School District #15

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1441

Audience Participation

The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings. The Board also recognizes the public’s statutory and constitutional rights to participate in governmental operations. In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board will permit public participation through oral or written comments prior to a final decision on a matter of significant interest to the public. The Chair may control such comment to ensure an orderly progression of the meeting.

Individuals wishing to be heard by the Chair shall first be recognized by the Chair. Individuals, after identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments as briefly as the subject permits. The Chair may interrupt or terminate an individual’s statement when appropriate, including when statements are out of order, too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant. The Board as a whole shall have the final decision in determining the appropriateness of all such rulings. It is important for all participants to remember that Board meetings are held in public, but are not public meetings. Members of the public shall be recognized and allowed input during the meeting, at the discretion of the Chair.

Legal Reference Article II, Section 8, Montana Constitution

Article II, Section 10, Right of Privacy

§ 2-3-101, et seq., MCA, Right of Participation

Policy History:

Adopted on: 4/10/01

Revised on: