By Scott Harvey
Commerce – A new sex offender policy at Commerce ISD again drew criticism during the public comment section of Monday night's meeting.
Two CISD mothers, Teresa Delcamber and Rachel Kramer, expressed displeasure of the policy, which allows any offender who is the parent/guardian of a CISD student to attend an event in which their child is participating. The parent must first receive permission prior to each event.
According to Superintendent Blake Cooper, of the ten registered sex offenders listed on the City of Commerce website, two are either parents/guardians of a CISD student(s).
Delcamber felt, in her observance, that the policy wasn't being enforced as well as it could be and was wondering what the district was doing to inform other parents and school districts of the rule. She said while she understands the policy is for the betterment of the student, it seems like a reckless thing to do.
"When running for re-election, is this [approval of the sex offender policy] something you want to put on your resume? I don't think many people would want to boast about that."
Kramer expressed anger toward the new policy, and was concerned for the safety of her children.
Superintendent Cooper has previously stated the primary reason for the policy change is to benefit CISD children, not to reward sex offenders.