BEDH - Public Participation at School Committee Meetings
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Regular, special and emergency meetings of the School Committee are open to the public. This Committee, as an elected representative body of the school unit, wishes to provide the opportunity for citizens to express interests and concerns related to the matters under consideration by the School Committee. The public is cordially invited to attend and participate as set forth in this policy.
School Committee meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the official business of the school department. The meetings are not public forum meetings (as are town meetings), but are meetings which are held for the School Committee to do its business in public. The minutes of each public meeting will record the action taken and will show how the School Committee voted on each item presented for action. The journal of minutes is open and available to the public online and during normal business hours at Acton Elementary School.
The intent of this policy is to allow a fair and adequate opportunity for the public to be heard, to provide adequate time for the School Committee to obtain necessary information on a subject before it, and to see that time allowed for open discussion does not interfere with the fulfillment of the scheduled agenda of the School Committee. Comments and suggestions will be welcomed and given consideration by the School Committee. Generally, the School Committee may hear but not discuss or act on an item not on the agenda.
Orderly conduct of a meeting does not permit spontaneous discussion from the audience nor among School Committee members. Individuals or organizations desiring to make requests, presentations or proposals on matters before the School Committee will be provided that opportunity through the agenda preparation process. Public comment on action items may be permitted by the School Committee Chair prior to School Committee deliberation and action. Public comments on non-agenda items shall be limited to the public forum segment of the meeting.
In order that the School Committee may fairly and adequately discharge its overall responsibility, a member of the public wishing to make requests, presentations or proposals to the School Committee on a specific topic may request, to the School Committee members or the Superintendent to add this item to the agenda. At the discretion of the School Committee Chair and/or Superintendent, this request may be required in writing. The School Committee Chair and/or Superintendent may add the item to the agenda at their discretion, or redirect the individual making the request to more appropriate channels.
An agenda shall be published in advance of each meeting in accordance with School Committee policy. Copies are to be posted, or available at least three days prior to regular meetings, at the school, town hall, or other appropriate public facilities. Anyone desiring information about any item on the agenda should direct such inquiries to the Office of the Superintendent.
The following “ground rules” are to further guide public participation at School Committee meetings.
The Chair may limit the time given to comments on a particular topic as well as the time any individual may speak.
In the event of a sizable audience, the Chair may require persons interested in speaking to so indicate by signing up to speak, so they may be called on in the most expedient order.
Citizens, employees, and others with a legitimate interest in the School Committee’s business are welcome to participate as provided in this policy. Others may be recognized to speak at the School Committee’s discretion. Citizens, employees or employee groups will not be permitted to discuss matters for which other, more appropriate forums are provided.
All speakers are to identify themselves as they begin talking. They will not be permitted to participate in gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.
The School Committee Chair will maintain the prerogative to discontinue any presentation which violates any of the public participation guidelines.
All speakers are to address the School Committee Chair, and may direct questions or comments to School Committee members or other officers of the school department only upon approval of the Chair. Members of the School Committee and the Superintendent have the privilege of asking questions of any person who addresses the School Committee. Such questions must be addressed through the Chair, unless the Chair waives this requirement.
Speakers may offer objective comments on school operations and programs that concern them. Generally, the School Committee may hear but not discuss or act on an item not on the agenda. Personal matters or complaints will not be entertained in a public meeting but will be deferred to established resolution procedures. Questions and concerns will be responded to through appropriate channels.
No complaints or allegations will be allowed concerning any personnel or any person connected to the school department.Concerns should be addressed through established channels. If appropriate, concerns about an individual will be handled in Executive Session where the rights and interests of all parties will be appropriately regarded.
Generally, duplication or repetition of comments to the School Committee should be avoided in order to make the most efficient use of the time in meetings. Groups or organizations are requested to be represented by designated spokespersons.
Persons who disrupt the meeting may be asked to leave and the Chair may request law enforcement assistance as necessary to restore order.
Legal Reference: 1 MRSA 401 et seq.
Cross Reference: BEC: Executive Session
BEDB-R: Agenda Format
Adopted: Prior to 1988
Revised: January 9, 2025