Public comment dominates Painesville Riverside school board meeting amid superintendent dispute скачать в хорошем качестве

Public comment dominates Painesville Riverside school board meeting amid superintendent dispute

Tensions ran high during Thursday night's Riverside Local Schools board meeting in Painesville Township, as public comment dominated the agenda amid the board’s ongoing effort to remove Superintendent Christopher Rateno. The board limited public comment to four speakers, but as emotions escalated, more than double that number approached the podium to voice concerns. Several speakers criticized recent board actions, with some calling for the currently sidelined Rateno to be reinstated as he faces the potential of being fired next month. "The last few weeks have cast a negative light on our district," said Jeremy Ishmael, Riverside High School’s head football coach. "This board should do the impossible and do what reasonable people say is the right thing: reinstate Dr. Chris Rateno.” Other speakers raised broader concerns — including transparency, staffing decisions, and the scheduling of special meetings. "In the abundance of recent special meetings, the majority of the board has refused the public's opinion," Riverside High School senior Hunter Russell told members. "The board has also gone as far as to meetings for times which it is known that current board members cannot attend or at times when it is very difficult for public members to attend." As public comment continued beyond the allotted limit, Fishel — who, along with Vice President Dennis Keeney, was voted out of office in November — asked whether speakers could be removed. Police officers present told the board they could not, citing the meeting's public nature. Amaya Ward reports.