Naturally, I wanted to observe the process. My intent isn't to write a story from each meeting, but just watch the process and how people discuss options -- what options are considered, not considered, etc. Superintendent Arturo Flores, other administrators and some board of education members weren't too excited about me being there, and Flores told me through a spokesperson that I was not welcome, that my presence would be "inappropriate." The concern was that committee members wouldn't be as open and honest if I was there because their names might appear in the paper along with suggestions they made in the meeting. They were afraid I would write something like, "So and so said all athletics should be cut."
I understand that concern. So I thought about it and talked with my editors. I thought to last fall, winter and spring when two local school districts made agonizing decisions about budget cuts and closing schools. Stanislaus Union and Empire Union school districts held numerous committee meetings to discuss their options. These committees were composed of administrators, trustees, teachers, staff and parents. I observed many of these meetings leading up to final board action to see how the committees went about their decisions. Two schools were chosen by trustees for closure. Those committees also were advisory. Throughout these meetings, members freely expressed their opinions, however controversial, and discussions sometimes got heated. They knew I was there, but that did not seem to deter their openness. I even asked one of the committee leaders if my being there was ever a concern for her or committee members -- she said no, that she was using me to inform the public.
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