Board debates rule that would limit direct back-and-forth with public speakers

The Nassau County School Board held a final hearing on proposed meeting guidelines that would clarify public-comment procedures, civility and decorum. A central point of debate was a provision stating that "individual school board members will not engage in dialogue with speakers during the meeting," while giving the chair discretion to seek clarification.

Board members said they support curbing protracted back-and-forth during public comment but stressed the need to ask clarifying questions, particularly on agenda and action items. At the hearing, Board Member Zimmerman asked whether the rule would “preclude me from having a conversation or asking a question,” citing past instances when a member questioned a presenter about technical details.

Staff clarified the intent and the process. A staff member explained the current draft reads: "individual school board members will not engage in dialogue with speakers during the meeting. The board chair at their sole discretion may engage in dialogue with speakers during the meeting for purposes of clarifying any questions or comments made by the speaker during public presentation." Board members said the provision had existed in prior drafts and that the version before the board was the advertised version for final hearing; members may continue to propose changes before the ultimate vote.

Several members supported preserving a pathway for brief clarification before a vote. One board member asked that the rule explicitly allow the chair, or the chair’s designee, to ask brief clarifying questions of speakers on agenda items prior to the board’s vote. Staff said they would draft clarifying language and circulate corrected copies ahead of the board’s formal vote; they also noted any changes made at the meeting would be reflected in the final motion.

Why it matters: The provision balances two goals: preventing extended public debates that disrupt meetings while preserving the board’s ability to obtain factual clarifications that may affect how members vote on agenda items. Several members emphasized the difference between short clarifying questions and an extended exchange.

Next steps: Staff will update the advertised rule language to reflect agreed clarifications, provide revised copies at the public meeting, and seek a final vote at a future board meeting. The board also discussed administrative corrections to the rule text prior to that vote.