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Board votes to move public comment to end of meetings and allow comments at work sessions
Summary
Trustees approved changing the agenda so public comment will be the last item and will also be allowed at special work sessions; administrators said the move follows training and requires public retraining about how work sessions operate.
The Johnson County School District #1 board voted to change its agenda order so that public comment will be placed at the end of regular meetings and also be available at special work sessions, the board chair said.
Chair (S1) told the board the idea came from efforts to streamline meetings and to allow the board time between a public comment and formal action for research and follow-up. "Starting next month, public comment will be the last thing on the agenda," the chair said, explaining the change followed a recent training clarifying that work sessions are a type of special meeting where public comment is permitted.
Board members discussed retraining the public so stakeholders know work sessions remain public and that the work-session format is intended for learning and deliberation rather than immediate votes. Several trustees emphasized they want work sessions to stay focused on education and discussion rather than formal action.
The motion to accept the agenda with the change to public comment was made on the record and approved by voice vote with trustees signaling "aye." Administrators said they will publicize the schedule change and remind residents that a work-session public comment provides more time for trustees to research and respond before a regular meeting vote.
Trustees scheduled a special work session on Oct. 9 with public comment and reiterated their intent that the sessions remain a learning opportunity for the community and the board rather than a first stage for votes.
