In his sixth month as a member of the School Board, Karlo Silbiger hopes to realize his longtime mission, shifting meetings two blocks west, from the School District’s pocket-sized offices, to City Hall, for live community television access.
Although details remain to be worked out, Mr. Silbiger is confident the move can meet its informal first of July target.
Does he have the support of his four colleagues?
“I don’t know,” he said candidly. “But I assume so from comments at the first meeting this was talked about — if the logistics can be worked out.”
Vacating the District property for City Hall has been a passion of Mr. Silbiger’s, much talked about during his campaign last year. After he sworn in to the School Board at the first December meeting, he didn’t wait long before introducing his idea.
“When the Board had a discussion last winter about where to hold meetings, my proposal was to go to City Hall where the sound system and all of the technology is better,” Mr. Silbiger said. “Meetings could be broadcast live, and we would have plenty of room for people to attend.”
On the same evening, Board member Patricia Siever suggested rotating meetings among the school sites throughout the District, for convenience and to create a Town Hall-meeting kind of atmosphere.
Supt. Dr. Myrna Rivera Cote was directed to investigate comparative costs and logistical challenges. She is due to report her findings to the School Board this month.
“I have spoken with four of the five City Council members about moving our meetings, and they are very supportive,” Mr. Silbiger said. “They understand the value of having the meetings there. They want to be supportive of the School District.”
The Guard Changed, However
When Mr. Silbiger was lobbying hard in January, February and March, he met with City Manager Mark Scott at City Hall. “He also was very supportive,” but Mr. Scott, speaking of moving, in the meanwhile, has transferred to Fresno.
“Even with the transition in the City Manager’s office,” the undaunted Mr. Silbiger said, “I imagine we still will be able to get started by July 1.”
Besides allowing for live telecasts of meetings — presently they are delayed for showings until Friday nights — he says there are other compelling reasons for seeking a new venue.
“I have been going to meetings at the District offices for years, and I know the pitfalls,” Mr. Silbiger says. “It is just not conducive to holding meetings. From my seat, I can’t see the people who are speaking. When there are power-point presentations, half the audience can’t see the screen.”
“I get emails and calls after every meeting from people who want to see the meetings. We have worked to get the podcast on the website and the Friday night delayed showings.
“Party of the time, though, for the people who do watch, there is no sound.
“In my opinion, the No. 1 motivation is to make our meetings accessible to people. We have so many parents and kids who can’t come out in the evenings anyhow. If we put it on TV, it would allow all of them to see what is going on.
“Especially with the sensitive issues we are discussing now about the budget, we should not have to move to Lin Howe (School) every time there is a big meeting.”
See ccusd.org for the agenda for Tuesday’s 7 o’clock meeting at the School District offices, 4034 Irving Pl.
