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After senior‑night concerns, Colstrip board signals tighter rules on passing microphones at school events
Summary
Trustees discussed Policy 43.20 after a senior‑night microphone was handed to a nonemployee; the board indicated it will require preapproval, administrator control and time limits for any non-staff remarks to reduce litigation risk.
Board members debated tightening rules about use of microphones at district events after staff raised liability concerns following a recent senior‑night ceremony.
A staff member said the practice of handing the microphone to nonemployees creates a risk because a speaker can be perceived as a district agent, which could expose the district to litigation if inappropriate remarks are made. The chair and several trustees supported limiting who may use the microphone at public events: only administrators or preapproved speakers would be allowed to speak, and administrators or the activities director would be required to vet and, if needed, read submitted remarks. Trustees discussed setting explicit time limits for remarks and requiring the speaker to submit text and timing to the administrator in advance.
Board members emphasized they appreciate traditions and family recognition but said the district must protect itself from unpredictable off‑script remarks at assemblies and sporting events. The discussion did not include a formal, final amendment vote to Policy 43.20; trustees agreed on direction and expect staff to return revised language or implementation procedures for later board action.
What happens next: Staff will coordinate with administrators and the activities director to draft clarified procedures or policy language spelling out preapproval, time limits and who may hold the microphone at district events.
