A motion to permit public comment on agenda and nonagenda items that had not previously been heard failed in a roll-call vote by the Newburgh City School District Board of Education on May 21.

Board member Mr. Howard moved that the board allow the public to speak on agenda and nonagenda items that had not been addressed at the earlier meeting. "I would like to put a motion on the floor that we have agenda and non agenda items for the public to speak on an agenda that they have not been able to speak to," Howard said.

The motion was seconded. During roll call, several board members voted no: Miss Thomasina Bello, Miss Mackenzie Boucher and Miss Victoria Boucher voted no; Mr. Bergarelli, Mr. DeRay, Mr. Howard and Miss Politi voted yes; Mr. Stewart and Miss Christine Bello voted no. The presiding clerk announced, "That motion fails."

Why it matters: the failed motion left in place the board's prior decision to limit or schedule public comment under the previously published agenda for the earlier meeting; no additional public-comment opportunity was opened at this special canvass meeting.