The School Committee passed a new public comment policy at its meeting last Tuesday that was followed by another public participation with backlash from residents.
The only change to the new public comment policy limits public public participation to up to five minutes. The policy change passed with a vote of three to two. School Committee members Jamie Hayman and Kate DePrizio voted against and Committee Chair Kristen Elworthy, Vice Chair Jenny Sheehan, and member Jim Dillion voted in favor of the change.
Prior to the vote, Hayman referred to a discussion of the policy at the Aug. 21 meeting. At that meeting, all committee members agreed to not have a time limit during public participation.
“I am and have always been for a time limit,” Hayman said. “I am not for switching it.”
Elworthy said she proposed the policy change in response to feedback from the community. She noted that as chair she has the power to steer public participation toward relevant topics, but would have to remain equitable in giving residents the same opportunity to speak.
DePrizio also questioned why public participation has been moved to the end of the meeting, rather than beginning the meeting with it.
Elworthy said she moved public participation to the end of the meeting so people would not have to wait to give a presentation, such as teachers and administrators presenting on curriculum.
Former School Committee member Phil McQueen began public comment and said he agreed with Hayman and DePrizio in regard to the new public comment policy.
McQueen went straight to the point and asked the committee if it would be addressing a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) document that has been circling the community in regard to the conflict between the committee beginning in September.
Jamie Hayman’s wife, Christina, followed McQueen and provided insight into how the conflict between her husband and DePrizio has impacted her life throughout the past three months.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know how to hold you accountable, so speaking up today is the best I can do,” Christina Hayman said. “Your behavior has been shameful, and our community deserves better.”
As many have said during previous committee meetings, Christina Hayman asked for DePrizio’s resignation from the School Committee.
Dr. Deirdre Donovan concluded public participation by following Christina Hayman and asking for DePrizio’s resignation.
“I think when folks say that we want accountability we really mean … we’d like some resignations. That’s what accountability is,” Donovan said.
