Resident asks Hamblen board to revise public comment rules limiting participation

A Hamblen County resident urged the Hamblen County Board of Education on Tuesday to revise its public comment policy, arguing the policy’s requirements for address disclosure, advance signup and pre-meeting meetings with the director of schools discourage public participation.

Melinda Height told the board that a requirement to disclose a full home address is unnecessary and can deter speakers with safety concerns. “A name and general location should be enough,” Height said. She noted that most board members do not list personal contact information on the district website and said citizens should receive the same privacy protections.

Height also described the board’s requirement that citizens sign up to speak by the second Thursday before a Tuesday meeting as unrealistic. Because agendas and board packets are published that same day at an unknown time, she said, members of the public have an unreasonable window to learn about the agenda, request packets, review materials and submit public-comment requests.

The resident criticized a rule that requires meeting with the director of schools to discuss intended comments before speaking. “This requirement creates a gatekeeping function that presents a potential risk of suppressing participation or shaping which perspectives are heard,” Height said. She added that the requirement is particularly burdensome for working people and caregivers who cannot meet during business hours.

Height also urged reconsideration of a strict three-minute speaking limit, arguing the cumulative procedural burdens make meaningful participation difficult. “Public comment is not a favor. It’s a right,” she told the board.

Board members did not take action on the request at the meeting but heard the public comment during the designated public-comment period. The board did not announce any immediate policy changes.