble reads:

"Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people."

See also:

August 5, 2011 — Former Board Member David Taylor Sues ORCSD board