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parrot what some constituent says, but to advocate for the children and the public schools.”
Mr. O’Meara’s sentiments were echoed by other speakers including Susan McCarthy whose family had prayed that “those who are elected to represent us . . . learn and know enough to lead us” and by Jami Gillis who characterized the caring and dedication of Rappahannock administrators by noting that “I don’t know about how many other principals sign everyone’s report card and write a note.”
Rick Kohler asked the board “why are we fooling around with pennies-we are wasting our time here.” He said that “we have a wonderful situation . . .we found $40,000 or so that was not in the budget and yet I’m surprised that you are concentrating on cutting a few hundred or a thousand or two thousand from a few people . . . I don’t understand that.”
Andy Platt said that he came to the meeting perplexed and that he would leave perplexed: “We spend two hours tonight to take a couple of hundred dollars from a few valuable employees.”
Former Jackson District School Board member, Ron Makela said that “I’m very concerned in the way this has come about. You’re in charge of $8 million, and you don’t have a clue about what you’re doing.”
Additional public comment supported earlier speakers and Mr. Wiese challenged “the board to undo what you did.”
The school board appeared stunned by the depth of feeling, but held off the public and made no move to reconsider their motion. The board will meet on Thursday, March 30, at 6 p.m. for final budget approval.
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