The North Judson-San Pierre School Board will announce at their Aug. 16th meeting what process they might favor in terms of transitioning from an appointed to an elected board. Members held a work session last week with members of the Bluejay Nation Pride group and their attorney to discuss the process.
Elected school board advocate Matt Bailey says his group will move forward with a petition to bring the question to the voters if the school board does not take action. However, Bailey’s attorney Todd Wallsmith says such a petition must contain the specific plan to structure and elect a school board.
Several questions remain, including whether the board would have three, five or seven members and how districts would be drawn to ensure fair representation based on population.
Should the school board agree to the transition, they could have a greater say in answering those questions.
The current board members want time to discuss the issue, and may schedule some public forums to gather input. None have been set at this time. Residents can also email board@njsp.k12.in.us with their input. Members ask that they include addresses and telephone numbers with any correspondence should follow-up be warranted.
As such the discussion of an elected versus appointed board is not on the agenda for tonight’s N.J.-S.P. School Board meeting. Items for discussion during the 7 p.m. session include final approval of a state-mandated criminal gangs and gang activity policy, discussion of the technology coordinator position and salary and a secondary crossing agreement.
