HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
POLICY #206
The Board desires citizens of the district to attend its sessions so that they may become better acquainted with the schools and so that the Board may have the opportunity to hear the wishes and ideas of the public.
Citizens are reminded that school board meetings are open to the public to attend but not to actively participate in. Public participation at school board meetings must fall within the parameters listed below. In order to promote transparency and open communication, all regular board meetings will be broadcast via the School District’s facebook page using facebook live dependent on availability of technology. Citizens are encouraged to view meetings when they cannot attend in person.
Generally, if a citizen has a question about the operation of the schools, he/she is encouraged to contact the administrator closest to the situation. Experience has shown that this is the best procedure. The questioner gets the needed response directly; the Board is free to consider more substantive matters.
To permit community members to be heard, and at the same time to conduct its meeting properly and efficiently, the Board establishes the following procedures for persons wishing to speak before the Board:
The chair will have authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who does not adhere to the above rules. Persons appearing before the Board are reminded that although requests may be directed to the Board, action - - and the answers to many questions - - must be deferred pending Board consideration.
Approved 11/11/13
Re-approved 5/9/2016
Re-approved 2/8/2021
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
POLICY #206
The Board desires citizens of the district to attend its sessions so that they may become better acquainted with the schools and so that the Board may have the opportunity to hear the wishes and ideas of the public.
Citizens are reminded that school board meetings are open to the public to attend but not to actively participate in. Public participation at school board meetings must fall within the parameters listed below. In order to promote transparency and open communication, all regular board meetings will be broadcast via the School District’s facebook page using facebook live dependent on availability of technology. Citizens are encouraged to view meetings when they cannot attend in person.
Generally, if a citizen has a question about the operation of the schools, he/she is encouraged to contact the administrator closest to the situation. Experience has shown that this is the best procedure. The questioner gets the needed response directly; the Board is free to consider more substantive matters.
To permit community members to be heard, and at the same time to conduct its meeting properly and efficiently, the Board establishes the following procedures for persons wishing to speak before the Board:
- Any individual or group desiring to address the Board should submit the request to the Superintendent by noon on the day of the meeting. Requests can be made by phone, written requests (including e-mail) are preferred. The Superintendent will share written requests with all board members.
- The individual making a request will be allowed five minutes for his presentation, although an extension of time may be granted by the superintendent in scheduling the presentation on the agenda, or later by the Board as it hears the individual. Individuals without prior approval will be allowed three minutes. The Board will allow a maximum of fifteen minutes for audience participation.
- Citizens that cannot attend in person will be offered to share their views via e-mail to the Superintendent. Any e-mail received by 3:00 PM, on the day of a board meeting, will be read during the public comment period of the meeting.
- All pertinent questions will be answered verbally or in writing at a later time by the chair or an appropriate member of the administration.
- Speakers may offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, but the Board will not hear complaints about school personnel or other persons at a public session. Other channels provide for Board consideration of complaints involving individuals.
The chair will have authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who does not adhere to the above rules. Persons appearing before the Board are reminded that although requests may be directed to the Board, action - - and the answers to many questions - - must be deferred pending Board consideration.
Approved 11/11/13
Re-approved 5/9/2016
Re-approved 2/8/2021