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Public commenter urges board to change closed‑session practice, saying accused should not be included
Summary
Dr. John Owens told the McDowell board the practice of allowing individuals alleged against to sit in on confidential presentations undermines due process and urged the board to record and formally address complaints rather than permit accused parties to hear allegations.
The board briefly opened the public‑comment period to Dr. John Owens by unanimous motion. Owens used his time to criticize the district’s process for closed‑session briefings and urged the board to protect confidentiality and due process.
Owens said the board’s current approach—allowing certain people listed by the superintendent to attend confidential briefings—was inappropriate for allegations and compared it to criminal procedure, saying, “If someone steals your money and you report it to the authorities, the authorities do not invite the accused to sit in on the accusations.” He argued that confidential information should be received, recorded and addressed by the board and appropriate counsel before those named in a complaint are given access to the allegations.
Owens also referenced emails he provided to the board and expressed concern that individuals afforded private briefings had earlier declined to meet with him to discuss the issues. The chair reminded the public comment rules (per General Statute 115C‑51 and board policy 2310) and said board members would not engage in a debate during public comment.
The board granted Owens time to speak after a motion by Mr. Abernathy and a second by Mr. Schuford; that motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
