BEDH ©
PUBLIC  PARTICIPATION  AT
BOARD  MEETINGS

All regular and special meetings of the Board shall be open to the public.

The Board invites the viewpoints of citizens throughout the District, and considers the responsible presentation of these viewpoints vital to the efficient operation of the District.  The Board also recognizes its responsibility for the proper governance of the schools and therefore the need to conduct its business in an orderly and efficient manner.  The Board therefore establishes the following procedures to receive input from citizens of the District:

A.  Any individual desiring to address the Board shall complete a form (Request to Address Board) and give this form to the Superintendent prior to the start of the Board meeting.

B.  The Board Chairman shall be responsible for recognizing speakers, maintaining proper order, and informing the speakers that they have a three (3) minute time limit to make their statement.  Questions requiring investigation shall be referred to the Superintendent for later report to the Board.  Questions or comments on matters that are currently under legal review will not receive a response.

C.  Although the Governing Board's goal is to hear all individuals who want to address the Board, time constraints may limit the number of individuals invited to comment on a specific item.

D.  Personal attacks upon Board members, staff personnel, or other persons in attendance or absent by individuals who address the Board are discouraged.  Presenters are cautioned that statements or representations concerning others that convey an unjustly unfavorable impression may subject the presenter to civil action for defamation.  Policies KE, KEB, KEC, and KED are provided by the Board for disposition of legitimate complaints, including those involving individuals.  Upon conclusion of the open call to the public, individual members of the Board may respond to any criticism made by an individual who has addressed the Board.

The Superintendent shall ensure that a copy of this policy is posted at the entrance to the Board meeting room, and that an adequate supply of forms is available.

Adopted:  August 9, 2023

LEGAL REF.:
A.R.S.
38-431.01

CROSS REF.:
BDB - Board Officers
BHC - Board Communications with Staff Members
BHD - Board Communications with the Public
KEB - Public Concerns/Complaints about Personnel