POLICY: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
It is the policy of the Vernon 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 private matters as provided by State Law. At no time shall actions be taken, or resolutions made during executive sessions.
The School Board has approved two (2) methods for the public to address the School Board. The first method requires all delegations or individuals who wish to place an item on a School Board meeting agenda to submit their requests to the Superintendent in writing at least five (5) 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 significant enough to appear on the meeting agenda or be referred to the appropriate School Board committee. Each delegation appearing before the Board shall select one person in advance as its spokesperson and notify the Superintendent.
In addition, the public may also address the School Board during a public comment period 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 and shall be conducted in accordance with procedures established by the School Board. Individuals who wish to comment on an agenda item shall complete a Public Comment Card at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the meeting time. Public Comment Cards shall be available at the receptionist's desk in the School Board office. If an agenda item is added to the agenda during the meeting, the President shall ask individuals in the audience if they wish to speak on that item.
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. Each person indicating a desire to do so shall be given an opportunity to address the School Board on each agenda item added for which a vote shall be taken.
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. Comments shall be germane to the agenda item being addressed and shall be limited to five (5) minutes unless waived by the School Board. 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. The 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.
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, 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: September, 2008
Revised: July, 2023
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