The Best Theater In Town Is Still Free
Our Commissioners stage a report about school safety and the public wants to comment
I’ve heard it said that “theater is the essential artform of democracy.”
Ancient Greek theater encouraged debate. The speakers on stage presented a current social issue and the audience expressed their opinions. Democracy requires tolerance, so that empathy is possible.
Today, how is democracy living up to the Greek ideal in a small mountain town in North Carolina?
It’s Monday, March 4th, and the Commissioners are hosting the School Board for a special public joint meeting. I’m going because I wonder why the Commission Board hasn’t acted yet on the school bonds that we passed in 2018 and are still paying taxes for.
They have called this meeting to reveal the results of the latest “study”. Many of us, including parents, have heard rumors that our local public schools are in decay. There will be an overflow crowd.
As I arrive, I see a small group of citizens across the street. They offer an alternative to what we might hear inside.
Inside, the stage is set.
The Commissioners are on their raised platform under the words “In God We Trust”. School Board members sit at tables below, with the audience.
Inexplicably, two yellow police tapes define the area between the two Boards, reading, “CAUTION. DO NOT ENTER.” Two note-takers sit on either side. The lectern at stage right is positioned in a way that guest speakers will be partly off-camera for those watching at home.
The Chair of the Commission Board begins the meeting by reminding us,
This just a presentation. There is no official action and no public comment.
Then he explains,
In the past we’ve seated our joint meetings a little bit different. … If someone is not comfortable with it, blame it on me. … If we were all sitting down on the same plane, some individuals would have had their backs to the presenter.
I see there’s somebody shaking their finger at me, and I’m sorry.
The School Superintendent comes to the lectern and thanks the taxpayers for attending. She explains the “big confusion” about an undefined social media post, which “was not meant to try to influence the school board or commissioners for any decision.”
Pointing out several consultants in the front row, she says:
This group will show what really needs to be done to fix the schools. I’ll introduce the people I worked with.
We have a lot of blue on tonight and I think we all match. It was not intended.
The first two consultants agree that costs have gone up since 2018, but the fact is that their study has found over 350 things in our public schools that are still waiting to be upgraded or replaced. Many are now critical.
In our state, School Boards have no authority to tax. And they have to ask Commissioners for money for the schools’ capital needs. It’s an unsteady balance of power.
The consultants tell the Boards,
The children should absolutely know you have done everything in your power to secure their safety and security while they are in your charge. It is the community’s responsibility to care for the children.
There are safety and security needs here, probably in the millions of dollars. You have a high need. You have the opportunity to do it right.
Three days later, the local newspaper will list some of these needs:
a new fire sprinkler system
upgrade vintage 1974 electrical panels
ageing electrical system
original electrical equipment
antiquated electrical
remove 2 underground fuel storage tanks
security upgrades in 7 schools totaling $1,701,654
Next in the meeting, an Axias representative goes through slides that you can see online (see notes below).
Then our County Manager comes to the lectern and recommends going ahead with Step One, or the first “Tranche”. She explains what a “critical need” is:
If the water heater goes out at home, you’re not going to argue about whether to replace the water heater. You’re both going to load up and go to Lowe’s and you’re going to buy a water heater.
I don’t think a home water heater compares with, for example, finally after six lucky years, building a school vestibule for the safety and security of children, teachers and staff. But I’m happy she’s talking about fixing our schools.
The first two consultants return and one says,
Communication is the key. You can get ahead of this project. We have to take care of what our children are sitting in right now. [Audience applause]
Besides physical safety, look at procedures as well. I’ve studied school shootings. … You have the opportunity to work as a group.
Then the Chair ends the meeting. He says,
I just want to … the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners are just now getting this [holds up a copy of the Report]. It was part of the original agreement. Both Boards would get the information at the exact same time. I want to make it very … we have not seen what’s in this.
He’s searching for a plan:
My challenge is … we have what we need, now we have to agree on that, then we have to move forward, make some time frames, so maybe we can get things started some. That is my request. No action tonight. But that is my humble request.
Cries from the audience:
Listen to what I have to say, from a student who goes to one of those schools!
Set the next meeting!
Set the next meeting!
Chair:
We’ll follow our rules of procedure. We are adjourned.
Finally, outside the building two groups form on either side of the yard and people are talking. Like the ancient Greeks who also lived in a democracy, we all are interested in the issue that has just been presented to us, the safety of our schools.
Standing there, I’m aware that each group only knows about its own viewpoint. It seems it will be so forever, or until one group overpowers the other.
Obviously, there’s a need for discussion.
But the safe space for reaction, argument and emotion, for learning about what the other person thinks or wants, for finding a way to really, finally fix the schools, all this has not been made available. And the Chair is not likely to offer it in the future.
We can work hard, though, to vote out the current majority leadership. We have until November 5th.
You are right that we should all attend our local meeting, ask questions, and know who is who.