Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code    BDDH Policy Name Public Participation at Board                                  Meetings Adoption July 2, 1984 Revised August 10, 2000

Agenda Preparation

In order that complete agendas may be made public prior to meeting time, and to provide the school administration adequate preparation time, Board of Education members and citizens shall forward items for Board and administration consideration to the Superintendent’s office at least 14 days in advance of the meeting. Emergency items shall be referred to the Superintendent’s office in order to be considered for placement on the agenda.

The president of the Board of Education and the Superintendent, when possible, shall meet prior to the regular meeting for the purpose of reviewing the meeting agenda.

Petitions

The Board of Education shall recognize the right of free expression on the part of interested persons. Petitions and communications requiring Board of Education action should be filed in the Superintendent’s office at least 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.

Public Participation at Board Meetings

The Board of Education desires to be cognizant of the issues, opinions, and suggestions of students, staff, parents, and community members. Individuals must sign up in order to address the Board of Education. Sign-up sheets shall be available for this purpose.

Members of the public wishing to make formal presentations before the Board of Education should make arrangements in advance with the Superintendent so that such presentations may be considered for scheduling by the Board.

Comments and questions at a regular meeting may deal with any topic pertinent to District operation. Comments at special meetings must be related to the call of the meeting.

Speakers may offer opinions of school operations and programs. It is the Board of Education’s policy not to hear, in public session, personal complaints against any District personnel.

The Board of Education president shall be responsible for recognizing all who have signed up to speak. Generally, each person wishing to address the Board of Education will be afforded the floor during the appropriate time on the agenda. Individuals shall properly identify themselves. The president will maintain order, and will enforce time limits as established by the Board of Education. To avoid undue repetition or to keep within the time frame of the agenda, the Board of Education may, at its discretion, limit the number of speakers expressing similar opinions on a particular topic. If time scheduled on the agenda is insufficient to accommodate the number of speakers, the Board of Education may defer discussion to its next regularly scheduled meeting. Board members are not required to respond to questions or issues raised, but may do so at the Board of Education member’s discretion.