They are not interested in listening . . .

Have we come to the point where 'elected' officials are not serving the public but themselves?

More and more, concerned citizens are cut off and silenced at the very meetings where they are supposed to have the right to be heard. This is happening at school boards across Ontario.

Nick Morabito’s treatment by the OCDSB is a case in point:

Libellule @LibelluleLilas

@KiarTony @elie_mcn Here is his full delegation that he did not get to do.

m.youtube.comOCDSB Meeting Recap - Recorded footage & the rest of the speechI wish the progressive powers that be would understand that shutting down respectful dialogue creates more anger and frustration which impedes progression; a...

Mr. Morabito stated his disappointment in not being allowed to speak in his YouTube account;

I wish the progressive powers that be would understand that shutting down respectful dialogue creates more anger and frustration which impedes progression; and allowing ideas to get hashed out through respectful dialogue creates understanding and progression. I hope I get another chance to speak to the board of trustees, I have ideas that can help.

But does the school board care what his concerns are? Does the school board even want to hear his ideas?

OCDSB chair Lyra Evans, a trans woman, left the board chambers on Tuesday night after the man’s presentation started.

Lyra, who uses her first name, said she did not fear for her emotional or physical safety. “This person is not going to change my mind,” she said. “This delegation is not going to convince me of anything. So I stepped aside. I didn’t want to get into an argument.”

Police called to Ottawa school board meeting following presentation on use of washrooms by trans students, Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen,Mar 08, 2023

Yet, one of the duties of the school board (and should be modelled by the chair) is to listen and respond to parental concerns!

https://modules.ontarioschooltrustees.org/Modules/03-Roles-and-responsibilities.aspx

But, Lyra Evans as chair of the OCDSB is above listening to parents. What other duties does she feel are beneath her?

Sadly this is a trend that is becoming all to common in other school board areas in Ontario

There is no recognition from the Board that parents are key stakeholders in the development of what constitutes safe and accepting schools (per Ministry of Education directives that can be found here.)  

How Ontario School Boards are Responding to Parent Concerns

Why bother going through the expense and charade of having trustee elections?