Where would public comments fit in the agenda?

Answer: School boards have some flexibility here and typically the Board President and Superintendent will determine and agree where to place public comments during the agenda setting process. Most district Board Bylaw 9322 confirms this without specifying exactly where on the agenda it falls: “The School Board shall give members of the public an opportunity to address the School Board either before or during the School Board’s consideration of each agenda item.” 

Thus, it is most common around the state is for Public Comments to fall near the beginning of the meeting, after the roll call, pledge and land acknowledgment, but before the board’s business (eg Old Business, New Business). This gives the public the opportunity to address the board before consideration of the agenda items. 

Some boards will also include a second opportunity for public comments near the end of the meeting, after the business has concluded but before board comments and adjournment.

Read more answers to frequently asked questions at Ask AASB

Got a question? Email Timi Tullis, Tiffany Jackson or Jenni Lefing.

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