Dear Board Members,
The League of Women Voters has a long history of advocating for open government. Indeed, a key principle of the League is that “democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.”
We have concerns about the recurrent practices of going off Mercer Island for School Board retreats and of not providing full written records of these meetings. Although the Open Meetings Act (RCW 42.30.070) does not require holding meetings within the school district jurisdiction, we believe conducting these meetings away from Mercer Island (even if offering a transportation option) severely limits public accessibility.
Particularly at this time, when decisions of paramount importance to the community as a whole are before the Board, a clear and open process is essential. We ask that you reconsider off island retreats and provide a written record of the meeting.
Respectfully,
Denise D. Smith,President
League of Women Voters Seattle