Ketchikan School Board enacts new policy on public comment during meetings

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education convened a special meeting on April 12, 2025, where significant changes to public comment procedures were announced. Board President Catherine Tatsuta informed attendees that, effective April 7, the board will no longer read public comment emails aloud during meetings. This decision aims to streamline discussions while still encouraging community engagement through in-person attendance and written submissions.

The board approved the meeting agenda unanimously, ensuring a quorum was present. During the public comment segment, the board faced pushback regarding the new policy, with community members expressing concerns about transparency and the ability to voice opinions. The chair ruled that recordings of absent speakers would not be played, emphasizing the importance of direct participation from those present.

Despite the controversy, the board maintained its commitment to reviewing all public comments submitted via email, reinforcing its dedication to open communication. The meeting highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the board and the community, as members urged the board to reconsider recent decisions affecting school restructuring.

As the board moves forward, the implications of these changes will likely shape future interactions with the community, emphasizing the need for direct engagement in discussions that impact local education.