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BDDH-AR - Public Participation in Board Meetings

All Board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The Board invites district citizens to attend Board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the district. Members of the public also are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the Board when appropriate. Board meetings are public meetings held for the express purpose of conducting district business. The public shall be given the opportunity to speak on items related to the Sisters School District operations subject to the following procedures: 1. Discussion or presentation concerning a published agenda item is limited to its designated place on the agenda, unless otherwise authorized by the chair. 2. A visitor may introduce a topic not on the published agenda. The Board, at its discretion, may require that a proposal, inquiry, or request be submitted in writing and reserves the right to refer the matter to the administration for action or for study and to report at a subsequent meeting. The Board shall make a decision at the meeting where information is presented only if the issue is considered an emergency by the Board. 3. At the discretion of the Board chair, when meetings are large or controversial, anyone wishing to speak before the Board, either as an individual or as a member of a group, on any agenda item or other topic, may do so by providing information to the Board secretary on a sign-in sheet prior to the meeting. This will help the chair provide adequate time for each agenda item. 4. Statements by members of the public should be brief and concise. The Board chair may, at his or her discretion, limit remarks to a maximum of three minutes and allow visitors to speak only once until all those who wish to have spoken. 5. A visitor may be recognized by the chair by rising, identifying himself/herself with his/her full name and address and stating his/her purpose for appearing. 6. Groups will be urged to designate a spokesperson to make their presentation. Whenever possible, the Board secretary will obtain the name and address of the spokesperson before the meeting starts. 7. The Board chair reserves the right to limit, discontinue or reopen audience participation at any time. Any person who disturbs good order may be required to leave. Public Participation in Board Meetings - BDDH-AR 2-2 8. Petitions may be accepted at any Board meeting. No action will be taken in response to a petition before the next regular meeting. Petitions will be referred to the superintendent for consideration and recommendation. 9. Speakers may offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, but the Board will not hear complaints concerning individual school personnel. The chairperson will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for Board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals. 10. These procedures will be published on the back of every Board agenda.