At the September 26 school board meeting, we had nine powerful voices speaking on behalf of improving the democratic process for the school board and definitely made an impact. In addition to myself, speakers included: Larry Barber Jen Brooks, Bloomington SURJ - Showing Up for Racial Justice Kate Cruikshank, League of Women Voters Bloomington/Monroe County Jennifer Crossley, Monroe County NOW William Hosea, Monroe County Democratic Black Caucus Amy Jen, Community Committee for Educational Equity Angela Lexmond, Community Committee for Educational Equity Jim Sims, Monroe County NAACP MCCSC legal counsel Tom Bunger described the applicable Indiana legal code to proceed with updating the school governance plan, as well as six possible models for board elections. Vice President Lois Sabo-Skelton led the meeting. President Martha Street and Secretary Jeannine Butler were absent. Members Sue Wanzer and Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer were vocal in support of appointing a review committee. Other board members however, expressed the need for more time. Instead, they have opted to put the topic on the agenda in two week at their October 19 work session at 5:30 pm. Next steps: 1) Send a follow up to school board members: thank them for listening this evening, re-emphasize why appointing a review committee is important. Continued contact with school board members and the superintendent will help to keep the conversation going. 2) For Oct. 19 at 5:30 in the Admin Building at 315 North Drive: we invite supporters to come and be present at this meeting. Even though there is no public comment at work sessions, the witness and accountability is important! Thank you for your commitment and support on this issue. The wheels of change are mighty slow, but they are indeed moving forward. Best regards, Deborah Myerson Community Committee for Educational Equity EducationalEquityIN@gmail.com