BDDH - Public Comment at Board Meetings
Readopted: 4/24/17 Adopted: 9/08/97 Orig. Code(s): BDDG
All Board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The Board invites district citizens to attend Board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the schools. Members of the public also are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the Board when appropriate.
It is the intent of the Board to ensure communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. Individuals with hearing, vision or speech impairments will be given an equal opportunity to participate in Board meetings. Primary consideration will be given to requests of qualified individuals with disabilities in selecting appropriate auxiliary[1] aids and services.
Auxiliary aids and services for persons with disabilities will be available at no charge to the individual. All auxiliary aids and/or service requests must be made with appropriate advance notice. Should the Board demonstrate such requests would result in a fundamental alteration in the service, program or activity or an undue financial and administrative burden, an alternative, equally effective means of communication will be used.
- Discussion or presentation concerning a published agenda item is limited to its designated place on the agenda, unless otherwise authorized by the Board chair.
- A visitor speaking during the meeting may introduce a topic not on the published agenda. The Board, at its discretion, may require that a proposal, inquiry or request be submitted in writing, and reserves the right to refer the matter to the administration for action or study.
- The Board chair will determine the order of the speakers.
- Any person who is invited by the Board chair to speak to the Board during a meeting should provide his/her name and contact information and, if speaking for an organization, the name and identity of the organization. The Board prefers that a group designate a spokesperson to represent those with a common purpose.
- Statements by members of the public should be brief and concise. The Board chair may use discretion to establish a time limit on discussion or oral presentation by visitors.
- The Board will not answer questions submitted during public comment at the Board meeting. A Board member or district representative will follow-up after the meeting.
- At the discretion of the Board chair, anyone wishing to speak before the Board, either as an individual or as a member of a group, on any agenda item or other topic, may do so by providing the Board secretary with a completed registration card or sign-in sheet, prior to the Board meeting in order to allow the chair to provide adequate time for each agenda item.
END OF POLICY
ORS 165.540
ORS 192.610 to -192.690
ORS 332.057
[1]Auxiliary aids may include, but are not limited to, such services and devices as qualified interpreters, assistive listening systems, note takers, readers, taped texts, Braille materials and large print.