Board removes 24‑hour sign‑up and narrow 'chair‑recognition' language from public‑comment policy

The Wilson County Schools board voted unanimously to approve amendments to Policy 1.404 on its second reading, removing both a 24‑hour advance sign‑up provision and language that had allowed the chair or an individual board member to recognize non‑agenda speakers during meetings.

Mister Jennings, who spoke as the board’s legal counsel, explained the proposed amendment and flagged pending litigation that prompted caution about further changes. "We are involved in a lawsuit right now with Moms for Liberty that we, have received favorable rulings, up until this point with the way we are dealing with public comment," he told the board, urging prudence in policy edits.

Board members discussed whether striking the clause would remove a longstanding ability to call subject‑matter experts forward during agenda discussion. One board member (speaker 17) argued for deferring the change to consult the attorney assigned to the lawsuit: "I would like to make a motion to defer this item until the next meeting so that I can have the courtesy of the opportunity to speak to this individual." The motion to defer failed to gain a second and was not put to a vote.

Proponents of the amendment said the revised language aligns the board policy with recent state law and removes duplication; they emphasized procedural tools already available to add presenters or experts via the agenda‑setting process. The board also discussed operational details for public‑comment sign ups and a sign‑in sheet to be administered at the entrance.

After extended debate the board approved the policy amendment on second reading by a unanimous vote of 6–0. The policy change takes effect as the board implements the new public‑comment sign-up procedures described during the meeting.