NORWICH – The Norwich City School Board engaged in a heated debate last night over a seemingly innocuous topic. For more than 30 minutes, members of the board of education argued over going paperless, a process that was first offered up as a cost savings measure back in December.
The discussion began when board member Priscilla Johnson insisted she continue to receive a hard copy of each meeting’s agenda and board packet.
“I do not have access to the computer during the day,” Johnson told fellow board members. She prefers to take print copies with her while she works rather than sit in front of the computer at night to review the material provided in advance of each meeting, she explained, adding that she did not want to incur the cost of printing the documents herself.
“I’d prefer not to have to print it off on my own material at home. I’d like the district to provide it to me,” Johnson said.
Based on a timeline laid out by the district’s Technology Director Peter Somach at the board’s Feb. 3 meeting, last night should have been the first paperless board meeting. But because of a scheduling change, it was instead a full board test of the new system which Somach estimated would save the district a minimum of $4,200 a year between printing expenses, staff time and postage.
Johnson took aim at both Somach and the superintendent’s secretary for failing to make training her on the new paperless sytem a priority after she missed the scheduled board training session because of a conflict. It took three weeks, she said, to coordinate a time for her make-up session.
Johnson found support in her request from board members Sally Chirlin and Tim Brown.
“I would think it’s a reasonable request if an individual board member wants a hard copy, so let’s accommodate her,” board member Sally Chirlin said.
Chirlin made a motion to grant “Priscilla’s rather simple and reasonable request,” which was seconded by Brown.
“I still think we should accommodate her need,” the board vice-president said, agreeing that Johnson should not have to assume the expense of printing the board packet.
