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Board splits on removing virtual public comment; staff time and access concerns weigh in
Summary
Superintendent recommended removing the word 'virtual' from the public‑comment policy citing AI and staff time; some board members favored keeping virtual participation for access, others supported removal with written submissions as an alternative. No consensus — item set for first read at the next work session.
Superintendent Maggie Fuhrman proposed removing the word "virtual" from the district's public‑comment policy, arguing that most comparable local governments no longer use live virtual comment and raising concerns about synthetic (AI) content and time required of staff to vet and coordinate remote speakers.
Supporters said written submissions that can be read into the record would remain an access option; opponents said removing live virtual comment could create barriers for people who cannot attend in person and urged equity considerations. One board member asked staff to quantify the additional preparation time virtual comments add; supporters cited staff labor to arrange remote connections as a reason to drop the option.
Legal counsel cautioned that board members may receive emailed comments but must avoid engaging in reply chains that could create a serial‑meeting violation. Because the board did not reach consensus at the work session, the proposed change will come back as a first‑read policy item at the next meeting with additional information about expected staff time and access tradeoffs.
