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. In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the board will provide a period at the beginning of the meeting during which visitors may make formal presentations. Such presentations should be scheduled in advance.

The board will also allow individuals to express an opinion prior to board action on agenda items the board determines require or will benefit from public comment. Written and oral comment will be accepted by the board before the adoption or amendment of policies not expressly or by implication authorized by state or federal law, but which will promote the education of kindergarten through twelfth grade students in public schools or will promote the effective, efficient or safe management and operation of the district. Individuals wishing to be heard by the board shall first be recognized by the chair. Individuals, after identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments as briefly as the subject permits. Any representative of a firm eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the board shall also be entitled to express an opinion. The president may interrupt or terminate an individual's statement when it is 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.

Individuals with disabilities who may need a modification to participate in a meeting should contact the superintendent's office no later than three days before a regular meeting and as soon as possible in advance of a special meeting so that arrangements for the modification can be made.

Petitions

Petitions may be accepted at any meeting of the Board. No action will be taken in response to a petition before the next regular meeting. Petitions will be referred to the Superintendent for consideration and recommendation of appropriate action.

Board Meeting Procedures

Quorum

A quorum will consist of the majority (3) of the members of the Board.

Vote Needed for Exercise of Powers

The affirmative vote of the majority (3) of members of the Board will be necessary for the exercise of any of the Board’s powers.

Board Member Voting

The vote of each member on all motions will be recorded in the minutes.

Abstaining From Vote

If a Board member chooses to abstain from voting, such abstention will be recorded.

Parliamentary Procedure

Official business of the Board will be transacted by motion or resolution at duly called regular or special meetings.

Except as otherwise provided by state law and/or Board policy, the rules of parliamentary procedure comprised in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, will govern the Board in its deliberation.

The Chairman will decide all questions relative to points of order, subject to an appeal to the entire Board.

Legal References: RCW 42.30.030 Meetings declared open and public

RCW 42.30.050 Interruptions — Procedures

42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213 Americans with Disabilities Act

Adoption Date:

Oakville School District