FILE:  BCBI

Cf:  BCAD, BCB

Cf:  BCBD, BCBK, KE

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The West Carroll Parish School Board desires the citizens of West Carroll Parish to attend its meetings so that they may become better acquainted with the schools and so that the School Board may have opportunity to hear the wishes and/or ideas of the public.

It is the policy of the School Board to conduct all meetings in full view of and with welcomed participation by the public.  However, the School Board reserves the right to recess into or call executive sessions for discussing matters as provided by state law.  At no time shall actions be taken or resolutions made during executive sessions.

REQUEST FOR ITEM TO BE PLACED ON AGENDA

All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the School Board shall submit their written requests to the Superintendent at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the meeting date, stating what matters they wish to take up with the School Board and the approximate time such matters should consume at the meeting.  The requests shall be considered as included in policy BCBD, Agenda Preparation and Dissemination.

If the agenda item is approved for inclusion, each delegation appearing before the School Board shall select in advance one (1) person as its spokesperson and statements shall be presented in a concise manner.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

A public comment period shall be held before any vote is taken on an agenda item.  However, a person is not entitled to take up business before the School Board unless the item in which he/she is interested has been placed on the agenda of that meeting.

Generally, each person wishing to address the School Board shall be recognized by the President immediately prior to the vote.  Such public comment shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person.  No dialogue between School Board members and the public shall be permitted at School Board meetings, except to clarify the nature of questions and/or comments.

In the event that the School Board should add an item to its agenda for which a vote shall be taken after the School Board meeting begins, the School Board President shall orally request of the audience whether anyone in attendance would like to speak on the added agenda item.  Each person indicating a desire to do so shall be given an opportunity to address the School Board on each agenda item added.  The School Board shall delay deliberations on that agenda item until such time as all interested members of the public have had an opportunity to speak.

When an individual has been recognized to speak on agenda item, that individual shall limit his/her comments to matters that are strictly relevant to that item.  The President reserves the right to stop any comments when deemed necessary.

REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH DISABILITIES

The School Board shall allow any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a designated caregiver of such a person, to participate in its meetings via teleconference or video conference, and shall facilitate participation by any such person who requests that accommodation prior to the meeting.  Members of the public who desire to participate in this fashion shall certify that they meet the definition of a person with a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act when they submit, prior to public meetings, their requests to comment on agenda items and shall comply with the same rules and regulations on speaking applicable to those participating in person at such meetings.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:23

Board minutes, 11-3-97, 10-6-08, 8-7-23

West Carroll Parish School Board