Clarksdale Municipal School District board member Dr. Bishop Zedric Clayton questioned whether or not the meetings were open once again on August 26.
Clayton had said at a previous meeting in August that when meetings not livestreamed and not open to an unlimited number of individuals from the public, they are private. There has been a limited capacity for the meetings ever since the COVID pandemic.
Clayton attempted to add the matter to the agenda for the August 26 meeting, but was unsuccessful.
“We talked about the last meeting about open meetings and being able to discuss that at some point,” Clayton said. “I don’t know if everybody saw it, but there was something sent out on behalf of the board that the meetings would no longer be streamed or virtual, but I don’t remember that board making that decision.”
“I don’t either,” said board member LaFiesta Roland in agreement.
Board president Delores Harris said she would investigate the issue.
“I’m asking us to discuss it tonight, if possible, because right now, the meeting is, even for now, the meeting is not being streamed and this is a regular (meeting),” Clayton said. “It’s only being shown in the other room, according to that post that was sent out.”
Harris said once she got all of the information together, there would be a discussion.
“Let me investigate and then we will meet and discuss the findings,” Harris said.
“I hear your concern.”
“I will communicate with the board my findings in making sure what I find out falls in line with the law.”
Harris said, as chairperson, it was her responsibility to investigate.
Clayton said CMSD superintendent Dr. Earl Joe Nelson, who was present at the meeting, could be asked about anything that may have been sent out on behalf of the board.
“We’re having a private meeting right now,” Clayton said.
“We’re not having a private meeting,” Harris replied.
“The meeting is not open,” said Clayton once again.
“It’s not private,” said Harris in response. “We have people here.”
Clayton attempted to add a discussion about open meetings and why they are not being streamed to the agenda, but it failed by a 3-2 margin. Clayton and Roland supported the addition to the agenda. Harris and board members H. Clay Sandy Stillions and Joan Morris opposed.
Then the board voted to approve the August 26 meeting agenda without the addition by a 3-2 margin. Harris, Stillions and Morris supported the meeting agenda. Clayton and Roland opposed.
