Of all the issues that have arisen recently in the San Dieguito Union High School District, it’s fair to say the grading policy was one of considerable importance to the community. On this issue, the public was denied its right to address the board in a fair and transparent manner.

The San Dieguito Union High School District’s Board of Trustees, students and parents should have been involved in the district’s credit/no credit grading discussion from the beginning, rather than the superintendent rolling it out without seeking more feedback from stakeholders.

By violating the basic rules of California’s Brown Act in its ill-advised attempt to control the number of public speakers, the San Dieguito Union High School District board has taken away the public’s right to address its elected officials.