The board recognizes the value of
public comment on educational issues and the importance of involving members of
the public in its meetings. 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 formal presentations. Such presentations should
be scheduled in advance.
The board will also allow
individuals to express an opinion prior to board action on agenda items the
board determines require or will benefit from public comment. Written and oral
comment will be accepted by the board before the adoption or amendment of
policies not expressly or by implication authorized by state or federal law,
but which will promote the education of kindergarten through twelfth grade
students in public schools or will promote the effective, efficient or safe
management and operation of the district. Individuals wishing to be heard by
the board shall first be recognized by the president. Individuals, after
identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments as briefly as the subject
permits.
Any representative of a firm
eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the board shall also be
entitled to express an opinion. The president may interrupt or terminate an
individual's statement when it is 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.
Individuals with disabilities who
may need a modification to participate in a meeting should contact the
superintendent's office no later than three days before a regular meeting and
as soon as possible in advance of a special meeting so that arrangements for
the modification can be made.
Legal References: RCW 42.30.030 Meetings declared open and public
RCW
42.30.050 Interruptions —
Procedures
42
U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213 Americans with
Disabilities Act
Adoption Date: January, 2005