Harrison Thorp 7:12 a.m.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 7:11 am
|
ROCHESTER - At the same school board meeting that the chair told members not to post any "school board stuff" on social media, several members spoke out about how their constituents were calling them and saying they weren't getting enough information about what's going on in the schools.
Matt Pappas, who is the school board chairman and the president of the state's School Board Association, used a 12-minute power-point presentation to inform school board members how to comport themselves while members of the school board.
Tops on the list was that members should never post things on Facebook or Instagram, or any other social media platforms having to do with school board matters.
"Keep school board stuff off social media," he said. "We are not district spokespeople."
He also told members how to comport themselves during public comment.
"Listen to the public and show we care," he said. "But there's no back and forth."
Pappas also cautioned members that when any of them comment on social media, the public perceives them as a spokesperson for the entire panel.
"When people see us post they think we are speaking for the board," he said. "When we address issues on social media we are seen through the lens as a school board member, not as an observer or an individual."
Pappas made the comments fresh off a conference held by the National Conference of Education Evolution in Louisville, Ken.
At the end of the presentation several board members expressed frustration with what Pappas was putting forth as policy, while one board member characterized his presentation as an attack on our first amendment rights.
"I would strongly caution against anything that may chill free speech," said Lisa Carlberg of Ward 4.
Several other members spoke out in frustration saying that many of their constituents are already upset that they're being kept in the dark when it comes to the operations of the city's schools.
"We could do better about communication with residents," said Nick Bellows of Ward 1.
"The community wants more info," added Sam Oliver III of Ward 5.
"I believe in transparency," echoed Ward 6 member Samantha Battis. "We hear from the community all the time that they're not getting the info. We need transparency."
During his talk, Pappas also informed the board that they should never ask Rochester Schools Supt. Jared Fulgoni a question during a meeting without first conferring with him on the matter prior to the meeting.
The segment begins around the 1:36 mark. To go to the video click here.