Board limits public-comment time for registered speakers pending policy review

The Richmond Public Schools board amended its public-comment practice on Monday to allow all preregistered speakers to speak at regular board meetings but limited individual speakers to two minutes and organizations to three minutes until the policy committee recommends a formal rule.

The amendment followed weeks of debate and a board decision last month to condense speaking times. At Monday’s meeting a number of board members expressed concern about fairness for people who had preregistered and said they wanted a consistent interim approach while the policy committee develops a longer-term rule.

After discussion the board adopted a motion to apply the 2-minute/3-minute limits for preregistered speakers at future meetings until the policy committee returns a proposed revision to board policy. The motion was moved and seconded and passed by roll-call votes. Administration staff noted the board’s policy currently sets a 30-minute public-comment period with reserve authority to adjust the allotment to maximize participation; the amendment creates a temporary operational rule rather than a permanent policy change.

Board members said they will ask the policy committee to return with recommended language for public comment procedures in August so the board can consider a permanent update. Several members urged the administration to notify the public promptly about the interim rules and the registration deadline for upcoming meetings.