FILE: BCBI
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
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 School 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 School 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 School 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 School Board action and inclusion on the agenda. Each delegation appearing before the School 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 for which a vote shall be taken. However, a person is not entitled to take up business before the School 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 School Board shall then discuss the agenda item. Public comment during the School 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 School Board members present.
In the event that the School Board should add an item for which a vote shall be taken to its agenda after the School Board meeting begins, the School Board President shall orally request of the audience whether anyone in attendance would like to speak on the added agenda item for which a vote shall be taken. Each person indicating a desire to do so shall be given an opportunity to address the School Board on each agenda item added. The School 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 School Board President has the authority to maintain an orderly and efficient School Board meeting.
The School Board President shall have the authority to remove any person disrupting or interfering in any manner with the conduction of a meeting of the School Board.
Notwithstanding the above, the School Board President may recognize persons at the School Board meeting for the purpose of introducing such persons.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH DISABILITIES
The School Board shall allow any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a designated caregiver of such a person, to participate in its meetings via teleconference or video conference, and shall facilitate participation by any such person who requests that accommodation prior to the meeting. Members of the public who desire to participate in this fashion shall certify that they meet the definition of a person with a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act when they submit, seventy-two (72) hours prior to public meetings, their requests to comment on agenda items and shall comply with the same rules and regulations on speaking applicable to those participating in person at such meetings.
Revised: August, 1997
Revised: October 9, 2008
Revised: September 7, 2023
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:23
Board minutes, 8-14-97, 10-9-08, 9-7-23
Washington Parish School Board