Gordy, as chairman, controls the agenda and he reportedly follows Simon's wishes that the agenda be limited. Simon has ended the Sunday night Board work sessions that once preceded Monday meetings. They were useful for informal discussions. The Board got one week's notice of disturbing state education standard changes proposed this week by Simon. By rule, policy changes are supposed to be initiated by the Board.
Public hearings are scarce and often meaningless.
Information presented at hearings isn't always forwarded to the Board. Not that it matters if the Board is a puppet. All this is a testament to Huckabee's considerable political skills and further evidence of his consolidation of power. Many people might endorse his total control, of course. But even the legislature hears opposing voices before it acts.