Outbursts at meetings prompt Ozark school board to approve new rules for civility

Outbursts and rude comments during recent public meetings prompted the Ozark school board to spell out the behavior expected by those who show up.

Parents and community members have shouted, talked out of turn, mocked the board and chanted "D-E-I" — an acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts — or "D-I-E" in meetings.

Board members admitted they were not sure if "D-I-E" was just a transposed version of the DEI acronym or a threat but noted it was unsettling for others in the audience.

Multiple board members said they welcome public participation but the rules are needed to maintain decorum, limit disruptions, and promote civility.

"Everybody should be expected to treat others with respect and that is what we are demanding. How many times have we been in these meetings since I've been on the board when people are talking and people are saying things that are rude?" said board member Amber Bryant.

"If you go back and watch (meetings) I have said several times 'I've lost my train of thought, I don't know what I was getting ready to say.' I've said it at least twice while people were saying hateful things."

The "rules of order" for patron participation approved Thursday are in line with board policy. They will be posted at the meetings and may be handed out to anyone who signs up to address the board.

"The primary purpose of a school board's work session or business meeting is to conduct the public business in an orderly and efficient manner," said board member Patty Quessenberry, first elected in 1997. "Any words or conduct that interrupts, disturbs or disrupts this orderly conduct of business are out of order. It is a business meeting of the seven of us and if we want someone to speak the president would call on them."

The role of the board is to hire and evaluate the superintendent, set policy, approve a spending plan, and shape the future of the district.

Quessenberry said behavior in meetings has deteriorated in the past two years. "It is time that we, as professionals, set up rules of decorum, how our meeting will be run."

She said the public's right to free speech is protected under the First Amendment and the board has the right to set the expectations for the meeting.

At multiple points during the discussion, board member Christina Tonsing, elected in April, said the tone of the rules of conduct need to be welcoming to the public.

"This is kind of off-putting ... it makes people defensive when they read it. I don't like the way that it portrays that we think the worst of whoever is here," she said.

Tonsing said that, similar to the way teachers set the tone for their classrooms at the start of the year, the board should create the atmosphere it seeks "in a positive way."

"You should do that for children," Bryant responded. "But these are adults that are coming in."

Bryant said the board has received complaints about the disruptions and "cuss words" from others in the meetings. She predicted the rules will be appreciated by many.

Board member Guy Callaway said when patrons were spelling out "D-E-I" or "D-I-E" it was concerning to others who did not know the acronym. "It was a distraction."

He and others said the outbursts also make it difficult for board members to hear the presenters, public speakers or each other.

More: At town hall, Ozark school board answers questions in effort to connect with parents

Among other things, rules will prohibit shouting, threats and acts of violence. The board tweaked the list during the Thursday meeting and the final version has not yet been posted.

Board president Sarah Adams Orr said if an individual or group breaks the rules or becomes disruptive and does not stop when asked, the meeting will be halted.

The superintendent or board president may also ask school resource officers — who are present at board meetings — to escort badly behaving patrons from the building.

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Outbursts prompt Ozark school board to post rules for meetings