Public Participation
Meetings are open to the public so that citizens may have the benefit of observing Board business. All formal action by the Board of Education takes place during the public meetings. Closed sessions may be held to discuss the purchase or lease of property, certain student or employee disciplinary matters, disputes involving court action, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, and other purposes as allowed by law.
Here's how to address the Board:
- Complete a green public comment form and hand it to the Board President at the beginning of the meeting.
- During the first public commentary period, individual speakers will be allowed a maximum of five minutes or less if there are many people who wish to speak. The total time allotted for the first public commentary is approximately thirty minutes. In the event that a large number of individuals wish to speak, the commentary period may be extended to allow everyone an opportunity to comment.
- The speaker should begin their remarks by stating their name, district of residence, and organization or agency they represent, if any.
After the board addresses action items and discussion items, there is a second opportunity for public commentary.
- During the second public commentary, persons who wish to address the Board will be invited to be recognized by the Board President.
- If several people wish to speak, they may form a line. Individual speakers will be allowed a maximum of three minutes. The total allotted time is fifteen minutes. Again, if more than five people wish to speak, the time per speaker may be shortened. The comment period may be extended if necessary.
- Each speaker will be asked to announce their name and district of residence before beginning to speak.
Please note:
- Per Board policy, members of the board and district employees are not able to comment or answer questions during the public commentary. The Superintendent or Board President may comment to correct factual errors.
- One speaker may not yield his/her time to another.
- Persons may only speak once on the same subject during a single meeting.
- Persons requesting an individual response must note their request on the public comment form.
- Individuals are expected to abide by rules of common courtesy and may be asked to leave the meeting if their behavior is disruptive or interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting.