1441 - Audience Participation Policy

Policy 1441

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

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 presentations.  Such presentations should be scheduled in advance. 

The board will also allow individuals to express an opinion prior to board action on 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. 

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 Reference:    
RCW  42.30.030 Meetings declared open and public            
42.30.050 Interruptions--Procedures 
42 U.S.C.    Sec. 12101-12213 Americans with Disabilities Act 

Adoption Date:    November 16, 2004