Trustees table proposed limits on public comment after community objections; superintendent cites legal counsel

Rock Springs — Members of the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees on Sept. 8 paused consideration of a revised public‑comment policy after extended public comment and trustee discussion about legal limits and community transparency. Superintendent Libby explained the proposed revisions were driven by legal advice following recent court decisions and aimed to preserve the board’s role as a limited public forum for governance matters. “Board meetings are not open forums for airing individual grievances,” he said, adding the revisions are intended to keep public comment focused on policies, programs and operations while directing individual student and personnel concerns into confidential complaint processes. Speakers from the public countered those safeguards could be used to silence parents. Commenters emphasized that parents often bring personal stories to show patterns in policy or practice and said the proposed language could prevent community members from being heard. Several speakers also noted that FERPA applies to school records — not parents — and urged the board to protect the public’s access to meetings. After discussion, a trustee moved to table the policy to the next board meeting so the district can provide additional public education about complaint avenues and timetable expectations; trustees voted to table the measure. The motion was seconded and carried without a recorded roll‑call change to policy. District staff said they will provide more materials explaining existing complaint processes, Title IX and other timelines and how a grievance can escalate to the board.