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Board weighs social‑media and public‑participation policy revisions; pauses rooftop bid, advances September bills
Summary
The board reviewed proposed changes to social‑media policy (account ownership, live broadcasts, guidance) and a draft public‑participation policy (shorter public‑comment times, one‑hour cap, more off‑site engagement); the board also voted to pause a rooftop HVAC bid until Oct. 29 and approved advance payment of September bills.
At its study session the Urbana School District 116 Board reviewed two policy areas and took several administrative actions.
Social‑media policy: the board discussed gaps in the draft social‑media policy related to ownership and oversight of accounts, access and password control, the district’s ability to remove inappropriate content, and live broadcasts that may include students. Communications staff (Catherine) said the district creates accounts under a district umbrella and grants/revokes access centrally; she recommended a procedural guidebook with do’s and don’ts to accompany the policy. Board members agreed to draft modifications in partnership with UEA leadership and to return proposed language for public distribution and a future vote.
Public participation: board members proposed lowering the individual public‑comment time from five to three minutes, capping the total public‑comment period at one hour (with the possibility to extend by vote), moving board reports to follow public comment so the board can respond with up‑to‑date information, and increasing off‑site engagement by asking members to attend PTA/community meetings. Staff will draft updated policy/procedures and present them for inclusion in a future packet.
Administrative actions (votes): • Rooftop unit bid — district staff reported additional investigation into a Tiger Academy rooftop‑unit replacement since the agenda was posted. A board member moved to pause consideration and the board approved a motion to postpone action on the bid to the October 29 meeting so staff can pursue cost‑saving options. • Advance approval of September bills — the board approved advance payment of September bills and checks by roll call so payments can be processed on a timely schedule.
Next steps: staff and board members will draft revised social‑media and public‑participation policy language for inclusion in a future packet, and the rooftop‑unit bid will return on Oct. 29 if necessary.
