Residents urge board to show more diversity of thought, ask that $1,200 speaker contract be moved from consent

Justin Hockey, a Webster Groves resident, used public comment to ask that one consent-agenda item — a $1,200 speaking agreement with Dr. Tim Jordan for an appearance at Avery — be moved into the general agenda so the public could hear more about the speaker and any relationships with the district. “I would appreciate that if we could just have that as part of the general discussion,” Hockey said.

Dave Buck, another resident, addressed the board about diversity and urged more visible disagreement and debate among board members. “The single greatest problem throughout all of American history has been our nation's tragic and relentless rejection of diversity,” Buck said, framing diversity broadly to include race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and differences of opinion.

Why it matters: Hockey’s request highlights a transparency question about consent-agenda items that allocate district funds for outside speakers. Buck’s comments press the board to showcase a broader range of viewpoints in its deliberations rather than frequent unanimous votes.

What the transcript shows: The consent-item request concerned a $1,200 speaking contract identified as “5.03” on the consent agenda for a Dr. Tim Jordan at Avery. The public-comment period recorded the request and multiple remarks urging more debate from the board; the transcript does not show the board agreeing to move that consent item into the general agenda during the meeting.

What was not decided: The board did not, on the record in the transcript, take a formal vote to move the item from the consent agenda to general business during this meeting. The transcript does not show any board response committing to change the placement of item 5.03.