There is disagreement over why. Board members say they consider the rows of empty chairs at their meetings a sign of contentment. Kirsch used the same logic in explaining why six of the last seven board elections have been uncontested, following crowded fields in the first three years of the elected board. But leaders of the old coalition, and others, say the board discourages public input. The board seldom disagrees on, or even debates, spending issues in the open, they say, and criticism is unwelcome.
Board members dispute that.
They say the district keeps taxpayers informed in several ways, including a newsletter and appearances by Superintendent Joseph Montesano on the local cable channel during budget season. The public is welcome at meetings, they say. Few do come to the meetings. Donovan, who has raised hackles for years. Statewide, only 19 of 575 local and regional school districts have an appointed board.