District 113A Board to Use Superintendent as Official Spokesperson

Nine months after removing the president as its official spokesperson, the  Board of Education has opted to reassign the responsibility to its incoming superintendent.

Board Member Lisa Wright announced during Tuesday night's meeting that she no longer wishes to serve as spokesperson, a position she has held since . 

Wright's decision prompted Board President Dave Molitor to question whether the board should appoint someone to take her place, or allow individuals to speak for themselves and let meeting minutes represent the board as a whole.

"I'd rather see us speak as one voice. I'd rather see one spokesperson for the board," he said.

Vice President Kevin Doherty pointed out that school board members are elected officials and are routinely contacted about their individual opinions on issues. However, any decision made during public meetings should serve as the board's position of record, he said.

Board Secretary Cindy Kelly said should be responsible for communicating on behalf of both the district and school board.

"I'm hoping information will start coming from the superintendent's office," she said. "The whole board works closely with the superintendent right now."

Aurelio argued that the press and community members have a  right to hear from an official board spokesperson.

Under District 113A Policy 3:40, the superintendent serves as a spokesperson for the district, and is responsible for disseminating information to parents and the public. Policy 2:110, which outlines the duties of board officers, previously designated the president as the board spokesperson but the language was removed after the board's vote in August.

The board ultimately agreed that Birkenmaier should serve as the official representative of the district, per school policy. Molitor said he will serve as the interim spokesperson until she takes office July 1.

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