BEDH-PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
File: BEDH
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
MSAD #11 Board meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the official business of the school system. All regular, special, emergency, and committee meetings of the MSAD #11 Board are open to the public. The public is cordially invited to attend and participate in MSAD #11 Board meetings as provided in this policy.
Although MSAD #11 Board meetings are not public forums, the MSAD #11 Board will provide appropriate opportunities for citizens to express opinions and concerns related to the matters under consideration by the MSAD #11 Board. The intent is to allow a fair and adequate opportunity for the public to be heard and to provide adequate time for the MSAD #11 Board to obtain information and opinion on subjects before it, while ensuring that the time allowed for public discussion does not interfere with the fulfillment of the scheduled agenda.
The MSAD #11 Board may designate and indicate on its agenda for regular meetings a period for public participation. During this time period, members of the public may speak on any subject directly related to the operations of the schools, except for personal matters or complaints concerning specific employees or students, which shall be addressed through established policies and procedures. Speakers must adhere to the guidelines for public participation articulated in this policy.
The MSAD #11 Board will take no action at the same meeting on any issue brought forth by a member of the public. Such issues may be referred to the Superintendent for further study and recommendations to the MSAD #11 Board. Members of the public may request that an item be placed on the MSAD #11 Board's agenda in accordance with policy BEDB.
The MSAD #11 Board may, at its discretion, ask members of the public for comment prior to acting on particular items.
The MSAD #11 Board may allow public participation during special meetings. Any such participation will be limited to the purpose(s) for which the meeting was called.
Members of the public may address the MSAD #11Board within the guidelines provided in this policy. The Chair shall be responsible for maintaining proper order and compliance with these guidelines.
The following guidelines shall apply to public participation at MSAD #11 Board meetings.
A. Citizens and employees of the school district are welcome to participate as provided in this policy. Others may be recognized to speak at the Chair's discretion. Individual employees and/or employee groups will not be permitted to discuss matters for which complaint or grievance procedures are provided.
B. The Chair may limit the time allotted for comments on a particular topic as well as the time each individual may speak.
C. A speaker will not be recognized for a second time on a particular issue unless time remains after all speakers have been heard.
D. The Chair may require persons interested in speaking to sign up so they may be called on in a fair and efficient manner.
E. During the time set aside for public participation, the Chair will be responsible for recognizing all speakers, who must identify themselves as they begin talking.
F. Speakers are not permitted to share gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.
G. All speakers are to address the Chair and direct questions or comments to particular MSAD #11 Board members or the Superintendent only with approval of the Chair. Requests for information or concerns that require further research may be referred to the Superintendent to be addressed at a later time.
H. Members of the MSAD #11Board and the Superintendent may ask questions of any person who addresses the MSAD #11 Board but are expected to refrain from arguing or debating issues. Questions must be addressed through the Chair.
I. No complaints or allegations will be allowed at MSAD #11 Board meetings concerning any person employed by the school system or against particular students.
Personal matters or complaints concerning student or staff issues will not be considered in a public meeting but will be referred through established policies and procedures
J. In order to make efficient use of meeting time, the MSAD #11 Board discourages duplication or repetition of comments to the MSAD #11 Board. The MSAD #11 Board requests that groups or organizations be represented by designated spokespersons.
K. The Chair has the authority to stop any presentation that violates these guidelines or the privacy rights of others.
L. Persons who disrupt the meeting may be asked to leave, and the Chair may request law enforcement assistance as necessary to restore order.
An agenda shall be published in advance of each meeting in accordance with MSAD #11 Board policy. Copies will be posted and/or available prior to regular meetings, at Superintendent's Office, in each school, town hall, website. Anyone desiring additional information about an agenda item should direct such inquiries to the Office of the Superintendent.
Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq.
Cross Reference: BEC Executive Session
BEDA Notification of Board Meetings
BEDB Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
BEDD Rules of Order
KE Public Concerns and Complaints
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: 6/5/86; 11/1/90; 10/1/92; 5/03; 6/15/2006