Earlier Meeting Times for CMSD Board Aim to Get Attendees Home Sooner
In a bid to accommodate attendees, the Columbus Municipal School District (CMSD) Board of Trustees has unanimously voted in favor of changing the meeting times of regular board meetings from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. The changes will take effect from Aug. 12.
Board meetings are held at Brandon Central Services on the second Monday of every month. This change is intended to allow attendees to return home earlier, contributing to a more accessible and responsive school administration.
A Change For Better Attendance
The decision was taken with strong agreement from the board, but not without queries from the members. Upon the announcement of the motion, Board Member Josie Shumake inquired about the rationale behind the change.
“My first reaction is that if you set a meeting at 5 and if you’re trying to get more people here, they won’t be able to come because they are getting off work,” said Shumake. This concern resonates with the workforce who might struggle to attend meetings early evening due to work commitments.
Enhancing Engagement and Accessibility
Despite the apprehensions, the board went ahead with a unanimous approval of the motion. The change is an attempt to increase the public’s involvement in school administration affairs, thereby promoting transparency and engagement.
The earlier meeting time may allow attendees, especially working parents, to return home earlier and spend quality time with their families. By scheduling the meeting at 5 p.m., it provides an opportunity for more parents and community members to attend and participate in the board meeting before winding up their day.
Looking Forward
While the change in meeting timings is a step towards increasing community engagement, the CMSD board members are aware that it might present challenges for some people. They are hopeful that this shift will make board meetings more easily accessible and encourage greater participation from the community.
The adjustment in meeting start time could set the course for other school districts considering options to increase public engagement in their board meetings. It’s an interesting initiative that promises to foster increased community involvement in local educational decision-making processes and offers a model of engagement for other districts. Noticing its impact and responses from the community can provide crucial insights on accommodating public participation in school events post working hours.
The new meeting time will take effect from August 12 onwards. It remains to see whether this change will result in higher attendance at the CMSD board meetings and increased community engagement.
