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Winneconne board adopts revised open-forum rules, extends individual comment time
Summary
The Winneconne Community School District board voted Oct. 7 to adopt revised public-comment rules that add residency disclosure, extend individual speaking time from two to three minutes, cap the public-comment period at one hour and specify decorum and recording guidelines.
The Winneconne Community School District board on Oct. 7 voted to adopt a revised open-forum policy that changes how members of the public sign up and speak at regular board meetings.
The adopted revision preserves the requirement that anyone who requests an item be placed on a future agenda must submit the request to the district administrator at least seven business days before the meeting and provide name, address and group affiliation when appropriate. The policy now also requires speakers during open forum to state whether they are district residents and extends individual comment time from two minutes to three minutes. The total public-comment period will be limited to one hour unless the board votes to extend it.
Board members credited the policy committee for drafting the updates to promote fair and orderly public expression. During the meeting the committee member presenting the changes summarized the new limits on decorum — including warnings and possible termination of remarks that are personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant — and clarified rules around filming and photography consistent with Wisconsin law.
“Participants must be recognized by the presiding officer and will be requested to preface their comments by an announcement of their name,” the board’s presentation noted. The policy also instructs the presiding officer to relocate signage or banners that obstruct views and gives the presiding officer authority to request law enforcement assistance if a person’s conduct disrupts the meeting.
The policy was moved, seconded and adopted by roll-call vote with members recorded as voting “Aye.” The board president said the change will apply to future meetings and, if adopted, would shape how open forum is run going forward.
The board reiterated that, while it values public comment, the policy aims to balance community engagement with orderly conduct so the board can conduct district business.
The board will publish the revised policy language and the administrative procedures for registering and conducting public comment on the district website.
