Board chair outlines new policy-review protocol to keep public discussion transparent

Board Chair Ramza presented a policy-procedure framework at the work session that aims to make the board's policy review process more predictable and transparent.

Key points: The chair asked that policies undergo committee and COW (committee of the whole) review with redline copies available in advance so trustees and the public can comment before a first reading. She suggested the board take straw polls at COW and avoid moving a policy to first reading until substantial issues are resolved. For statutory changes that must be adopted quickly, the chair said those may be suitable for first-reading passage.

The chair emphasized public comment steps: public comment should be available both at the first-reading public meeting and again at the second/final reading if material changes occur. She said amendments that materially change a policy should be presented as redline text and given another public reading before final adoption.

Board members recommended placing the chair's protocol in board governance documents so it is readily findable, and some members asked that a short attachment be included with COW agendas to remind trustees of the protocol.

Why it matters: Trustees said the change would reduce the number of islanded "last-minute" amendments at regular meetings and give the public better access to the actual text under discussion. Several trustees and staff agreed the procedure should be codified in board governance language rather than rely solely on a chair's preference.

Next steps: The chair's recommended protocol will be incorporated into board governance or meeting materials per trustees' direction and used for upcoming policy work this summer.