Letter to the Editor:

Dearest Leyton Community Patrons:

Your positive response to my previous Letter to the Editor has been overwhelmingly positive.  Thank you!  The empowerment you feel as a community is invigorating. Keep up the diligent research.  Document and fight back. Every day counts. Move quickly and expediently.  Ask for help if you need it.

As I understand it, the voters spoke boldly about the Board at the last election, and now they need to speak boldly about the next level down—at every Board meeting, every instance of impropriety, every act of cronyism and nepotism and every seemingly shady deal. Each person who has connected with me has valid concerns, and your voices should be heard. Period. There is power in numbers and in becoming involved.  Processes exist to keep balance. Engage in them.

Some valid options for your voice are:

· Start and sign a removal petition for individuals under the Board’s direct authority. -- Speak your grievances HONESTLY, publicly, respectfully and boldly.

· File formal complaints with your Board against those over whom they have direct authority. Demand they be investigated by neutral third parties without conflicts of interest. This is your right as a patron, parent or student. Use the process fearlessly. If retaliation occurs, file with the appropriate public agencies. Let the Board know that the mere appearance of impropriety will no longer be tolerated. The days of cronyism and nepotism fostered in the district are to leave—immediately.

· Educate yourself on Board Policy 2006 and make it known this is NOT okay within the infrastructure of the district and community. This policy is wrought with conflict of interest, lacks both economy and efficiency. It demands a shared governance revision to accommodate the unique infrastructure of the district and community.

· Attend EVERY Board meeting. Collectively, make your presence known. Demand public discussion and transparent action.

· Refuse to accept the “new way” and the “pre-meeting” garbage. This practice denies you the right to hear the discussion and see that the Board is considering all the evidence before making choices for the community.

· Elect individuals to the Board of Education who DON’T have conflicts of interest. Chose people with a desire to serve and understand “service is not about “me.””

· Question everything! Research indicates some on your Board may not be acting with integrity and don’t seem to understand the word or intent Board Policy 2012. The Board may not be in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Refuse to accept “spin” from them. Demand straight answers!

In response to the queries: As of the date I mail this Letter to the Editor, the Board has neither confirmed nor denied my request to address them as an agenda item. They have merely skirted the issue by not offering an appropriate time during the meeting to present and address these concerns. Subsequently, the request has been delineated a second time on asserting the need for a formal confirmation or denial. The outcome of this request is important. Regardless, make your presence and your voice heard at the next Board meeting. Per the latest notice the meeting is to be held on July 13, 2020 at 7:00 am. Sign up for updates and reminders from “Citizens concerned about Leyton” by texting “@Leyton2020” to 81010 and you will be notified if I become aware of any attempt to make another last-minute change to the time or place.

Much love to you all. I am praying for God’s will and His justice.

Best regards,

Christina Boggess