I have attended a few Augusta School Board meetings. The one held Oct. 8 was awful. I confess, I didn’t stay to the end.

The meeting was valiantly presided over by Chair Martha Witham, the image of grace under pressure.

I commend the Cony High School students who spoke, demonstrating courage and thoughtfulness that put the adults to shame. They speak from experience. Their words should carry far more weight than those of the attention-seeking chaos actors surrounding them.

Many speakers were there to generate outrage on social media; some, off mic, bragged about their number of views and referred to plans to disrupt board meetings in other towns. News coverage centered on the confrontational stunt performed during the public comment period.

Any opportunity for productive dialogue on Title IX and the Maine Human Rights Act was lost.

I object, as a taxpayer, to providing a public platform to these disruptive performers. I object to the sidelining of the important work of the board. I fear that dedicated and honest people are being discouraged by the bullies from participating.

Solutions? To start, limit public comment to residents. Right now, I urge all voters in every district to pay attention to school board elections. Get to know the candidates. Attend the meetings.

Support the boards doing the vital work of providing a good education to our children and young people. Vote.

Sarah Reid
Augusta