During its Thursday night meeting, the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved changing the meeting time of regular board meetings from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m., effective Aug. 12.
Board meetings are held the second Monday of every month at Brandon Central Services.
After the motion was raised, Board Member Josie Shumake asked for the reasoning.
“My first reaction is that if you set a meeting at 5 and if you’re trying to get more people here, they won’t be able to come in time,” Shumake said. “I assume work lets out at 5.”
Board Member Robert Smith said he didn’t think that was necessarily right. Those who want to attend board meetings will, he said.
“The way I see it, the people that want to attend the board meetings will attend,” he said. “The county has been having board meetings for the last 15 years at 12 during the day, so the ones that want to attend will attend.”
Board Member James Richardson agreed with Smith, adding that moving the time up an hour would ensure board members and employees aren’t leaving as late after meetings.
“So it’s more about us than the community?” Shumake asked, before clarifying that “us” was referring to the entire district rather than the board itself.
Smith said that moving the time would be more convenient for employees living outside of Columbus who still have to drive home after late meetings.
“That’s fair,” Shumake said. “I was just thinking of trying to get more people to attend the school board meetings.”
Board President Cynthia Brown said the decision was also made with the students in mind.
“During the year, we do a lot of celebrations with our students, and if they have to wait until 6, then they’ve got homework to do,” she said.
“So if they come at 5, it’s a little earlier time frame for them. They’re able to get out and go do what they need to do at home before the next day to prepare for school.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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