The Board desires citizens of the district to attend its sessions so that they may become better acquainted with the operation and programs of the schools and that the Board may have the opportunity to hear the wishes and ideas of the public.

In order to assure that persons who wish to appear before the Board may be heard and, at the same time, conduct its meeting properly and efficiently, the Board adopts as policy the following procedures and rules pertaining to public participation at Board meetings.

1. Any citizens wishing to speak before the Board may do so during the "Citizens’ Comments" segment of the agenda. The presentation should be as brief as possible, and should not exceed 5 minutes per individual. "Citizens’ Comments" agenda item shall not exceed 1/2 hour in duration - unless a majority of the Board wish to extend that time period for a particularly significant issue.
2. Any individual desiring to speak shall give his or her name, address, and the group, if requested.
3. The Board will refrain from a question and answer period during "Citizens’ Comments." However, citizens are urged to direct questions to teachers, principals and superintendent via telephone or personal contact.
4. The Board will not generally seek citizens comments while proceeding through its agenda unless a majority of the Board wish to do so.
5. "Citizens’ Comments" will be allowed as a last agenda item to provide citizens the opportunity to comment on any Board discussion and/or decision which occurred during the business meeting.
6. Speakers may offer such objective criticisms of school operations and programs as concern them. but in public session, the Board will not hear personal complaints of school personnel nor against any person connected with the school system.
7. Members of the public attending a Board meeting will be required to sign an attendance roster.
8. Citizens may request an opportunity to be placed on the agenda by submitting a written request of the topic, any pertinent background information and related questions to the Superintendent of Schools at least 6 days in advance of the meeting. The superintendent is responsible for providing the Board the necessary information to respond and/or make any related decision on the matter.
9. A copy of the agenda will be posted on the school door 24 hours in advance of the meeting whenever reasonably possible.

The Board vests in its chairman or other presiding authority to terminate the remarks of any individual when they do not adhere to the rules established above.

As a point of information, a member of the Board is without authority to act independently in official matters. Thus questions may be directed to individual Board members, but official answers must be deferred pending consideration by the full Board.