The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of engaging patrons in the decision-making process. To ensure fair, orderly, and efficient meetings, the Board establishes the following procedures for public participation:

At the beginning of each meeting, a “Hearing of Visitors” period will be provided for general public comment on school-related matters. Individuals wishing to speak must sign the public comment roster prior to the meeting. Public comment may be provided in person or submitted in writing. Remote or virtual testimony (including online, video, or phone participation) will not be permitted. Written public comment will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on the day of the regularly scheduled meeting by submitting to the Board Clerk.  Speakers will be allotted up to three (3) minutes. Comments during this period should be limited to general district or school matters and may not address personnel issues, individual student matters, or topics protected by confidentiality laws. The Board Chair may manage the comment period to maintain order and ensure equitable participation. Board members will not respond during public comment; however, issues may be referred to administration for follow-up or placed on a future agenda when appropriate.

In addition, the Board will provide an opportunity for public comment on specific agenda items prior to Board action. Individuals wishing to speak on an agenda item must indicate their intent on the sign-in sheet and will be recognized by the Board Chair when the item is brought forward. Speakers will be given up to three (3) minutes to address the specific agenda item under consideration. In addition to being allowed 3 minutes during the visitor comment period, individuals will be provided up to 3 minutes to speak on each agenda item. Comments must be relevant to the agenda item and may not include personnel or student-specific matters. The Chair may interrupt or terminate comments that are out of order, duplicative, abusive, irrelevant, or otherwise disruptive.

The Board Chair is responsible for maintaining order and may rule on the appropriateness of comments, with the Board retaining final authority over procedural determinations. It is important to note that while Board meetings are open to the public, they are meetings of the Board conducted in public rather than public meetings of the community.

Policy History:                                                                 

First Reading: 10/29/02

Adopted on: 11/26/02

Revised on: 01/15/2014; 09/18/2019; 06/18/2026