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Board holds first reading of revised public-comment policy to add remote-comment option required by state law
Summary
The board held a first reading of a revised meetings and public comment policy to implement Delaware House Bill 64's requirement for a remote public-comment option. The revision sets sign-up windows, a 30-minute total public-comment allotment, and a three-minute speaker limit.
Appoquinimink School District leaders presented a first reading Oct. 7 of a revised board meeting policy to implement Delaware House Bill 64's requirement that districts provide a method for the public to attend and offer public comment remotely.
Superintendent Doctor Burrows walked the board through the proposed changes: district citizens may sign up to speak at board meetings in advance by contacting the superintendent's office by 4 p.m. on meeting days, or in person with the superintendent's secretary at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. "Requests made prior to 4PM on the day of the meeting may request a virtual option for public comment," Burrows said. The draft also limits total public comment time to 30 minutes, allows the board to extend that period at its discretion, and limits individual speakers to three minutes unless the board waives the limit.
The revision clarifies other practices: if multiple speakers address the same topic, second and subsequent speakers may be asked to provide only new information; the board may ask speakers clarifying questions but will not engage in a dialogue during the meeting and may provide written follow-up before the next meeting. The draft reiterates that complaints about individual district employees must be presented in writing to the superintendent rather than raised at a board meeting.
Board members asked about practice and enforcement, including whether the board chair could ask repetitive speakers to stop and whether the board could reply briefly after asking clarifying questions. Dr. Burrows and staff said the language reflects practice and that the draft will return for a second reading and a final vote at a future meeting.
Ending: The policy will return for a second reading in November and a final vote thereafter. The board accepted public comment rules remain flexible in practice while codifying sign-up windows and remote participation options to comply with state law.
