Editor’s note: Several people have complained about Fayette County Board of Education member Leonard Presberg providing a running commentary on his Facebook page while more than 60 speakers petitioned the board for a redress of their grievances Monday night. Here are two of those complaints:
You are probably aware of this, but I wanted to bring up the disturbing situation that occurred last night with school board member Leonard Presberg. The board member, while there to hear from the Fayette County constituents, was posting on his Facebook page posting photos and comments, sometimes derogatory remarks, as each parent/concerned citizen spoke out about their concerns.
I was a speaker and while I was speaking, I saw him take a photo. I evidently had a poster I think intrigued him. After I finished speaking I went outside so that other concerned citizens could voice their valid concerns. While out there, someone showed a post of his from Facebook which led to scrolling his feed. That is when I saw a picture of my poster and Speaker 16. I got off without a snide comment, however others did not. Scrolling through he was documenting the entire meeting all the whole mocking and disparaging the speakers. Pictures are attached.
First this is unprofessional. As a public servant of the people this was extremely disappointing and uncalled for. Some parents waited outside for 3 hours in the heat and humidity to speak on matters that concern them deeply. His decision to ridicule and mock them WHILE they were speaking is grounds for termination in my opinion.
Secondly his disregard for the security and safety of his constituents also is grounds for termination. These meetings are streamed live and then available on the FCBOE website. Normally each speaker is asked to state their name AND address, however last night someone mentioned that we shouldn’t do that and so I believe a majority of us did not. However many of us have spoken at past meetings and had given their addresses. So this is a matter of safety and security. He should have known this and should never have done such a childish thing. He obviously doesn’t care because to my knowledge these posts are still up on his page as he is receiving many accolades from his personal followers.
There were many issues with last night’s meeting such as the size of the venue. Knowing that they would be expecting a rather large crowd, rather than move the meeting to a larger facility that could facilitate ALL parents and concerned citizens, they opted to stick with the regular venue however due to Covid they restricted the seating to 40.
There was 150-200 in attendance, and while 40 sat in the air conditioned room waiting for their turn to speak, the others waiting in line outside in the heat and humidity.
Also, at 5:17 p.m. an email was sent to parents from the Fayette County Public Schools that masks would be mandatory starting today (the next day). This was no doubt the hot topic parents and concerned citizens came to voice their concerns.
Mind you the meeting started at 6:30 p.m if you want to sign up to speak, so a little more than an hour BEFORE the meeting, a decision was made. This too is unacceptable. Evidently we have a Covid Task force that no one knows who is on it and where they are getting their information from or authority to make these decisions or guide our board members.
Concerned FC parent/citizen Alyson
To whom it may concern,
My name is Leah and I have two children in the Fayette county school system. During yesterday’s meeting a member of the school board was mocking and belittling parents on social media while they were addressing their concerns with the board. This is not in alignment with the vision of the FCBOE and in doing so he has lost all trust from the community.
If Leonard Presberg does not resign immediately, then the board is saying that mocking the constituents is permissible. How is that ok?
If any teacher in the county posted negative comments about the parents, they would be fired in an instant. Mr. Presberg and the board should be held to the same standards. Attached is just a few of the social media posts from Leonard Presberg DURING THE MEETING!!
I know I am not the only person upset over his remarks. He was inappropriate and an embarrassment to our school board. I hope that you at The Citizen can help get the message out that parents deserve more respect from our school boards.
I appreciate your time and dedication to the Fayette community.
Sincerely,
Leah
Not a single person was mocked with Leonard’s posts. The comments people made that were broadcast on TV were simply re-shared on Facebook. Also, instead of saying “Sallie Sue:” he said “Speaker ##:”
Seems like some snowflakes spoke up at the meeting & now those same snowflakes with thin skins are writing OpEds. So afraid of having their feelings hurt by having what they said in public shared on Facebook.
Also, this OpEd says a teacher would’ve been fired if they’d done similar actions to what Leonard did. Simply not true. The speakers are adults. Per Georgia Law, K-12 students are at most 21 years old.
What did Mr. Presberg write that mocked anyone?
Entitled to free speech, yes. As a. BOE rep, however, he is held to a higher standard, or should be, of respect for parents who have primary responsibility for their children and are due respect. He is there to serve the parents and children, not to push an agenda that has nothing to do with education, which he frequently does. Like most radical leftists, he is chairman of the local Democratic party, he acts like he owns our children and knows better than their parents what is best for them.
It’s interesting that many people think Leonard was ridiculing the speakers by simply posting short summaries of the actual statements of the speakers. While he and I are of different political parties and have had “spirited discussions” (that means arguments) in the past, I didn’t see his summaries as ridiculing the speakers. He simply stated what they said. In a short summary. If you think a short summary of the speakers comments were ridicule, YOU simply think the speakers comments were ridiculous. And you are probably right! Admittedly, if I were an elected official, I’d likely not post anything. But then, unlike Leonard, I’ve never taken the effort and expense to run for office and unlike him, I really don’t care if your kids die because you are too “political” to take simple measures to protect them. Its some times called Darwinism or child abuse, but that’s your “freedom”. Luckily, my kids have graduated from Fayette county schools, and, on their on, gotten vacinated and use masks in public. I’m proud that they understand simple science and can apply it on their own.
It appears we elected a clown to the school board. Seeing some of the choices the school board has made recently, I’m not surprised. We get what we deserve.
Spyglass, you are almost on the point. We didn’t elect him. District 7 did. North Fayette County has different agendas than the other districts. They wanted a voice and they got one.
Sorry. That’s District 4.
Relax
I completely agree with Alyson and Leah. Any elected politician who demeans his constituents on any social media platform demonstrates his unfitness for his position. A politician who calls his political enemies names, mocks their disabilities, and otherwise disrespects them is below contempt.
I hope Alyson and Leah and all of the others who are offended by Mr. Presberg will remember their principles the next time they go to the polls.
Leonard is entitled to free speech.