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Resident asks board to review public-comment procedures, says current process can screen speakers out
Summary
A resident requested the board review Policy 1.404 governing requests to speak, saying the current screening process can prevent some citizens from reaching the board and suggesting alternatives used by local governments.
Miss Mays told the Hardeman County Board of Education she found the process for requesting to speak to the board "a little complicated" and asked the board to review Policy 1.404 to allow citizens to speak to the board without being "screened out." She said the county commission and the city of Bolivar permit citizens either to be added to an agenda or to speak during public comment and asked the board to consider similar flexibility.
"When you come to the board or you have to request, unfortunately, you can't change statutes with a public comment," Miss Mays said. She asked that the board look at simplifying requests and consider whether the current 10-day lead time could be modified to reduce burdens on potential speakers.
The board did not take formal action on the request at the meeting; Miss Mays remarks were placed on the record and the item was referred for the boards further consideration in future policy review or work sessions.
