Isn't that a fascinating decision to stop free speech by prohibiting parents from speaking to board members. Could it be the need for this policy is connected to all the family members and good ole boy networks?

Superintendent Hopkins has a brother teaching, a sister-in-law teaching, his brother's sister-in law teaching, and rumor has it he will soon hire his brother's mother-in-law as a director in the central office. Most of the directors and principals are in a group of buddies. How nice that they can protect each other from accountability without those pesky neutral school board members hearing the students' or parents' side!

First of all M., the superintendent doesn't make policy, the board does. You might consider becoming informed before you start stating your opinions. The particular policy to which you are referring was required because of the new Student First Act that has been implemented from the great state of Alabama; therefore it isn't some conspiracy theory or even the "good ol boy system" as you call it. Secondly, all of those relatives of Superintendent Hopkins were hired prior to his administration... I would think they must do a mighty fine job since they are as well thought of as they are and were even hired by other principals and superintendents. It is a shame that just because people are related to someone or have some connection that they aren't allowed to be given the kudos they deserve or advancements without criticism for a job well done!!!!

If it is state required ( Student First Act) , then why do they need board approval?

M, as Shannon pointed out, all of those people were in their positions before Mr. Hopkins became superintendent. You need to be careful about making accusations made on assumptions instead of actual knowledge of the facts. That is the problem with people these days, especially when they can just post anything online without repercussions. Besides, when you are in a family of teachers that live in the same are, odds are that they are going to work in the same system.