Public Participation FAQ

[Suzie Lustig]

With a lot more recent engagement in public participation, including non-resident visitors, we are looking to help educate the community about both the role of the Board of Ed, as well as the function of public participation. A discussion has arisen that perhaps if community members have clarity of expectations and outcomes, it might help reduce some of the emotions and/or challenges that may arise at meetings.  Wondering if anyone has any kind of FAQ document that is distributed at your BOE meetings and/or posted on your website? TIA

[Carol Popolow Abraham]

We have a public participation flier that discusses the agenda, role of the board and public participation expectations and is available on our website at: https://www.henhudschools.org/Page/12626

And a statement that is read before the public comments section on our Board Docs page. It became much longer recently:
https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/hhcsd/Board.nsf/files/C8MMU957E1F3/$file/Audience%20Comment%20Statement%20Non-Agenda%20Items.pdf

[Robbin Griffin]

We have posted a large poster at the sign in for visitors who wish to speak. It states expectations and process for those who wish to participate. I also read a brief statement before public forum.

[Melinda Leising]

Hi, Suzie! I’m a little late here but at our district, the superintendent annotates the agenda to provide additional context so that those attending the meeting know more than what’s on the agenda. Then I read a statement before the Public to be Heard section of the meeting so that the public should understand what they’re allowed to say during that time.
We also have links on our website about what the school board does.

[Catherine M Romano]

When I was a Board President about 8 years ago, we did have a meeting protocol that listed what was expected of board members and what was expected of the public - one page printed on two sides - discussed and adopted before used.