I want to address a recent editorial and clear up confusion about an issue brought forth in response to the actions of a school board member — that of censure. In football, if you clip an opponent, you’re given a penalty. In the world of elected officials, censure is a penalty.

Censure isn’t to censor anyone. Censure is defined as: “an official expression of disapproval by adoption of a resolution.” It’s not an action taken to deny anyone their Constitutional right to free speech. Censure is an action by an elected board against one of its members whose actions are detrimental to the board and the entire school system. Mr. Chilmonik can continue to ask questions and express his opinions — and I want him to — but he should honor the processes and procedures everyone has agreed upon (Respect the Rules.)

He stated he was blindsided by me. He knows the right way to bring information forward in a public meeting. I followed established procedures. He’s been asked repeatedly to follow established procedures. Everyone else does. He continues making a mockery of the procedures. Enough is enough! Censure is the method to publicly proclaim his wrongdoing.

It’s our duty to question, but we must follow best practices. Every board member asks questions; however, he continues to question in ways that violate established procedure. He brings attention to himself, keeping his name in the media. He seems to thrive on negativity and being a martyr. He continually “cries wolf,” despite overwhelming amounts of data and facts refuting his allegations. Publicly, he stated he will run his campaign in the media so he doesn’t have to raise campaign funds.

It’s clear he believes being negative and causing a spectacle is the best way to remain relevant. I believe that doing things to move the district in the right direction is the way to be relevant.

Staff has wasted thousands of hours pulling information about many subjects to address his false allegations (construction, academics, purchasing.) When data is given that invalidates his accusations, he ignores the information and continues to repeat identical charges. This has happened for far too long.

There’s nothing wrong with questioning business practices, academic direction and other aspects of district operations, but when claims are made over and over, despite information to the contrary, it’s not about improvement of the district, it is becoming simply about yourself.

The letter he wrote to President Obama contained a great deal of hyperbole, half-truths and distortion of facts. The content insults our students and the Lee County community. Facts to know:

n He fully supported the decision to tape the speech and show it later, even saying: “These items should be reviewed before students see them;”

n He then flip-flops and writes a letter misrepresenting facts;

n He publicly informs everyone he’s writing this letter on his own behalf;

n He used official board letterhead, giving the false impression he was speaking for the board;

n The letterhead identifies him as Vice Chairman, which isn’t the case (we’re directed to discard old stationery.)

What does all this mean? He feels he can say one thing and then do whatever he pleases. He feels he is above following the rules put in place to ensure the orderly operation of the board.

He needs to be held accountable for his actions. In the game of life there are rules that must be followed. I simply want him to honor and follow those procedural rules. These are the reasons I brought forth the idea of censure.

Simply put, follow good Boardsmanship and play by the rules!

Jeanne S. Dozier is the Lee County School Board member for District 2.