Winston-Dillard School District 116

Revised/Readopted: 7/10/02

Public Participation in Board Meetings

All board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, shall be open to the public. The board invites district citizens to attend board meetings so that they may become acquainted with the program and operation of the district. Members of the public are also encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the board when appropriate.

It is the intent of the board to ensure communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. Individuals with hearing, vision, or speech impairments shall be given an equal opportunity to participate in board meetings. Primary consideration shall be given to requests of qualified individuals with disabilities in selecting appropriate auxiliary aids^{^[1]} and services.

Auxiliary aids and services for persons with disabilities shall be available at no charge to the individual.

All auxiliary aids and/or service requests must be made with appropriate advance notice. Should the board demonstrate such requests would result in a fundamental alteration in the service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens, alternative, equally effective means of communication shall be used.

Audience

During regular meetings of the board, members of the public are specifically invited to present concerns during the portion of the agenda so designated. At the discretion of the chair, further public participation may be allowed.

Request for an Item on the Agenda

A member of the public may request the superintendent to place the item of concern on the agenda of a regular board meeting. This request should be made in writing and presented to the superintendent for consideration at least 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Procedures for Public Participation in Meetings

Procedures shall be established for the participation in meetings of the board open to the public. The purpose of these procedures shall be to inform the public as to how to effectively participate in board meetings in the best interests of the individual, the district, and the patrons. The information shall be easily accessible and available to all patrons attending a public meeting of the board.

Any person who is invited by the chair to speak to the board at a meeting should state his or her name and residence and, if speaking for an organization, the name and identity of the organization. A group of people with a common purpose should designate a spokesman to speak for the group.

Statements by members of the public should be brief and concise. The chair may exercise discretion to establish a time limit on discussion or oral presentation by a visitor on any topic, to move the discussion to another time, or to establish a public hearing at a later date.

Questions asked by the public shall be answered by the chair or referred to other board members or staff members for reply. Questions requiring investigation may, at the discretion of the chair, be referred to the superintendent for response at a later time.

Petitions

Petitions may be accepted at any meeting of the board. Normally, action shall not be taken in response to a petition before the next regular meeting. Petitions shall be referred to the superintendent for consideration and recommendation of appropriate action.

Criticisms of Staff Members

Speakers may offer objective criticism of school operations and programs but the board shall not hear personal complaints concerning school personnel or any person connected with the school system. The chair shall direct the visitor to the appropriate means for board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.

Legal Reference(s):

^{^[1]}Auxiliary aids include, but are not limited to such services and devices as qualified interpreters, assistive listening systems, note takers, readers, taped texts, Brailled materials, and large print.