Board reviews proposed changes to public‑comment rules prioritizing students and adding selection process

At first reading Chief John Harrison presented proposed revisions to Procedure 1400, the board procedure that governs public comment and meeting operations. The changes shown to directors would require a minimum audio recording (the district already posts audio, video and transcripts), clarify the process when more than 10 speakers register, and prioritize student speakers and agenda‑item speakers for the limited slots.

The proposal adds a digital randomizer to select additional speakers up to a maximum of 10 after priority placements, and it explicitly states that substitutions at the meeting will not be accommodated unless a written replacement notice is received by the registration deadline. Harrison said the changes aim to 'strike a nice balance between hearing from the public and efficiency of the meeting.'

Directors debated whether to codify extra time for student groups — several urged that student groups be granted three minutes rather than placing the decision solely in the chair’s discretion. The board chair proposed that staff make minor edits and circulate them ahead of final action, with the intent to act on the revisions on a future consent agenda after a Monday review and Thursday approval.