Resident criticizes board absence at budget forum; district reiterates June 17 vote

A resident public commenter criticized the absence of board members at a recent district budget forum and urged the Board of Education to ensure members are present when residents raise budget concerns.

The commenter said administration staff had to answer questions because “there were no board members here,” and added the forum’s outcome mattered to voters: “I will surely vote yes with this budget because the contingency buzz is really gonna damage children's education,” the speaker said. The commenter asked that future forums include board representation so trustees can hear residents directly.

Superintendent Dr. Steele and board members responded in turn. Dr. Steele and other administrators explained the forum was intentionally run in an informal “forum” style to allow extended Q&A and avoid triggering a quorum-based Board of Education meeting under Robert’s Rules of Order; administrators said they had presented detailed information and addressed attendees’ questions. A board member said the formal venue for deliberation remains the budget hearing and that the board would “readjust and pivot” to consider how to ensure resident concerns are heard at future forums. The meeting closed with a reminder that the budget revote will be held at Elwood Middle School cafeteria from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, and the board adjourned by unanimous vote.