Robbinsdale Public School District posts Listening Time rules, three-minute speaker limit

The Robbinsdale Public School District published its Listening Time procedures for June 16, 2025, clarifying how members of the public can sign up and speak during the district's public-comment period. The document lists the session start at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Service Center Boardroom and instructs that Listening Time "provides an opportunity for the school district community to share comments, concerns, questions and ideas with representatives of the school board and the superintendent," according to the posted text attributed to the school board facilitator.

The procedures set specific participation rules: Listening Time begins at 6 p.m. and "ends at or before 6:50 p.m.;" the School Board Facilitator "allows three minutes per speaker." The district asks that speakers complete a Speaker Information Form, available online and accepted electronically until 3 p.m. on the day of Listening Time; after 3 p.m., speakers must submit a paper form to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board. The document also says that, "in the case of a large number of attendees, the Board will allow two to three spokespersons per topic."

The posting cites School Board policy 207 AP and Minnesota Statute 13.43 in its conduct guidance, including that "Personal attacks by anyone addressing the school board are unacceptable" and that persistent personal attacks may end a speaker's privilege to address the board. It also references School Board policy 504 AP regarding student dress and appearance as standards speakers are expected to follow.

The Executive Assistant is listed as the person who will distribute any documents speakers provide, and the facilitator or an administrator will determine whether follow-up action is necessary. The procedures state that inquiries requiring further research will receive responses once staff gathers the needed information. Contact information for Robbinsdale Area Schools/Independent School District 281, including the district address (4148 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope) and website (rdale.org), appears in the document.

Those who attend are required to sign an acknowledgement on the Speaker Information Form confirming they have read and will follow the procedure; the form asks for name, phone/email, address, the topic to be presented, and a brief topic summary. The posted rules set expectations for orderly public comment and describe how the district will manage speaker lists and follow-up on requests.