District invites 'civil' remarks

DEXTER — An attorney representing the General Brown Central School District said the Board of Education is encouraging district residents to voice their concerns at board meetings about Superintendent Stephan J. Vigliotti Sr., but they won't be allowed to say his name or position.

Keith B. Caughlin, of Schwerzmann & Wise P.C., Watertown, said statements by residents at the Jan. 25 board meeting included "a huge concern with the superintendent."

"The board wants to hear civil concerns about that," Mr. Caughlin said. "Last meeting, there was a lot of strong feelings and personal attacks being made."

From these concerns came a clarification of the board's Policy No. 3220, which covers public participation at board meetings, for the Feb. 22 meeting that says, "Due to legal obligations, reference shall not be made to any specific student, employee's name or position."

Mr. Caughlin said that statement has been practiced by the Board of Education. It is not, however, mentioned in the public participation policy.

He said there's been no policy change, but the board made the rule for the Feb. 22 board meeting so he could "coordinate the meeting so it's a responsible and civil discussion of the district, not name-calling, not personal attacks on a person or individual."

"In many public settings, discussion about specific individuals or a problem with one particular person don't necessarily need to be aired in a public setting," he said. "The privilege of the floor is a privilege, and can't be abused by people submitting unsubstantiated rumors which don't have any bearings on policy issues or future of the district."

Although the policy clarification has been spelled out, Mr. Caughlin said he doesn't think there's been any discussion as to how it will be enforced.

"They'd be out of order, and be encouraged not to do it," he said, regarding people who speak about students, employees or positions.

As part of the policy clarification, the board waived the two-day advance notice requirement for people who wish to speak at the Feb. 22 meeting. Moved by Richard L. Halpin and seconded by Denise Campbell, the waiver was approved 7-0 at the board's Monday night special meeting.

The board's policy for people who wish to speak has required them to send to District Clerk Cynthia R. Doolittle a statement at least two days in advance of the board meeting, giving their name, the group they represent, the subject they'd like to discuss and any action they'd like the board to take.

"The board wanted to waive the two-day requirement to permit more public participation by having more people participating in public comment," Mr. Caughlin said.

He said board members want to make sure the Feb. 22 meeting doesn't turn into "a character assassination."

"They're trying to encourage public participation in a responsible and civil way," Mr. Caughlin said.

Although board President Jeffrey J. Timerman previously referred to people being unaware of a law related to people not referring to specific students, employees or positions in an open public meeting, Mr. Caughlin said he is "not exactly sure there's a law that would require people to avoid specific references to employees or students."

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act protects the privacy of student education records, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It does not appear to apply to comments from the public.

People who wish to speak at the Feb. 22 board meeting will be required to sign a log upon entering the meeting, and in order of sign-in will state their name, address and opinions. Remarks will be limited to five minutes.