After voting 8-2 to adjourn last week’s BESE meeting early, due to protestors’ outbursts and refusal to wear masks, board members issued a unified statement that they will not hold another special meeting before the Governor’s current mask mandate ends. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder urges BESE members to reconsider.
“It’s unfortunate that the constituents of those BESE board members won’t be able to at least voice their frustration and be able to address their issues they are having, whether it be the mask mandates or whatever it be,” said Schexnayder.
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Schexnayder said in the meantime parents and constituents should call or email BESE members over any concerns they may have.
“I asked the members of the legislature to reach out to their BESE members and to have a conversation with them and let’s see what their concerns are and what their decision was based upon and so that maybe we could help with them with it,” said Schexnayder.
In order for BESE to hold another public meeting before the Governor’s current statewide mask mandate for those ages 5 and older ends September 1st, Schexnayder said BESE should set out clear guidelines of what attendees can and cannot do during an in-person meeting.
“And this is what they will have to do to be able to come in and conduct themselves professionally, and on the family side I think the same thing I think they have to come in and be respectful to the procedures and things that are there, they’re there for a reason,” said Schexnayder.
After more than five requests for audience members to wear masks and not talk out of turn during the August 18th BESE meeting, members voted to adjourn.