Home | Policy Book | B
BEDH
The primary purpose of the meeting is for the Board to conduct its business as charged by law. Public participation is encouraged but may be limited or curtailed, at the discretion of the Chair, in order to proceed with the business at hand. Spontaneous discussion, as well as disorder and disruption, prevent the Board from doing its work and will not be permitted.
Any person can make a request in advance, to the Superintendent or to a Board member, to place an item on the agenda. Board members should refer all requests to the Superintendent. The person requesting the agenda item will be notified when the item will be placed on the agenda and where the meeting will be held. If the item can be resolved by the Superintendent or an Administrator, this policy promotes resolution of issues at the appropriate level.
Brief comments from the audience on agenda items, prior to board action, are commonly encouraged but may be limited at the discretion of the Chair. The number of speakers and the time each speaks may be limited. Public comment at meetings of the Board can be separated into delegations or representations for brief comments on an agenda item.
A person who wishes to speak must be recognized by the Chair. Speakers must come to the microphone to speak and will identify themselves. Speakers must address all comments and questions to the Chair. All speakers must limit their remarks to the item under discussion and observe rules of common etiquette. No complaints or allegations will be allowed in public concerning any staff member or any person connected to the school system. Speakers may not discuss personalities or inject complaints about specific individuals, in name or by reference to position. The Chair may require a speaker in violation of these rules to relinquish the podium.
Except in an emergency, the Board will not attempt to decide upon any question before full examination and an opportunity for the Superintendent to research the matter and make his/her recommendation to the Board.
Amended: 09/10/90
09/22/97
03/09/98
07/21/03