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Board member’s written statement spotlights scheduling strain; leaders say calendar was adopted in advance
Summary
Latoya Dowdelberger submitted a written statement read at the meeting asking the board to reconsider back-to-back meeting scheduling and to clarify that no budget or staffing cuts have been decided; board leadership responded that the 2026 meeting calendar was adopted previously and could not be changed without affecting notice to staff and the public.
Latoya Dowdelberger, a member of the Groveport Madison Local Board of Education, had her written statement read into the record by Vice President Herbert, saying she could not attend the meeting because of an "unavoidable professional commitment" and urging the board to reconsider a practice of back-to-back meetings that she said leaves "no breathing room" for board members and staff.
The statement, which Dowdelberger asked to be included in the minutes, also requested that the district and board issue communications making clear that "no decision has been made regarding budget cuts or staffing" while the district navigates changes in state funding formulas and the state budget (HB1).
Board leadership replied that the 2026 meeting schedule was formally adopted earlier in the year with full board participation and that a March 29 request to reschedule the current meeting could not be accommodated because changing the date would affect staff and members of the public who rely on the posted schedule. Board members exchanged views about the practical tradeoffs of one long meeting versus two shorter meetings, with several members noting the adopted schedule aimed to reduce extremely late adjournments experienced in earlier years.
Why it matters: The timing and structure of meetings affects public access and board members’ ability to prepare for agenda items. The exchange also surfaced a request for clearer communications about potential budget actions amid statewide funding changes, a point that the absent member said risks undermining trust without timely transparency.
Board response and next steps: The board affirmed that the adopted calendar stands and directed staff to maintain public notice practices. Dowdelberger’s request for an official communication on budget/staffing status was entered into the record and will be part of routine communications as the board continues budget discussions.
