O'Brien: My signature still needed; members playing politics with students

While the overwhelming vote of the speakers gathered at Harris-Stowe State University last Tuesday was opposed to a possible state takeover, there was one dissenting voice that thrilled at the prospect: Board President Veronica O'Brien; who occasionally laughed to herself, rocking back and forth, seeming to enjoy the audience's boos, hisses and outbursts.

Though she said it was important everyone involved feel they have a chance to speak, her mind was made up.

"It can't come soon enough," said O'Brien before Tuesday's hearing.

As a publicly elected official calling for the dissolution of the office for which she has been elected, O'Brien is in a unique position. Additionally, oppposition to the takeover from parents, teachers and community leaders adds to her precarious position. A petition calling for O'Brien's resignation has even popped up (as of today, Steve Patterson's petition has reached 197 total signatures including Bill Purdy and Bill Haas). [Note: the petition only asks for her resignation from the board president position, not the board itself.]

That said, O'Brien is not backing down from her position on the board. Last Monday the school board voted 4-3 to give the board secretary, Flint Fowler, the legal power to sign off on contracts. A growing stack of unexecuted contracts tipped the scales in favor of the decision.

Before last Tuesday's public hearing O'Brien said the move changed nothing and that her signature, as board president, is still required. She contends that the board will now have to run down two signatures.

"If [Board Vice President Bill Purdy] and the others are trying to expedite [the process], its not happening," said O'Brien.

Asked about O'Brien's comments later in the evening, SLPS Board Member Peter Downs disputed her claim. Downs said the board secretary now has the legal authority to sign off on contract and that only one of the two signatures is required.

The Board President said the Monday meeting (at which her authority was watered-down) was a clear example of the need for a transitional board. She also said the board members were attempting to "govern by resolution" and that improving the district's health required more than a "few simple political tricks."

O'Brien emphasized that the district is not a legislative body, but a community of children whose futures are at stake. If the members want to play a parliamentary games, they should run for a city or state office, she added.