In case you weren't there and only know what you've read or heard - Thursday's Shamokin Area School Board meeting was every bit as emotionally charged as it's been described.
Musicians played the school band's cadence and some parents shouted rude remarks, while board members pleaded for public understanding as they furloughed 21 staff members.
The emotional roller-coaster was expected and unavoidable. However, several actions could have been taken to soften the impact.
The meeting, originally scheduled for the middle/high school cafeteria, was moved to the gymnasium as word spread earlier Thursday that several hundred people were expected. The decision to move the location proved a good one, as nearly 500 people filled one side of the bleachers.
With such a large crowd anticipated, however, it was surprising that just 150 to 200 written agendas were prepared. The stack was depleted 20 minutes before the start of the meeting. With so much public interest, the insufficient number of agendas added fuel to the fire for what was already going to be an emotional meeting.
Adding to public confusion was the lack of microphones for school board members. The lone microphone, stationed in front of director Tracey Witmer, was often passed to board members who wanted to be heard outside the ring of board members and press. Several votes, including the one to furlough 19 teachers, were inaudible to people sitting anywhere toward the top of the bleachers.
The confusion and high emotion of the meeting, however, did not excuse those who shouted insulting remarks to board members, elected officials who are attempting to squash a multimillion-dollar deficit. Comments like "Sellouts!" and "You lied!" were not only inappropriate, but sent the wrong message to the dozens of high school students in attendance. A public comment section at the beginning of the meeting was the time to voice concerns, not during the meeting, hiding behind rows of people. And why would someone wave a $20 bill in the front row on a night where so much was on the line?
Joseph Reed, who had aggressively addressed the board earlier in the meeting, should be commended for stepping back up to the microphone and instructing the audience not to yell any more remarks.
The applause and standing ovation for students playing the school's cadence and cast members dressed in costume was one of the few times when disruption of the meeting was warranted.
The meeting was not just emotional, but confusing, for most students who witnessed their favorite programs cut from the budget. Parents, friends, school board members and teachers alike need to make sure students understand why these changes happened and assist them in finding alternative ways to express their artistic aspirations. Students should be applauded for standing up for what they love, but also prepared for any future school board actions that may affect them.
(Deklinski is a staff writer and photographer for The News-Item who was at Thursday's meeting in his role as photographer.)