Patrick County board votes to stop reading emailed and texted public comments at meetings

The Patrick County School Board voted to discontinue reading emailed and texted public comments aloud during meetings and to require individuals who wish to address the board to attend in person, the transcript shows.

A board member proposing the change said the practice discouraged attendance and encouraged in‑person participation: "I would much rather see face to face than an email," the member said, arguing that people who have a substantive matter to raise should appear at meetings. That member said they had reached out to other divisions and noted that "Dr. Carol Floyd" and Henry County had stopped the practice.

Other board members expressed concerns about accessibility. One member said some constituents "don't like to drive at night," noting that moving to in‑person‑only comments could disadvantage people who cannot travel. Another board member reminded colleagues that, under Robert's Rules of Order, board members are not prohibited from speaking with commenters but that the long‑standing practice had been to listen and not to engage during the public‑comment period.

After discussion the motion to end the reading of emailed and texted comments was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board then proceeded to other business and adjourned the meeting.