Lesson in candor

The Cincinnati Board of Education has resolved to be more candid – without actually saying anything.

Board member Melanie Bates pushed for a candor resolution Monday night, in obvious response to criticism from the Enquirer over the district’s (mis-)handling of the John Carlisle’s two month absence from his post at principal at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.

The district has said Carlisle is on “sick leave,” although Fort Mitchell Police confirmed he is under investigation for rape, involving a former student.

Bates’ resolution passed unanimously, although Carlisle’s name was never mentioned. Police said they received a report of the alleged rape complaint from school officials. Yet in all “candor” the district still says he is on sick leave.

Lesson for the school board: candor means openness. Don’t expect the public to offer the schools support until you commit that definition to memory.