You Can't Tell Me What To Do, Broskie Tells School Board
Superintendent and Board Member Hanson Spar Over Meeting Prep Materials
Clay County Schools Superintendent David Broskie often reminds people of the “millions of positive interactions” happening in and around county schools. But at last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Broskie’s interaction with board member Michele Hanson could be described as anything but.
During the meeting portion reserved for board member commentary, Hanson expressed concern over not receiving documents related to meeting agendas before the meetings. Hanson asked the board to direct the superintendent to provide presentation documents on Friday before a meeting. Broskie responded, “Just a little clarification: the board can never direct the superintendent.”
The School Board’s function, among other things, is to set policy and ensure proper oversight of the school district, which assumes that the board can provide instructions to the superintendent.
Hanson highlighted a recent presentation from the school district’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department at the board’s September 24 workshop. Per Hanson, board members would be better prepared to discuss complex topics like the ESE program if they had access to the data before the presentation.
Referring to the nine days between a workshop and a board meeting, Broskie said, “My phone works every day; there’s not a single day that my phone does not work.” Broskie clarified that workshop presentations are not items the board votes on and are not provided ahead of the workshop.
After asking Hanson not to interrupt him, Broskie said, “More time has been given than I can remember in the last 36 years.” He also said that presentations are not technically part of the agenda. Therefore, they are for informational purposes and are not provided before the meetings. Broskie also said he believes it is valuable for the people presenting the information to walk the board through it during the meeting, not before it.
Ashley Gilhousen defended Broskie, while Erin Skipper agreed with Hanson. Board members Bolla and Clark remained silent during the discussion. The meeting was adjourned when it became clear that Hanson would not back down from her request.
The next School Board workshop is scheduled for October 29 at 9 a.m. Meetings at the school district headquarters in Green Cove are open to the public.
This is so sophomoric. Shame on "King" Broskie! If the Board makes policy - then the Board can make a policy for the Superintendent to deliver all presentation materials well in advance of a presentation with sufficient time to read the materials. Instead of working with the Board -- Broskie places himself above the board -- and that's not serving the taxpayer or the students. Get with the program Brownie -- or move on!
I hope that Mr. Broskie understands that his position is elected by the voters. This kind of "you can't tell me what to do" attitude is unacceptable. Ms. Hanson was only trying to point out that the members, be it a voted or non-voted agenda item should be given to the board members early to review and be prepared for any questions they might have. As Ms. Hanson stated, companies that have meetings provide agendas and meeting items PRIOR to meetings so that attendees can be prepared. Obviously by Mr. Broskie's body language and his forceful, negative, dismissive, and abrasive responses to Ms. Hanson, he prefers NOT to be challenged or questioned. The parents and teachers of Clay County deserve a Superintendent who is focused on making the learning environment better and one who is open to suggestions and ideas. If anyone has not noticed, there has been a wave of issues (approximately 8-9) at schools with threats since the school year started. There have been two arrests involving those threats. I hope that Mr. Broskie is taking these seriously and not serving in his self gratification of power when this is brought up at meetings. I no longer have children in the Clay County school system, but I am concerned for the safety and security of our students, teachers, and admisnitrators.