The board recognizes the importance of citizen participation in school district matters. In order to assure citizens are heard and board meetings are conducted efficiently and in an organized manner, the board shall set time aside for citizen participation, either at a specific time during the meeting or during the discussion of agenda items. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the board may do so at this time. However, the board shall only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents. The board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
If the pressure of business or other circumstances dictate, the board president may decide to eliminate this practice. The board president shall recognize these individuals to make their comments at the appropriate time. The orderly process of the board meeting shall not be interfered with or disrupted. Only those speakers recognized by the board president shall be allowed to speak. Comments by others are out of order. If disruptive, the individual making the comments or another individual causing disruption may be asked to leave the board meeting.
For the purposes of this policy disruptive behavior includes, but not limited to, the following: profanity, elevated voice volume or condescending tone, excessive sarcasm, intentionally interrupting the speaker or proceedings, using bullying, harassing, or threatening speech, etc. Individuals that are disruptive and prevent the meeting from continuing or operating in a normal way will be given a warning. If disruptive behavior continues, the individual may be asked to leave the meeting.
Individuals who have a complaint about employees may bring their complaint to the board only after they have followed board policy addressing citizens' complaints. Students who have a complaint may only bring their complaint to the board after they have followed board policy addressing students' complaints.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21; 22; 279.8
Cross Reference: 205 Board Member Liability
210.8 Board Meeting Agenda
- Public Hearings
- Communication Channels
401.4 Employee Complaints
- Public Complaints About Employees
502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances
Approved: 2-14-83
Reviewed: 9-14-87, 11-25-91, 4-12-93, 6-11-01, 8-9-04, 1-10-11, 1-11-16, 8-23-2021
Revised: 7-10-95, 1-14-19