How does the board offer guidance on public comments during a meeting? 

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Answer:

Following are examples of public comment guidelines from three Alaska school districts:

Sitka School District – Persons to be Heard

Persons to be Heard is an opportunity for members of the public to speak to the Board about topics on the agenda or non-agenda topics. For non-agenda items, no board deliberation or action will occur in response. Questions for clarification may be posed by Board members. The Board may choose to refer items to the Superintendent (or designee) for further action. The standard time limit for comments will be 3 minutes, unless otherwise stated by the Board President, with the consent of the Board. A timer is used, and a sound will indicate when time expires. 

All comments must be respectful and charges or complaints against specific employees are not permitted. Members of the public are referred to Board Policies 1312, 1312.1, 1312.2, 1312.3 (and associated Administrative Regulations), as well as to Board Bylaw 9323(a), for information about how to lodge complaints. Speakers are also asked to please state their full name for the record, prior to speaking. 

Cordova School District – Audience Comments

The Board invites public comment at this time on the agenda items. Comment at this hearing is limited to THREE minutes per person and FIVE minutes per group. The public comment period is an opportunity for the Board to hear the public’s concerns. The Board will not engage in discussions with members of the public during the comment period.

Kodiak Island Borough School District – Community Comments

As per Board Bylaw 9323, Meeting Conduct, members of the public wishing to address the School Board regarding matters they are concerned about may do so at this time. While this is an opportunity to address the School Board, this is not an opportunity to present complaints regarding any District staff, either by name or indirect identification. Complaints against personnel are prohibited and should be addressed through the appropriate complaints process.

By Board Bylaw, a person wishing to be heard by the Board should first be recognized by the president. They shall then identify themself and proceed to comment as briefly as the subject permits. Community comments shall be limited to three minutes per person.

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