During the public comment period at the May 16 special called meeting, residents addressed a range of concerns including the district budget, Pre-K programming, collaboration with the NAACP and children’s safety and security.

Speakers listed in the minutes included Francine Johnson (budget), Thelma Jones (Pre-K program), Elton Holmes (budget, NAACP/FCPS collaboration and later community group comments on superintendent candidates), Lamar Hobson (policies), Tekedrion Perry and Bob Hendry (budget), William Whitmore (children's safety and security) and Charles Watkins (children's education/desegregation order).

The minutes do not record formal responses to each commenter within the public comment section; several community group comments reiterated concerns about education equity and the desegregation order. Elton Holmes also offered remarks later as a community group representative regarding the superintendent candidates.

No specific budget figures or policy changes were proposed in the public comments recorded in the minutes. The public comment portion concluded before the board proceeded to candidate interviews and votes.