Southaven The board approved a motion Sept. 4 to consider entering a closed (executive) session to discuss a residency appeal and a request to appear.

During the public meeting the chair read the policy allowing public comment and then asked for a motion "for consideration of closed session to determine whether the board should enter executive session for the following matters: residency appeal matter and the request to appear in a motion only." The motion carried on a voice vote, and the chair said, "All in favor. And Mr Chase will come back and inform you whether we stay in executive session." The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Thursday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.

Why it matters: Executive session rules restrict public discussion of student residency and personnel matters; the board followed its policy for moving such items into a closed session for deliberation as permitted.

Details: The board chair explained that public comment involving student or personnel matters must be addressed in executive session and that the board allows up to 30 minutes for public comment at regular meetings. No public comment on the residency issue was recorded in the public segment before the motion to consider a closed session. The motion to consider was approved and the board moved into the closed portion of the meeting.

Next steps: The board indicated it would return and provide further information via Mr. Chase after executive session; public minutes will reflect any formal decisions made during the closed session consistent with applicable law.