Policy Details Page

Policy 1430
The Board of Directors

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PURPOSE 

The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues.  In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board provides a period during each regular business meeting. 

The Board will provide opportunities for individuals to express an opinion prior to Board action on agenda items that the Board determines require or will benefit from public comment through written and oral comment. Written and oral comment may be accepted by the Board before the adoption or amendment of policies not expressly or by implication authorized by state or federal law, but which will promote the education of kindergarten through twelfth grade students in public schools or will promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district. 

The Board may place limitations on the time available for verbal public comment and on how public comment is accepted. Written comments will be noted on and appended to the regular meeting agenda. The Board may set a reasonable deadline for submission of written comments before the meeting. The Board may refuse to accept public comment that renders orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible, if an emergency has been declared and the Board determines it cannot hold an in-person meeting or must limit attendance at an in-person meeting, the District will provide for a remote option for verbal comment.

Individuals wishing to be heard by the Board will first be recognized by the president. Individuals, having completed a card and been called by the General Counsel, will proceed to make comments within the time limits established by the Board. Individuals may have up to three minutes to share their comments, or, if there is a large number of speakers, time may be limited at the president’s discretion. Any representative of a firm eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the Board will also be entitled to express an opinion.

The President may terminate an individual’s statement when the allotted time has passed and may interrupt a speaker to require the same standard of civility that the Board imposes on itself. Examples of uncivil comments include comments that:

• Are libelous or slanderous under a legal standard;
• Are an unwarranted invasion of privacy;
• Are obscene or indecent pursuant to the Federal Communications Act or any rule or regulation of the Federal Communications Commission;
• Violate school District policy or procedure related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or discrimination;
• Incite an unlawful act on school premises or violate a lawful school regulation; or
• Create a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the Board meeting.

The Board as a whole has the final decision in determining the appropriateness of all such rulings and can maintain order by removing those who are disruptive. However, the Board recognizes the distinction between uncivil discourse, which it will not tolerate, and comments about the Board, district, and / or staff that are negative yet still civil in nature. The Board will exercise its authority to maintain order in a content neutral manner.

The Board does not respond to verbal or written comment during a regular business meeting.  The Board or its delegate will respond or follow up as needed after the meeting.

If a person wants to provide verbal comment and has difficulty attending a business meeting by reason of disability, limited mobility, or for any other reason that makes physical attendance at a meeting difficult, they may contact the Board secretary’s office at least three (3) days before the meeting so that feasible accommodations may be offered.

Cross References:        

Policy 1600 – Anti-Racism 
Policy 3111 – Non-Discrimination and Equity 
Policy 3207 – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying 
Policy 3210 – Non-Discrimination of Students 
Policy 5265 – Non-Discrimination of Staff and Affirmative Action
 

Legal References:         

RCW    42.30.030            Meetings declared open and public
RCW    42.30.050            Interruptions—Procedures
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213         Americans with Disabilities Act

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Adoption Date: 7/1/1970
Revised Date: 3/11/1999; 3/08/2012, 1/10/2013, 6/09/2022, 10/12/2023