Speed Gibson: North by Northwest – The Venue

North by Northwest – The Venue

The April 2023 monthly ISD 482 School Board meeting was held Monday, April 17th, in the Middle School Media Center. It was scheduled for 5 to 6 PM, started on time, and ended about 6:15 PM. My first observation was: why 5 PM? Mondays at 5 PM is very convenient for the District staff, but what about the parents, many of whom are just now leaving work? Here in the Twin Cities, 6 pm, even 7 pm is more common.

As some perhaps expected, there was a large staff presence tonight, overcrowding the room. It was recorded, and I see that past meetings are indeed on a YouTube channel (LFCS.tv). I’ll be sampling these more fully later, but I can say now that those in the back could not hear several speakers and some of the staff reports. I sat near the front, but even I had trouble hearing a couple of the more soft-spoken speakers. This room might work for 20 to 30 people but no more if everyone is to be heard.

I’ll concede that this informal setting is probably adequate for most meetings. But it was certainly no surprise that several dozen District staff would be there. Per one of the many wearing an orange "Proud Educator" shirt, this was planned at least two weeks ago. There was certainly time to move the meeting to that school’s auditorium or gymnasium, if a proper "airing of grievances" was to be held. I think the Board should consider permanently moving these sessions to a larger, more suitable venue. If you’re going to sail the rolling seas of Twin Cities politics, "you’re gonna need a bigger boat."

Next: The Agenda

Editor's note: It feels great to publish Speed Gibson's reporting. Speed used to be considered the best school board blogger in MOB (Minnesota Organization of Blogs) history. I've had the privilege of maintaining my friendship with Speed throughout the years. Unlike Joe Biden, Speed hasn't lost anything off his fastball. Then again, it's well-established that Speed always had a fastball. We aren't certain that Joe ever did have a fastball. Finally, here's the video from Monday's LFSB meeting:

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