163 School Board Meeting 1 (2/2)

Mrs. Atkins sighed, but let a smile play on her lips. ”Fine. We're sitting in the very front until called. The others will sit there too so I guess one more won't be too noticeable.”

”How could I be 'noticeable' in this crowd?” Noah gestured to the steady stream of people flowing in. It was mostly parents, but there were a few students. ”Is this how many people usually show up to school board meetings?”

Mrs. Atkins smile turned into a smirk. ”Not usually, but this is a special unannounced meeting. Which means even less might have made it since it was so last minute. But don't doubt this mom.” She gestured at herself. ”I'm on the pta. Summoning parents with a single text can be considered my special skill. Parents will always be concerned when it comes to the health and education of our children. Imagine their surprise when both were in jeopardy due to supervising neglect.”

Noah rolled his eyes. ”All I heard, was that you're a mom nerd and can call on other mom nerds.”

All I heard was 'our' children. Like she was claiming me as one of her own. Not only did she treat me as one of her own, but now she was outright claiming me. My face felt flushed.

After a couple of minutes of chatting amongst ourselves, the other adults in my life started to show up. Mr. Duncan was first, looking as tired as always, but he assured me that after today, Jane Golladay wouldn't be present in my life. Dr. Moore appeared next, looking different without a pen and notepad in hand. He didn't make a big promise like Mr. Duncan, but instead told me that I shouldn't take this to heart. It was normal to come across angry people every now and then. They have their own reasons and it's better to just face them head on.

George Pickens, the lawyer, was the last one to show up in the group. Despite that, he looked the most ready. He was in a three-piece suit on a Sunday evening, and a briefcase in hand. He didn't speak to me directly like the others did, probably knowing that I was uncomfortable with strangers.

With the group all together, we sat in the first row of the bleachers facing the basketball court. At half court, a long table with five black leather chairs faced us and those present. In between us and that, was another table of the same size but with normal metal folding chairs. Except the metal chairs had its backs to the crowd.

It was only a few minutes wait before five figures filed into the gym and took the seats facing the crowd. The one in the center stayed standing and clapped his hands twice to gather everyone's attention. ”Good evening everybody and thank you for joining us in this last minute school board meeting.”

The crowd quieted down and became more settled, focus on the five before us.

”I'm board member, Gerald Cole. To your far left is Amanda Jimenez. Then Rob Graham. On the other side we have Sally Massey at the end, and Harold Tate beside me.” The older man spoke clearly and in a raised voice so everyone could hear him. ”Today's meeting only has one item on the agenda. And that is to suggest the removal of Jane Golladay from her position at Watsonville High School.”

A few murmurs broke out in the crowd, raising the volume within the gym.

Gerald Cole cleared his voice. ”First up, we'll hear from Mrs. Mary Atkins. You and your family may sit at table before you.”