During the May 17th RCS BOE Work Session, the BOE President Kristin Bull stated, “we stand behind our Superintendent; the email was not dishonest,” this was in reference to the email that Superintendent Robert Shaner sent to the community to justify denying residents the right to speak. This statement is completely detached from reality.
Here are the facts that make it indisputable that the Superintendent knowingly lied to the community when he sent out the email that said, “At last evening’s Board of Education meeting, an audience member refused to wear a mask. In the interest of public safety, the meeting was recessed and then adjourned.”
- At every meeting that has been held in-person in 2021, there have been speakers without masks on. This includes residents and district employees.
- There is video evidence that shows when the board returned from recess, the “member of the audience” had their mask on.
- The police report filed by the Superintendent states, “Deputy Haglund and I went over and spoke to Mr. Weaver who immediately put his mask on.”
There is no question that the Superintendent was intentionally trying to mislead the community in an effort to undermine legitimate concerns of the community. There is also no question that the BOE President is working with the Superintendent to undermine the community she was elected to represent.
The only question is; where do the other six BOE Trustees stand? Do they also believe that the email sent by RCS Superintendent Rober Shaner was not dishonest? Failing to answer this question is an admission that they support the answer Kristin gave.
It is time for each BOE Trustee to find their own voice and use it. As a member of our community recently pointed out, legacy matters, and this is a defining moment for each and every one of the current BOE Trustees. They either stand for truth, honesty, and respect, or they stand with the Superintendent and BOE President.