FILE:  BCBI

Cf:  BCAD, BCB, BCBD

Cf:  BCBK, KN

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board desires the citizens of Avoyelles Parish to attend its meetings so that they may become better acquainted with the schools and so that the School Board may have opportunity to hear the wishes and/or ideas of the public.

It is the policy of the 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.

REQUEST FOR ITEM TO BE PLACED ON AGENDA

All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the School Board shall submit their written requests to the Superintendent 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.  Such items will normally be included on the agenda of the meeting at which the delegation or individual wishes to appear before the School Board.  An item may only be brought up twice in a calendar year.  If not submitted on time to be placed on the agenda, the item will be held over for the next scheduled meeting of the School Board.

Each delegation appearing before the School Board shall select in advance one (1) person as its spokesperson and statements shall be presented in a concise manner.  Whenever a delegation appears before the School Board containing both proponents and opponents to a question, the spokesman for the proponents shall be heard first, followed by the spokesman for the opponents.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Before each meeting of the School Board, a copy of the agenda for that meeting shall be posted at the meeting place or otherwise conspicuously displayed. It shall also be posted on the School Board's website.  A public comment period shall be held before any vote is taken on an agenda item.  Comments from the public shall occur after the School Board members discuss the item and before any vote is taken on an agenda item.  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.

A person wishing to address the School Board shall be recognized by the President and/or Chairperson of the Committee and afforded the floor during public discussion of an agenda item.  The individual, once recognized, will approach the podium and state their name and address.  The individual is limited to three (3) minutes.  All delegations of more than five (5) are encouraged to appoint a spokesperson.  During public comment on an item, no more than thirty minutes will be spent in total on an agenda item.  Therefore, the School Board President and/or committee chairperson has the discretion to adjust the time limits of individual comments during public comment to stay within this timeframe.

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.  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.

When an individual has been recognized to speak on agenda item, that individual shall limit his/her comments to matters that are strictly relevant to that item.  The President reserves the right to stop any comments when deemed necessary.

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.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:23

Board minutes, 2-6-01, 8-19-03, 10-7-08, 8-6-19, 4-5-22, 5-3-22, 9-5-23

Avoyelles Parish School Board