Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Policy 1300 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents, advocacy groups urge Ann Arbor school board to keep 'board‑designated' status for parent/advisory groups
Summary
Dozens of public commenters told the Ann Arbor Public Schools board that proposed revisions to Policy 1,300—removing 'board‑designated' speaking status—would silence marginalized families and reduce access; speakers asked the board to preserve written comments and group reports.
Dozens of parents, teachers and community members told the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education on March 17 that proposed changes to Policy 1,300 would reduce access for marginalized families and community organizations.
During a 45‑minute public comment period, speakers representing Asian, Arab, Black and LGBTQ+ parent groups and other community organizations said board‑designated status and the ability to submit written comments help people with child‑care, disability, transportation, religious observances and work conflicts to participate. "Please vote to protect the advisory groups and to protect popular and democratic communication with the board," an early commenter said. Several others invoked recent incidents of anti‑AAPI harassment and said district‑sanctioned groups like APISA provide crucial representation and authorship visits for students.
Supporters said the designation is not a privileged perk but a mechanism to ensure consistent, equitable access. "These groups represent the critical space for addressing disparities and fostering belonging," Dr. Shabnam Natia of the Arab American advisory group told trustees, citing the group's partnership role since its 2011 creation. Multiple speakers also noted the timing of meetings during the month of Ramadan and asked the board to preserve written comment options for those unable to attend in person.
Trustees and staff repeatedly clarified that the board was not voting that night to eliminate groups but was considering changes to the designated status; superintendent Janice Parks and President Feaster said the policy proposal would remove the formal 'designated' label while maintaining groups' ability to exist. Commenters pressed for clear criteria and opportunities for dialogue rather than a rushed policy rewrite.
Next steps: the board stated the policy would return for further discussion on April 2; public speakers were encouraged to continue engagement with trustees and district staff in the interim.
