The following is an open letter to the Regional School Unit 19 School Board, which oversees public schools in Corinna, Dixmont, Etna, Hartland, Newport, Palmyra, Plymouth and St. Alban.

Honorable Trustees of the Nokomis High School School Board,

Thank you for your service to the community.  As a Nokomis School Board member,  you represent the  state, community and all students.  I appreciate your efforts to set up and maintain guidelines for the education of our children.  

I appreciate the boundaries you set at the beginning of the meeting, regarding public comment, including a time restraint, guidelines for conduct, ie: no swearing or naming of individuals, no yelling, and allowing residents of the school district to speak before residents from other communities.

I felt the board successfully held these boundaries early in the meeting, however, later, when individuals rose to the podium to express differing perspectives from those who spoke early on, the order and boundaries disappeared.  In the ensuing chaos, the public comment was shut down without a voice from those with differing viewpoints.  I left this meeting, deeply disturbed by the vehement actions, shouting and escalation of accusation from adults, preventing the “free speech” of an eighth grade student. 

The lack of courtesy demonstrated by some of the adults present, horrified me.  The board and the police officers present were impotent to respond to this, other than to recess and shut down public comment, while a small eighth grade girl, stood at the podium in the midst of a circling pack of adults practically frothing at the mouth. 

The courage shown by that young girl standing at the podium, holding her ground, waiting to speak should be recognized by you.  I sincerely hope that the comments of the eighth grade girl will be received and reviewed by the board.  I encourage you to continue to promote inclusion of all in the educational system in Nokomis.  I encourage you to promote democracy, safety, diversity and tolerance of differences in ideas, opinions, religions and gender presentation.  

Perhaps when announcing the boundaries the Board should consider an additional requirement. You could also announce at the beginning of these meetings that disruptive behavior preventing anyone from making public comment will not be tolerated and the person(s) will be removed from the meeting space. 

Additionally, if it becomes necessary to close public comment due to disruptive behavior, any public comment unable to be presented, will subsequently be received and reviewed by the board with equal attention.  Perhaps adults would be less likely to act out in unacceptable behaviors.  Of course if they are acting for cameras or video they would still be inclined to continue so it may be in the best interests of everyone to prevent private filming at these events.  The school board could set up their own video for documentation and safety.

Again, I hope that this was a learning experience for all involved, I do hope that you hear more from those who were unable to contribute during the public comment section of your meeting and I implore you to move forward with fairness and inclusiveness.  

Cassandra Walters lives in Rockland