Board declines immediate adoption of proposed public-participation rule changes; asks staff to revise and return

The Volusia County School Board considered advertised amendments to Policy 801 (public participation) and declined to adopt the changes at the Sept. 9 meeting. Board discussion focused on a proposed restriction that would treat a person speaking on behalf of another as using that speaker's single allotted comment time.

Board attorney Dr. Gilbert Evans summarized the advertised change and said it reflected a board direction from earlier meetings: "With the revisions of the policy, every member of the public will still have the opportunity to speak to the board," and he added the proposed language would count speaking on behalf of another as using the speaker's allotted time.

In the public comment period multiple residents and school employees urged the board not to reduce public comment opportunities. Several speakers asked that someone who reads a letter on behalf of another still be allowed to have their own allotted time; Elizabeth Albert said, "Mischaracterizing our union or our contract as the barrier to creating better learning conditions for students is not only inaccurate but also harmful." Jennifer Kelly and others asked the board to preserve multiple, accessible chances to address the board.

During board discussion several trustees said they had changed their positions since the item was advertised. Krista Goodrich said she would support allowing a speaker to read for one other person and still speak personally; others said they wanted to preserve opportunities for people who travel across the county. Donna Brosmer said she was not ready to approve the policy as drafted.

A motion to adopt the advertised amendments failed on the floor. After extended discussion the board asked staff and counsel to revise the language and to return the policy for reconsideration. Board members indicated preferences during the discussion: allow a speaker to read on behalf of one other person and still speak on their own behalf, continue public comment opportunities at regular sessions, and leave the intended consent-session structure under review.

Why it matters: Policy 801 governs when and how residents and employees may address the board. Changes to the rule affect access, transparency and how the board receives information and feedback from stakeholders.

Next steps: Counsel and staff will revise the proposed language to reflect the board's direction and re-advertise the policy for future action. The board explicitly declined to adopt the advertised language at this meeting.