This is a summary of the items discussed at the board forum. If anyone feels as though something was taken out of context please let me know and it will be corrected.
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Obviously the hot issue was the suspension of Dr. James. Parents wanted to know why Dr. James was suspended. Of course these questions couldn't be answered because they are personnel issues. However, one board member did say that if the allegations against Dr. James are true; they are serious and the board had to act in the manner in which they did to protect our charter. In the mean time the Leadership team has taken over the duties of the CAO and principal. This team consists of about eight staff members. The board hopes to have this problem resolved within the next week or so. If the allegations against Dr. James are false, parents worry that he may not want to come back. All of the parents and teachers that spoke of Dr. James regarded him highly and hope to see him cleared of these allegations.

The board of tustrees struggled with the decision they said they had to make. Sharon Bailey, who is a consultant for the school and has traveled across the country to help schools with similar problems, spoke highly of the board saying that their actions were corageous, and that we should consider ourselves lucky to have such a dedicated board. These sentiments, were not shared with all in attendance however -- some parents questioned the board's decisions-making ability. Others were interested in knowing why the board members were self-appointed and not elected by the parents. Some parents believe that an election process will give more power to parents and less power to the board.

*** Most importantly: The board stated that our charter is not in jeopardy of being revoked and the charter renewal process is going smoothly and on schedule.