Board of Education needs better public relations strategy
The Millstone Board of Education recently announced its intentions to focus more on public relations as one of its key strategies in which to successfully pass future school budgets.

To that end, the board's recent PR attempt at the Board of Education meeting on Aug. 11 quickly went awry as members tried to communicate the economics behind their facility usage fee program relative to recreational and club sports.

Perhaps they can regroup by examining the way in which they treat fellow Millstone citizens who attend these meetings to ask basic questions during the public comment portion of these events. The board should learn to listen and refrain from talking over those who show up seeking answers to board decisions and proposed actions.

At this meeting there was an air of indignation and condescending behavior by several board members, not all. One member in particular, Vice President Margaret Gordon, consistently smirked at Millstone residents while they attempted to articulate points about the fiscal accuracy of the board's presentation. Her impolite demeanor was consistent throughout the meeting and firmly grounded to her thoughts represented in her editorial to the Examiner (March 6, 2008). As though on cue, she felt the need to remind the "crowd" that our community "does not participate."

Even more inciting was the list she had at her fingertips of all Millstone residents complete with our voting attendance record. This practice made it hard to get past her judgmental barrier. She was actually observed by audience members mouthing the words, "He didn't vote," as I was speaking. As if she has such a right to be so reckless in her misuse of public information.

At what point do the people who follow the news and show up to ask questions, in this case until 11 p.m. on a Monday, are they considered to be involved to her standards? If the Board of Education would allow greater access into its "black box think tank" perhaps more people would get involved.

Ms. Gordon continues to make the point that not enough people voted in past elections, again to her standard. She neglects to absorb that fact that Millstoners voted down the budget in 2007 only to have it overturned. This event has led to apathy among voters and a level of mistrust with regard to the way we feel our tax dollars are being allocated. Until there is an attitude adjustment among the board members, their public relations problem is indeed themselves. And, as a result of their seemingly vindictive nature and voodoo economics, our children face the prospect of having no indoor recreational sports this fall and for years to come.
Phil Cooney
Millstone