Public Participation in Board Meetings

Our public schools welcome the involvement of all citizens. The Board provides an opportunity for members of the community and parents to speak at its meetings. You may wish to address the School Board of Trustees to express an opinion regarding any issue the Board will be discussing.

Be sure your issue is pertinent Board business. Individuals with complaints should exhaust all measures at the local school level before addressing the School Board of Trustees.

Addressing the Board:

• Register with the secretary of the Board no later than noon the Monday prior to the meeting. Share the topic of your presentation when registering. You may call 288-4802 ext. 323 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
   
• Speakers are each given three minutes to address the Board. Know what you want to say, and say it as briefly as possible. The School Board of Trustees will not respond to your comments at the meeting, but they will direct the Superintendent to respond as soon as possible.

Making Effective Board Presentations:

• When called to speak, approach the microphone and speak clearly. State your name and the name of the organization or group of citizens that you are representing.
   
• State your concern, complaint, question, or opinion. Give supporting examples or reasons. If you know what action you wish the Board to take, end your remarks by stating what you want done.
   
• If you are reading from a script, you may want to provide copies for Board Trustees and the Superintendent.
   
• Avoid repeating similar views. In the interest of time, it is best to designate a single spokesperson to represent a group with a common purpose. It is effective to show your numbers by asking those present to stand or by telling the Board how many members belong to your organization without having every member speak to the issue.
   
• Limit your comments to one item or issue.
   
• Always be polite. Avoid name-calling, finger-pointing, accusations, or language that could be interpreted as demeaning to anyone.