Kim Goodwin, who unexpectedly rose from co-chair to chair of the York County School Division School Board, campaigned on her “ABC’s” platform: Accountability and
Transparency, Budgeting and Fiscal Stewardship, and Commitment to Quality Education. Many Seaford residents (District 3) heard these pledges directly from her during her campaign.
However, shortly after displacing her predecessor and assuming the chairmanship, Goodwin made a decision that contradicts the “B” component of her platform — Budgeting and Fiscal Stewardship. Instead of holding the school board retreat in Yorktown as planned, using local conference facilities where citizens could attend, she opted for a venue 135 miles away in Charlottesville, VA. This decision is deserving of criticism, especially considering Goodwin’s emphasis on accountability and transparency.
James Richardson, recently appointed co-chair and a board of director’s member of the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA), supports this decision, as it showcases his influence over the YCSD School Board to the VSBA, an organization known for its politically left-leaning involvement in school system policy.
The financial implications of relocating the retreat to Charlottesville are significant for York County taxpayers, covering travel, food, and hotel expenses for four school board members (Lynda Fairman opted to not attend), the superintendent, his executive team, and the school division’s attorney, Melanie Berry. The York County Freedom of Information Act (YCFOIA) questions the decision-making process and transparency regarding these expenditures, particularly given Goodwin’s campaign promises. The York County Board of Supervisor’s held their retreat locally at the American Revolution Musuem in Yorktown, making it an easy venue for the public to attend as well as being cost-effective.
Will York County taxpayers be informed of the cost of this Charlottesville trip? Perhaps details will be provided through the monthly newsletter Goodwin pledged to deliver to constituents as well as explanations as to why the taxpayer’s have to pay for what was to be a no-cost retreat prior to Goodwin’s takeover of the board.
With recent correspondence from the board chair to other members, one hopes that amidst relationship-building exercises, the citizens of York County will finally see true transparency and accountability in action.
