Unannounced trip —  School boardıs search takes bad turn

SALISBURY POST

Even if the school board met the letter of the stateıs Open Meetings Law —  and thatıs doubtful conducting public business at public expense certainly would be expected to announce that itıs meeting at an out-of-state location.

One might have greater sympathy for these hardworking board members if they hadnıt been so secretive. Nary a word was uttered about the Knoxville excursion until a Post reporter started asking questions. Not even the most twisted interpretation of the law could allow staff to deny the trip. 

The board has gotten itself into a difficult situation. It wants to keep the names of superintendent candidates confidential until the post is filled. If board members let the public know where theyıre going to interview prospects, someone might be able to figure out who the candidates are. (Though Knoxville is a pretty big place.)

There are two remedies:One, donıt go. Or, two, donıt keep the finalistsı names a secret. 

Now one has to wonder what other trips the Post reporter should inquire about. Did the board journey to Alamance County?How about Kalamazoo? What else donıt we know about the search process? 

The boardıs objective is to hire the best superintendent it can find, and  everyone appreciates the long hours and intense interviewing that have gone into that effort. But the board must not trample over the Open Meetings Law and the publicıs right to know while it pursues that very worthy goal. 

Sometimes officials seek secrecy when they really have nothing to hide. The recently revealed fact that they went to Knoxville has not shed any light on who might —  or might not —  be the next superintendent.