The Oakley Union Elementary School District Board of Education made a big mistake during a recent meeting. Members of the board were caught making derogatory about parents who want schools to return to in-person learning.
They did not know the meeting was being broadcast.
Due to the error, the entire board resigned.
The board also discussed ways to further limit public comment during board meetings.
Board member Kim Beede asked if they were alone before talking about a letter sent to the board.
“If you’re going to call me out, I’m gonna (expletive) you up,” she said.
Lisa Brizendine said it was unfortunate that the community wants to pick on the members because they “want their babysitters back.”
Richie Masadas, another board member, joked about his brother who had a medical marijuana delivery service and his clientele was parents with heir kids in school.
“So when you got your kids at home, no more (expletive),” he said.
At the 7:26 minute mark, the members realized the meeting was open to the public.
“Uh oh,” Beede said.
A commenter let them know the meeting was open.
“Nu huh,” Brizendine said.
The meeting was quickly made private after that.
On Feb. 19, the district sent a letter to all families. It started by informing parents that all four members of the board resigned.
Three of the four board members issued a statement saying they “deeply regret the comments that were made in the meeting.”
Greg Hetrick, the superintendent, attempted to clarify as well.
However, he did not address his remarks about making public comments more restricted.
