Do Protocols Muzzle Elmhurst D-205 Board Members?

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst school board members are limited in what they can say to the media and public under the board's protocols.

Under the protocols, the president of the Elmhurst School District 205 board is the board's spokesperson with the media. Additionally, board members are directed to listen to members of the public and then refer such people to the appropriate officials in the district.

Such policies are recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards. Many school board have adopted them.

But the policies are unlike those of most municipal boards. For instance, no policy stops Elmhurst aldermen from speaking to the public or media. And they often do. Patch regularly communicates with members of the Elmhurst City Council.

Ultimately, no policy could prevent a school board member from speaking about an issue outside a board meeting. The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech.

On Tuesday, the board voted 6-0 for the protocols. Member Jim Collins voted "present."

Asked by Patch afterward why he did not support the protocols, Collins declined to say. He said Patch was making more of an issue of the protocols than it should.

In January 2017, the board voted 5-1 for the "Board Operation and Communication Norms," which appear to be the predecessor to the protocols. Collins was the lone dissenter.

The norms stated board members should refer media to the communications director.

According to the January 2017 meeting minutes, Collins said he had no objection to putting the norms on paper. But he said he was voting no because the norms were open to interpretation, causing more confusion than clarity.

Collins appears to be following the policy that requires the board not speak with the media.

In May, Patch texted him about the announcement to middle school families that French classes would be largely remote the next year, angering some parents. Collins texted back, advising Patch to contact the superintendent or board president. He also said he first heard about the issue from a parent, a sign the board was kept out of the loop.

It was unclear whether other officials were upset that Collins indicated how he got the information. But last month, after parents received more bad news about the French program, Patch asked Collins whether the board was alerted. He did not respond.

In Hinsdale High School District 86, the board has a similar rule limiting communications. New board member Jeff Waters twice has declined to speak with Patch, directing questions to the board president. He even followed this procedure when Patch asked whether his child attends a private high school, rather than Hinsdale Central High, which is in the area where he lives.