The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings. The Board encourages patron participation. The Board also recognizes the value of public input prior to making significant decisions affecting the educational process. In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board will provide a period at the beginning of the meeting, during which visitors may make presentations. Those wishing to speak to the Board should sign the public comment roster located in the Board Room prior to the meeting. The Chair may control such comment to ensure an orderly progression of the meeting and allow for public comment which will be limited to three (3) minutes. Because of the diversity of issues, members of the board will not respond to public comment. Instead, issues may be referred to the proper staff person for follow-up and if warranted placed on future board agendas for further discussion and consideration. Kimberly Patrons are encouraged to communicate with administration and/or board members outside of school board meetings. Due to time constrains during school board meetings comments are minimized in order to conduct business efficiently.
The Board will also allow individuals to express an opinion prior to Board action on agenda items. Individuals wishing to be heard by the Chair shall first be recognized by the Chair. Individuals, after identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments as briefly as the subject permits specific to the subject being discussed. Personnel and/or student matters may not be addressed. The Chair may interrupt or terminate an individual’s statement when appropriate, including when statements are out of order, too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant. The Board as a whole shall have the final decision in determining the appropriateness of all such rulings. It is important for all participants to remember that Board meetings are held in public, but are not public meetings. Members of the public shall be recognized and allowed input during the meeting, at the discretion of the Chair.
Policy History:
First Reading: 10/29/02
Adopted on: Second Reading: 11/26/02
Revised on: 01/15/2014, 09/18/2019