Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board debates public-comment rules after trustees engaged with audience; residents raise traffic and student-safety concerns
Summary
Trustees discussed revisions to bylaw 0167.3 after individual board members interacted with audience members at a prior meeting. Public commenters urged the district to seek solar flashing stop signs, raised a sinking-fund cash concern, and alleged a security guard physically grabbed an autistic student; trustees agreed to revisit the policy with all members present.
Trustees began discussion of proposed revisions to bylaw 0167.3 (public comment at board meetings) after some members reported previous direct interaction between trustees and audience speakers. Trustee Dyro said questions and responses from members should be routed through the president so that individual trustees do not engage directly with speakers during the public-comment period. Several trustees described occasions when direct exchanges became heated and urged a consistent policy for the entire board.
One trustee admitted to direct engagement at the prior meeting and said she would not repeat it; trustees agreed to bring the policy back when the full five-member board can be present so everyone can vote on the approach.
During public comment, Virginia Morgan said the audit shows a June 30 sinking-fund balance (~$1.7 million), but warned more recent expenditures reduce immediately available funds (she said available funds might now be under $100,000) and asked the district to pursue solar flashing stop signs near elementary schools. She suggested the board send a resolution or letter to city officials to request funding or installation.
A second commenter (last name Barbon) requested the district help advertise an autism fathers' support group and urged staff training; she alleged a school security guard grabbed her autistic son as he ran, saying staff should avoid contact unless necessary and use verbal directives first. The commenter also raised concerns about a Black Student Union advisor's interactions with students and asked for better communication and accountability. Board members acknowledged the comments and requested administration follow up where appropriate; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
