By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland School Director Patrick Foose expressed concerns on various issues at the board’s Dec. 20, 2022, meeting.

Although different topics were addressed, Foose summarized his thoughts in a general statement.

“We’re losing a sense of our transparency and good governance in this district,” Foose said.

He objected to the 7:30 a.m. start time for the academics, arts and athletics committee meetings in the new year.

“I start work at 8 a.m.,” said Foose, making it unrealistic for him to attend the 7:30 a.m. meeting.

Former board President David Hein said committee reports are available to everyone, even if the person is not present at the meeting.

Nevertheless, Foose suggests resuming the monthly workshop sessions where presentations on many topics were given before the regular meeting.

Everyone can hear everything at the workshops which would solve any lack of communication between the three committees, Foose explained.

He told The Press the workshops were discontinued through “administrative recommendation and board consent.”

“Let’s go back to workshops and have the full board involved instead of committee meetings at odd hours of the day,” Foose said.

On another topics, Foose addressed the procedure for filling the open board position created by the resignation of Jarrett Coleman, now state senator for the 16th Senatorial District.

“The vacancy should be advertised,” Foose said. “Have the public come to the board to apply. Have an interview for everyone who applies.

“Do it in the most transparent way possible. Be open and equal opportunity based.”

The night of the meeting, President Carol Facchiano told The Press the board would approve Coleman’s resignation before deciding on the procedure to replace him.

Since then, public notice indicated the board had decided to appoint Coleman’s replacement at a special meeting on Jan. 3.