Public Participation in Board Meetings

Board Policy BCBI: Public Participation in Board Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Education are held to conduct the affairs and business of the school system. Although these meetings are not meetings of the public, the public is invited to attend all meetings and citizens are invited to address the Board at all regular monthly meetings at the time shown on the agenda and in accordance with procedures established by the Board or Superintendent. Public participation may be allowed at the discretion of the Board at certain additional meetings under procedures set by the Board. All members of the public attending any meeting of the Board must follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in the procedures.

The Superintendent shall make available these procedures to allow citizens to address the Board at regular meetings in accordance with this policy. These procedures shall include a requirement that sign-up for non-agenda related topics be at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting and sign-up for agenda related items be at least 15 minutes prior to the start time of the meeting.

All comments to the Board in accordance with this policy are to be brief and are intended for the Board to hear from citizens but not to take action. Where the speaker seeks action of any kind by the Board or the District, the speaker is referred to paragraph 8 of the regulation.

Regulation BCBI – R – Public Participation in Board Meetings: RULES OF CONDUCT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCEDURES

Procedure for Public Speaking at Board of Education Meetings

1. Purpose of Board Meetings

Board meetings are held to conduct official school system business. While meetings are open to the public, they are not public meetings for open debate. Public input is welcome during designated times.

2. When the Public May Speak

  • Public comments occur during the Public Forum portion of regular monthly meetings.

  • Up to 30 minutes total is set aside for public comments.

  • Additional opportunities to speak may be allowed at the Board’s discretion.

3. Sign-Up Requirements

To speak, individuals must sign up in advance:

  • Non-agenda topics:
    Must sign up at least 24 hours before the meeting by contacting the Superintendent’s Office.

  • Agenda items:
    Must sign up at least 15 minutes before the meeting begins.

  • Sign-up may also be completed prior to the meeting start, if applicable.

4. Who Is Allowed to Speak

Speakers must be one of the following:

  • A resident of the school district

  • A parent or guardian of a district student

  • A school system employee

  • A representative of a business or organization located in the district

Groups or organizations are encouraged to select one spokesperson.

5. Speaking Guidelines

  • Each speaker is allowed three minutes.

  • Additional time may be granted only by a majority vote of the Board.

  • Speakers must:

    • State their name before speaking

    • Address remarks to the Board as a whole, through the Chair

    • Avoid addressing individual Board members directly

6. Appropriate Topics

Allowed:

  • General comments about school system policies, programs, or concerns

  • Feedback intended for the Board’s awareness

Not Allowed:

  • Complaints about specific employees or students

  • Matters involving pending litigation

  • Issues that should go through other formal complaint or resolution processes

If a speaker is seeking official action, they may be referred to the appropriate administrative process instead of the Public Forum.

7. Expected Conduct

All attendees and speakers must:

  • Be respectful and non-disruptive

  • Use civil language (no profanity, threats, or abusive remarks)

  • Avoid loud or disruptive behavior

  • Follow all directions from the Board Chair

Prohibited in the meeting room:

  • Signs

  • Flags

  • Banners

8. Board Response

  • The Board generally does not respond during Public Forum.

  • A Board member may ask questions at their discretion.

  • Speakers should remain at the microphone if responding to questions.

9. Acknowledgment of Rules

Before speaking, individuals must acknowledge that they:

  • Have read the procedures

  • Agree to follow all rules of conduct

10. Enforcement of Rules

  • The Board Chair enforces all procedures.

  • Violations will result in:

    1. A warning

    2. Being asked to stop speaking

    3. Removal from the meeting if disruption continues

Serious or repeated violations may result in:

  • Temporary loss of speaking privileges

  • Removal by law enforcement if necessary

Quick Summary for Speakers

  • Sign up on time

  • Speak for three minutes max

  • Stay respectful and on topic

  • Address the Board, not individuals

  • Do not raise personal or legal disputes