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Health & Fitness

Melrose School Committee – Are They Diminishing Free Speech?

I attended the Melrose School Committee’s meeting of August 27th when they voted to eliminate the 2nd public comment session thereby diminishing the ability of the public to comment on actions taken during their meetings. The only member who voted against its elimination was Carrie Kourkoumelis to her credit. I spoke in favor of keeping this 2nd public comment session since it gives the public the ability to comment on the actions taken that evening by the committee, rather than to bring it up at their next meeting when the meeting agenda would probably not allow its discussion.

Eliminating the 2nd comment session is a ploy to eliminate ”free speech” from their meetings! The reason the committee gave to eliminate it is that they had instituted it a number of years ago as an experiment and it didn’t seem to provide them much value or input from the public and had little impact on their deliberations. Also one of their members noted that this 2nd public comment session is not a common practice with other school districts. This is another observable and obvious sign of committee member’s disdain for public input.

Here is the real reason why they decided to limit public input and further diminish the free speech.  They simply are tired of hearing from Mr. Gerry Mroz and others who speak during public comment sessions at each of their meetings! Mr. Mroz is a tireless and committed advocate of needed changes to the educational system here in Melrose. Seeing the results of the current educational process and its impact on his children and as well as being well read, and knowledgeable on how other school systems deal with educational issues, have convinced him that changes are needed to improve student outcomes in Melrose.

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While the school committee claims they want public input to their proposals to help shape them into programs that meet public acceptance and expectations, they continually demonstrate the opposite in their actions. I explained to them at their August 27th meeting that their original intention for instituting the 2nd public comment session was correct and that eliminating it is a mistake since it eliminates an important way to gain public input and support for their programs. I asked that they reconsider their action and re-institute it at a later date.

It would help if other interested parents and concerned citizens would provide the school committee with their input on this matter. You can do so by emailing the committee at www.SchoolCommittee@CityofMelrose.org

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