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204.12 Participation by the Public

PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC
 
The Board encourages public attendance and participation in its board meetings.  The Board meets on a regular schedule of open public meetings to conduct the official business of the school district.  The public is asked to recognize that time limitations require the board adopt procedures to assure an orderly process during the meeting.
 
In order to assist the Chair, persons who wish to address the Board should fill out a card which is provided at the door.  The person’s name and the subject of his/her remarks should be noted.  These should be given to the secretary prior to the meeting.  If the stated subject is on the agenda, the speaker will be heard at the time that agenda item is initially brought up for discussion by the Board.  Other speakers will also be recognized if time permits.  To insure fairness and efficiency, speakers are asked to keep comments as brief as possible, not to exceed four minutes.
 
Only those individuals recognized by the chair shall be permitted to participate in the discussion.  Any attempt by persons not so recognized to discuss any motion before the Board, is out of order.
 
It shall be in order for the members of the Board, after first gaining recognition of the chair, to interrupt the speaker to ask questions and clarify the discussion.
 
The chair shall permit and conduct adequate discussion of each item by Board members, staff and audience.  In general, no more than twenty minutes will be allowed for public comments.  Should additional time be needed, a motion to extend the discussion time may be made by any Board member.
 
If a topic is not on the agenda, persons may address the Board in the Public Forum item of the agenda.  If an issue is raised which will require the preparation of an agenda item, it will be referred to the superintendent for such preparation, and the person raising the issue will be informed of the meeting when it will appear on the agenda.
 
Extended discussion or action on any item can only take place with items on the agenda, not discussion.
 
Complaints by a person addressing the Board concerning an employee of the district should follow the Policy No. 204.12.
 
 
Approved:  August 12, 1985              
 
Reviewed:   Feb. 10, 1997
March 12, 2001
December 19, 2005
September 2008
January 20, 2014