To the Editor:

Many describe a Board of Education’s role as hiring a Superintendent, reviewing budgets, and creating the policies that guide our district. There is a standing committee dedicated to policies. However, what is the benefit if policies appear to only be followed when it is convenient?

From A Practical Guide to Connecticut School Law, ninth edition:

“A written policy can be invaluable in such situations to guide administrators and to inform parents as to what the rules are.” “If a board of education adopts a policy and its agents act contrary to it, such action will likely be considered per se unreasonable, with the result that school officials may be liable for negligence or even violation of constitutional rights.”

The BOE Purchasing Policy 3323 required three bids, however that has not happened for the last two bus contacts (a major budget driver.) The contracts were approved nonetheless.

Many Special Education parents have frustrating stories of dealings with the district and the 2019 Self Study affirmed their experiences when it showed major inconsistencies across schools among other issues. Where was the leadership administering statutes and policies?

1311.1 covers Political Activities of School Employees and makes clear that employees will not “praise or denigrate any particular political party,” yet raised examples of apparent partisan bias were shirked off.

3260 states disposal of materials valued over $1,000 requires Board approval, yet there seems to have been several examples not put to the board, thus hidden from public view.

Recently, a parent brought their concern to the board of yet another apparent instance of our district not following its own policies. Policy 3280 deals with gifts/grants and lays out the approval requirements for accepting them. Were the policy followed it would suggest the district’s views align with the group’s goals; however she was told they are in fact “very different.” Why then would the district be promoting this group with district resources?

Raising these concerns to the district has often been met with platitudes and inaction.

Is ignorance an excuse? In response to my own policy concerns I was told “in some cases, I believe that some may be unaware of what policy even exists.” These policies are posted on the district website. If parents can find this information, how can administrators claim to not be aware when it is their job to carry out these policies?

Policies exist so our government is consistent and acts in ways that are objectively agreed on. As policies will be stress tested, they only work with disciplined adherence. For example, the Town debt policy has saved taxpayers millions. Approvals can be a hassle, but they are required to foster public transparency on the record. Policies beget consistency and efficiency across the schools.

No one wants to see the district face legal action which would only cost the taxpayers money. However, I hope in calling attention to these policies they are treated as more than a performative action.

Regards,

Ryan Knapp

Sandy Hook