1430 Audience Participation
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 comments 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 chair. Individuals, after identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments for a period of two minutes, unless more time is allowed by the Board. 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 chair 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: 04/27/93
Franklin Pierce Schools
Revised: 05/14/02; 05/13/08
Classification: Priority