Minutes 06/23/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY JUNE 23, 1981 ~ The following is a copy of a prepared statement presented by Mrs. Pat Dameron, Chairman of the local Community Action Council, concerning the appointment by Council of local School Board members, to which statement Council indicated it would give consideration: At the May 7, 1981, meeting of the Community Action Council, a committee was established to present to City Council a proposal that a public mechanism be established for the appointment of School Board members. We concur with the State PTA position that: ~ "In order for the School Boards to be truly representative of the community they serve, the citizens of a locality must have the opportunity to become informed about and to participate in the process of selecting school board members. The Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers would like to have established a formal selection procedure regardless of which body is making the appointment, which would include public notification of all current and pending vacancies. A timetable that has been established and widely published by the appointing body would allow interested citizens to submit formal applications and/or recommendations. The names and qualifications of those recommended or applying should be published in order for the members of the general public to consider who they feel would best represent them and to let the appointing body know their preference." Although this is not a reaction to the recently appointed school board members, this action does highlight the need for public participation in the appointing process. Our concern with this issue is that it will get buried under the press of other business until the next time appointments are to be made. We therefore ask to know how City Council will make a decision on this proposal, and when a decision can be reached. ----- The Community Action Council is convinced that citizen participation is vital in order to have a successful public school system. Following a presentation by Mrs. June Gay, Executive Director of the Piedmont Seniors of Virginia, Inc., on the proposed fiscal 1982 Area Plan for Aging Services, and after Council's review of the proposed program as a part of the A-95 review process being conducted by the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Council unanimously indicated its support thereof.