Sparta resident challenges reporter's view of board meeting

Sparta Independent 33 Wilson Dr. Sparta, NJ 07871 Editor, Although I am a member of the Sparta Township Board of Education, I am replying as an individual and all remarks are my own. I am writing to counter the impression created by Fran Hardy’s article in last weeks Independent. That portion of the article dealing with a citizen’s complaint about public meetings and disclosure is, in my view, one sided and ignores rebuttal information. Ms. Hardy states that the citizens are “objecting to the secretive way the school board conducts its discussions” (Ms. Hardy’s words). As this statement is not a quote from someone, it is presented as fact by the writer. There is nothing provided by the writer to support or substantiate that statement. Regarding statements made by the member of the public, Ms. Hardy fails to acknowledge some basic information to refute the allegations. The citizen states that “Residents have a right to hear all discussions on issues regarding our children’s education” This is inaccurate in that the right is not absolute. It ignores the companion responsibility of the board to refrain from public discussion on matters of legal issues, personnel, negotiations and individual privacy. The Reporter also quoted the citizen as saying “a significant amount of school business is being done after midnight. Nothing was offered by the citizen or the reporter to qualify or quantify that statement. I can assure both that it is inaccurate and misleading. While on occasion the meetings run late, it is rare that public business is conducted after midnight. Another issue of dispute is the statement by the individual that a letter sent to the board was not read in public and “this was the first time in years that this had occurred”. In truth and in fact, the more common practice is to not read communications in public board meetings. The board may or may not make mention of receiving a letter. This is the common practice over the years - only on rare occasion has a letter been read aloud in a meeting. This board is much more open than those of the past. For example, this board established an additional monthly work session to discuss in public the reports from various committees. It is usually held the Thursday before the Board’s action meeting. These sessions are an opportunity for the public to hear detailed discussion about the committee meetings and content. Ms. Hardy is encouraged to attend. I am concerned that the presentation of these matters as done in this article is a disservice to the board and erodes the confidence the public should rightly attribute to the board. Thank you for printing my views. Paul Johnson 427 West Shore Trail Sparta, NJ 07871 973 729 7004