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SD School Board Reverses Public-Criticism Policy

San Diego Unified school board members have decided its 'OK' for them to publicly criticize the superintendent and his staff. That overturns a decision they made on the topic last month. KPBS Reporter

SD School Board Reverses Public-Criticism Policy

San Diego Unified school board members have decided its 'OK' for them to publicly criticize the superintendent and his staff. That overturns a decision they made on the topic last month. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
 

The controversial rule banned trustees from criticizing Superintendent Terry Grier or his administration in public. But the policy angered community leaders who say the rule is unconstitutional and stamps out public dissent.
 

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Board president Katherine Nakamura says the measure was simply an attempt to put issues before personalities.
 

Nakamura: This board's desire not to ridicule, intimidate, humiliate an individual whether it be the superintendent or the staff for their hard work that they have presented before us. And that we, instead, comment on the content of what is being said or what is being reviewed.
 

The San Diego school board has had a rancorous history with past superintendents. Grier says it was the board's decision to push the policy forward. He says he's open to the change and to any criticism.
 

Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.