GC-4 Board of Education Meeting Participation

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT GRANDVIEW GC-4 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

The Grandview GC-4 Board of Education (BOE) supports open communication between the public and the Board of Education.  Starting in January 2008, the BOE will no longer hold formal “Open Forum” meetings four times a year.  Instead, the Board will provide time at every regularly scheduled open meeting (at least 12 times per year) for the public to speak during Public Communications. 

To this end several avenues for exchange of information and opinions are authorized by policies and summarized below. 

Public Participation

• - Any speaker or group of speakers desiring to be included on the agenda for the purpose of addressing the Board shall make a request to the superintendent ten (10) business days prior to a regular Board meeting.  The request shall be submitted in writing, and shall provide sufficient detail to explain fully the issue(s) to be discussed.
  
  

• - A speaker may address the Board on an agenda or non-agenda item for up to three minutes during Public Communications.  Any speaker desiring to address the Board during the Public Communications portion of the agenda is encouraged to register by calling the Board Secretary’s office by noon on the day of the meeting.  Speakers may also register at the BOE meeting site, prior to the beginning of the meeting.  This section of the meeting will be limited to the first ten (10) speakers who register. 
  
  

• - Speakers who wish to speak on an agenda item at the time the item is considered should present their request to do so during the “Audience Participation” portion of the agenda.  Speakers will have up to three minutes to speak during the specific agenda item. 

Speakers should provide a minimum of 12 copies of any handouts to the Board Secretary for distribution at the Board table.  The Board reserves the right to limit the number of and speaking time of spokespersons appearing before the Board.  Unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise, the Board will not make a decision on an issue(s) presented by an individual or group during that particular meeting. The Board reserves the right to waive formalities in emergency situations, within the limitations of state statutes.

Written Communication
Patrons may at any time communicate to the Board in writing.  This may be accomplished by sending a letter to the superintendent of schools or the secretary of the Board of Education. 

CONSIDERATIONS
- Inflammatory comments or criticisms about individuals or positions that identify individuals are considered inappropriate for a public forum. 

- Patrons may visit the district web site at www.csd4.k12.mo.us  to access related Board of Education policies.  Policies can be found by clicking “Board of Education” on the home page.

Updated 12.13.07