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Churchill County School Board Trustee Mark Hyde says missing five of the last six school board meetings does not amount to a neglect of duty.
We beg to differ.
Hyde, whose term expires in January and is not seeking re-election, cited family obligations as reasons for his continued time away from the district's decision-making body. While his response is noble, it does not excuse his repeated absences at public meetings. It's a matter of professionalism.
An occasional absence by an elected official due to illness, personal matters or a well-deserved vacation is expected. Repeated absence from meetings by choice is inexcusable. The school board meets twice a month, a schedule that allows flexibility in planning.
Though lacking in pay and prestige, service on the school board is a job. Like any job, regular attendance is expected. Failure to do so usually leads to termination in the private sector.
Besides raising questions from the public, the repeated absence of one member on a seven-member board presents the possibility of a tied vote, a situation not uncommon to the local school board. The district has faced many issues in the past three months including personnel changes, labor issues, growth planning and the impending replacement of aging light ballasts that may pose a health risk.
In short, there's never a lack of activity or controversy in front of the school board. Every opinion and insight contributes to the final outcome. The voters who elected Mark Hyde have been deprived of his representation in decisions made during his absence. When voters place their trust in a candidate enough to vote them into office, they have a right to expect that person to at least show up.
Eleven candidates are vying for four school board seats this year. There are plenty of local citizens who are more than willing to give of their time in shaping local schools.
We hope Mr. Hyde's attendance at meetings becomes more consistent. If not, he should step down and let someone else serve out the rest of his term. Parents and students deserve the full dedication of an elected public servant.
We beg to differ.
Hyde, whose term expires in January and is not seeking re-election, cited family obligations as reasons for his continued time away from the district's decision-making body. While his response is noble, it does not excuse his repeated absences at public meetings. It's a matter of professionalism.
An occasional absence by an elected official due to illness, personal matters or a well-deserved vacation is expected. Repeated absence from meetings by choice is inexcusable. The school board meets twice a month, a schedule that allows flexibility in planning.
Though lacking in pay and prestige, service on the school board is a job. Like any job, regular attendance is expected. Failure to do so usually leads to termination in the private sector.
Besides raising questions from the public, the repeated absence of one member on a seven-member board presents the possibility of a tied vote, a situation not uncommon to the local school board. The district has faced many issues in the past three months including personnel changes, labor issues, growth planning and the impending replacement of aging light ballasts that may pose a health risk.
In short, there's never a lack of activity or controversy in front of the school board. Every opinion and insight contributes to the final outcome. The voters who elected Mark Hyde have been deprived of his representation in decisions made during his absence. When voters place their trust in a candidate enough to vote them into office, they have a right to expect that person to at least show up.
Eleven candidates are vying for four school board seats this year. There are plenty of local citizens who are more than willing to give of their time in shaping local schools.
We hope Mr. Hyde's attendance at meetings becomes more consistent. If not, he should step down and let someone else serve out the rest of his term. Parents and students deserve the full dedication of an elected public servant.
