It has been said that public policy should address patterns and not isolated incidents. The Buncombe County School Board is different. A now former Buncombe County Sheriff’s deputy shoved another fan during a high-school volleyball game. That inspired the board to come up with thirteen ethics rules for spectators. Another outlet for the rule-drive harks back to the time a pagan mother was outraged that her son procured a Gideon’s Bible from school. That led to the board tossing about ideas for a religion fair and other brainstorms that couldn’t get consensus. After the elections, the new board shall grapple with the best times and places for the free exercise of religion.
The board also approved the purchase of 662 iPads for teachers. Can you imagine trying to teach without one? Over half shall be purchased with state funds specifically appropriated for the purpose.
