During a recent board meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding transparency and communication within the district's leadership. A board member expressed concerns about a perceived lack of transparency, particularly surrounding changes in seating arrangements for trustees and the handling of a letter to the state regarding gender and sports participation.

The board member, who was unable to attend the previous meeting, noted that longstanding seating protocols had been altered without clear reasoning. Despite multiple inquiries, they received no satisfactory explanation, leading to suspicions that the changes were trivial or petty. This sentiment was echoed in their remarks about the broader trend of insufficient transparency under the current board president, Rico Simeon.

The board member also criticized the timing and communication surrounding the letter to the state, which they claimed was not adequately presented to the community or trustees. They highlighted that the deadline for the letter had already passed by the time it was discussed in a public session, questioning the purpose of the discussion if it was merely performative. Furthermore, they pointed out that the promised review of the letter was delayed, leaving insufficient time for proper consideration before a vote.

In response, President Rico Simeon defended the seating arrangement decision, stating that it was not a matter of district business and suggested that the topic would be better suited for a future board retreat. She emphasized that the seating would remain unchanged and dismissed the concerns as a waste of time, reiterating her commitment to transparency in district operations.

The exchange underscores ongoing tensions within the board regarding communication practices and the importance of transparency in governance, as members navigate their responsibilities to the community and each other.