I am appalled at the behavior of several of the school committee officials, behavior that I witnessed firsthand at during the meeting held on Monday, Oct. 22. I have been a member of the Bristol/ Warren communities my whole life. Due to being active in our communities, I have attended many town meetings. I have never seen a meeting run like this one.

I have heard for many months that the school administration as well as the school committee have not been acting on concerns voiced by parents in in our community. This was very apparent at this meeting. While the chairperson kept saying he was not trying to silence anyone, instead just trying to follow the law and protect the rights of school personnel, his actions did not show that.

He did not recognize or allow anyone in the audience to ask questions, so they could have understand  what was being purposed, under the executive session and public comment options, that he was offering the two parents on the agenda. This caused members of the audience to become frustrated and shout out their questions.

Public comment, usually first on the agenda, was held off until about 11 p.m , thus again silencing many people and not allowing them to be heard by the group that was present at 7 p.m. The only people recognized and allowed to speak prior to 11 p.m. were two union lawyers and every school committee member.

I do want to be fair and point out that there were at least four school committee members, all whom are not up for reelection, who did try to answer or reframe questions the audience shouted out, but often they too were silenced by being interrupted or ignored by the chairman.

The meeting did not start out with upset community members and parents. It started out with concerned community members and parents wanting to have a voice. They tried to follow the rules and be respectful by raising their hands, but in my opinion they did not receive the respect back.

If you would like to view this meeting I would suggest you request an unedited version through the superintendent’s office. I was told by the Town Hall clerk’s office that is where you can get one.

I also beg all of you to get your voice heard and to be the voice of our children, by voting on Nov. 6. There is a need for new members on this school committee. Members who treat everyone with respect. Our children are our future.

Donna Ramos Razza
Warren