One of the main roles of the Board of Education is to create policy. The board also holds the superintendent accountable to ensure that policies are followed. I chair the policy committee and before becoming chair I was a member of the board’s policy committee for 10 years.

During this time we would revise, add and adjust policies. We have a policy protocol. The full board sends policies that need to be adjusted or added to the policy committee.

At the last Board of Education meeting Jan. 11, a central office staff member did something I have never seen before, she tried to circumvent the policy process. This is unacceptable. Especially with the policy that was on the table: Student transportation of students by school district employees. This policy must be discussed at the policy level and adjusted.

There are many adjustments to the policy that need to take place. The policy committee is made up of three board members, a community member, a parent, and a very intelligent student. I am confident the policy committee will make the right changes. The board did the right thing by sending this important policy to the committee. It will then go back to the board for two readings before it is finally approved.

Jason Catala

New London