FILE: BCBI
Cf: BCBD
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
It is the policy of the Washington Parish School Board to conduct all meetings in full view of and with welcomed participation by the public. However, the Board reserves the right to recess into or call executive sessions for discussing matters as provided by state law. At no time shall actions be taken or resolutions made during executive sessions.
All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the Board shall submit their requests to the Superintendent in writing at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting date, stating what matters they wish to take up with the Board and the approximate time such matters should consume at the meeting. The Superintendent shall have the authority to determine whether items requested are appropriate for Board action and inclusion on the agenda. Each delegation appearing before the Board shall select one person in advance as its spokesperson and notify the Superintendent.
A public comment period shall be held before any vote is taken on an agenda item. The comment period shall precede each agenda item. However, a person is not entitled to take up business before the Board unless the item in which he/she is interested has been placed on the agenda of that meeting. After the public comment period, the Board shall then discuss the agenda item. Public comment during the Board discussion is not permitted. A reasonable limitation will be placed on the amount of time for a public presentation on an agenda item which is established at five (5) minutes for up to two persons and three (3) minutes for more than two persons. This time limitation may be waived by a majority vote of the Board members present.
In the event that the Board should add an item to its agenda after the Board meeting begins, the Board President shall orally request of the audience whether anyone in attendance would like to speak on the added agenda item. Each person indicating a desire to do so shall be given an opportunity to address the Board on each agenda item added. The Board shall delay deliberations on that agenda item until such time as all interested members of the public have had an opportunity to speak.
Public presentations should be germane to the agenda item and made in an orderly manner. Public complaints concerning any School Board employee are not considered conducive to an orderly meeting and are not permitted.
The Board President has the authority to maintain an orderly and efficient Board meeting.
The Board President shall have the authority to remove any person disrupting or interfering in any manner with the conduction of a meeting of the Board.
Notwithstanding the above, the Board President may recognize persons at the Board meeting for the purpose of introducing such persons.
Revised: August, 1997
Revised: September, 2008
Approved: October 9, 2008
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:23
Board minutes, 8-14-97, 10-9-08
Washington Parish School Board