In a recent board meeting, tensions flared as members expressed frustration over communication breakdowns and procedural missteps regarding the management of a penny sales tax initiative. Board member Dr. Horton criticized the organization’s leadership for a lack of respect and engagement with board members, emphasizing that important discussions should have occurred months prior. He stated, “You see me in passing at a board meeting and throw out something, and that’s it. That’s not how you run an organization.”

Dr. Horton, who is set to leave the board in December, voiced his concerns about the fairness of the process, highlighting that the lack of timely communication has hindered effective decision-making. He underscored the importance of adhering to established protocols, stating, “There’s a process, procedures, and protocol,” and lamented that the current approach leads to inefficiencies and dissatisfaction among stakeholders.

Another board member, Dr. Maciel, echoed these sentiments, questioning what changes would be implemented to prevent ongoing issues. She pointed out that clarity in roles and responsibilities is essential for productive collaboration, stating, “It’s not fair to work with a partner on something like this if we’re not clear about who’s doing what and how things are gonna change.”

The meeting highlighted a critical need for improved communication and collaboration within the organization to ensure that future initiatives are handled more effectively. Board members expressed hope that lessons learned from these discussions would lead to better practices moving forward.