Disruption at Montgomery school board meeting

R. David Pettit, president, Montgomery school board
    A key element of the vision of the Montgomery Township Schools is that, “We prepare our students for life in a global society while nurturing them in a community where each student is known and valued.” To create an environment where each student feels valued means to create a school community that is welcoming and engaging to each student and to all stakeholders.
   Toward this goal, we create a culture in our schools and our Board of Education meetings where people feel comfortable having an open dialogue, speaking their minds, and working together in a spirit of trust and respect. As a school community, we adults need to model the behaviors for our students that will create this open and respectful culture.
   Unfortunately, there are isolated individuals in our community who create a hostile environment at Board of Education meetings by making slanderous and abusive remarks about Board members, members of our Administration, teachers, other community members and by shouting out of turn when alternative views are expressed. The out-of -order disruptions interfere with the Board’s ability to do the work of the people of Montgomery. Additionally, the hostile environment created by these individuals makes it uncomfortable for our students and citizens to attend and participate in the meetings.
   As a Board of Education, we find this situation unacceptable – to continue to improve and create the schools that meet the future needs of our students we must be able to hear from all of our community members. We will do everything in our power to ensure the conversations at the Board meetings are open and respectful so that all feel safe attending. To this end, we will take appropriate action against any individual who disrupts the workings of our community and creates a hostile environment.
R. David Pettit, president
Montgomery Township
Board of Education