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Committee leaves proposed change to school‑board meeting schedule in committee after debate on public comment timing

Policy and Legislative Committee, Hamilton County Department of Education · December 9, 2025
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Summary

The committee discussed separating work sessions from voting meetings under Policy 1.4 to give administration time to respond to public input, but members voiced concerns about added travel burden for the public and trustees; the item was left in committee for further work.

The Policy and Legislative Committee considered a proposed revision to Policy 1.4 that would separate the board’s work session (for discussion) from the voting/business meeting (for public comment and final action).

Administration proposed holding a work session earlier in the week and a separate voting meeting later to allow time for staff to address public concerns raised in the work session before the board votes. Supporters said the separation provides time for meaningful administrative follow-up; opponents said it would ask trustees and the public to attend twice in one week and risk effectively moving public comment to a time when decisions already feel set.

Legal counsel clarified the law requires public comment to occur on the same night as action, but it need not occur before the vote so long as it occurs on the same night. Several members said they prefer hearing public comment before votes; others emphasized the benefits of the two‑night structure for stakeholder feedback and committee scheduling. The committee did not vote; the chair said the proposal will remain in committee for additional consideration and possible rewording.