The Board of Education recognizes the importance of public comment and values the opportunity to hear from district residents, members of the staff, and others concerned with the schools' operation. The Board requests those wishing to speak to adhere to these guidelines:

Speakers are to address the Board President or the Board as a whole on the merits of issues.

- The Board President will, as appropriate, answer questions directed to the Board. The Board will take other issues under advisement for possible consideration at a later meeting.

- Individuals or groups who wish to make a formal presentation or who are seeking specific Board action are requested to give advance notice to the Board President or the Superintendent so that the matter may be evaluated for possible inclusion on a meeting agenda.

- Individuals who have not addressed the Board at previous meetings shall be given priority for speaking during the public forum portion of the meeting. While attempting to recognize all those who wish to speak, the Board President has the sole discretion to close public comment at any time.

- Remarks, comments or questions from those speaking should be limited to one point or two to three minutes.

Comments and questions should be made in a respectful manner. The Board President will cut off comments deemed inappropriate or out of order. Personal attacks will not be permitted.

- Every effort will be made to hear comments from students at the beginning of the meeting. Students should inform the Board President before the start of the meeting if they wish to be recognized.

- Public Forum is available to address any school district- related matter except agenda items or other topics on which public comment was permitted during the meeting.

Approved 9/3/97