Could the Muncie Schools ban against two retired teachers include public meetings?

MUNCIE — Muncie Community Schools banning two retirees from all school property has opened up questions locally about whether a school district can prohibit people from attending a public school board meeting.

Retired educators Kay Rankin and Mike Ryan each received a one-paragraph letter Friday — signed by the district's chief of security, Chuck Hensley — alerting them that they are banned for "disruptive behavior."

It's currently unclear whether the ban includes board meetings. The letter didn't specify. Neither district spokesperson Ana Pichardo nor board President Debbie Feick had an answer when The Star Press called Monday. District offices were closed Monday.

On Friday night, Rankin told The Star Press the ban apparently extended to events open to the public, like basketball games, but she was unsure about the public meetings. Ryan said Monday he still had not heard from the district. The next board meeting, on Feb. 28, is scheduled at Southside Middle School.