We were disappointed that none of the three Albert Lea Area Schools public hearings on the proposed adjusted calendar offered an open-microphone format. In fact, we struggle with describing them as “hearings,” which would imply that issues were aired and heard. “One-sided forums” is probably a better term for them.

The first forum required homework, asking attendees to complete worksheets, which were read aloud. That was a disgrace to the word “public.” People expected to speak in front of the other attendees.

The second forum was better. District residents could speak directly to school board members — but in groups with each member, not in front of the whole board.

The third hearing was all pro and no con. Officials advocating the proposal spoke, and the public only could offer written questions.

The Albert Lea school officials must remember they reside a true community, not some bland suburb where people don’t know their neighbors. In a community, people want to stand in front of the rest of the interested parties and speak their peace, much like the Normal Rockwell painting “Freedom of Speech.”

Even city and county officials are willing to withstand the heat of their tax-paying public talking into a microphone when passing ordinances or making major decisions. They sometimes have had them just to allow both sides to share viewpoints. People get up, state their name for the record and speak. Everyone listens. Often, there is a two-minute limit per person. It actually goes quite orderly, even if some nonsense is spoken sometimes. Usually, most people have valid opinions and questions.

School board members are elected officials every bit as much as city and county leaders. In fact, the school board oversees a bigger budget than the city or the county.

So here is the crux of the matter: There was no point during the three forums where an opponent of the calendar was able to spell out for the entire crowd, for administrators and for the board as a whole why the proposed calendar idea should be rejected.

That fact right there ought to be downright embarrassing for the school district leaders, and they should apologize.

Plenty was shared in front of everyone present about why the calendar proposal was the best thing since sliced bread. It’s almost as if the three gatherings were turned into propaganda sessions, rather than the straightforward open-microphone hearings attendees had imagined they would find.

We’ve heard many opponents just gave up on the process. They weren’t going to fight for their cause anymore because they didn’t get a means to share. They discovered they sought to speak to officials who didn’t want to listen anyway.

What’s more, Albert Lea school board chairwoman Linda Laurie announced Thursday after the third and final forum on the proposed school calendar that the board would vote on the matter Nov. 17.

For at least two board members, it was the first time they had heard a vote would take place on that date. Weren’t the school board members just saying they need to communicate better? This is a prime example.

The Albert Lea school board is shy of the nitty-gritty of community politics, the part where people have to disagree. They are shy of the public who elected them, and the structure of the three hearings reflects that trait. Democracy demands politics and if the school board favors democracy, it would be OK with a good, old-fashioned open microphone. Let’s let people speak, if it’s not too late by now.