Superintendent Explains Public Comment Rules
As a guideline for the school board and the public, Wolf Point School District Superintendent David Perkins provided information about public comment and rights of participation during the school board meeting on Monday, Jan. 8.
Perkins noted to trustees that Montana law requires agencies to develop procedures for permitting and encouraging the public to participate.
The Wolf Point School Board allows time for non-agenda items at the start of its meetings. Public comment is also asked for prior to each motion being voted on.
Perkins explained that a board has fairly wide latitude in identifying and limiting the means by which such input is taken. A board needs to make sure some comment is allowed before a final decision on a matter of significant interest to the public is made.
During the public comment period that is held at the start of the meeting, the comments must be on non-agenda items only. The period is not a time to rehash issues that have already been discussed on the agenda or to discuss items that have not yet been addressed on the agenda.
Perkins reminded trustees that school districts cannot take action on any items discussed during the public comment segment. Items may be put on subsequent agendas for further discussion at a later date. Perkins said the item must be on the agenda before a vote in order to give other people in the community an opportunity to address the board about the topic.
The board chair has the authority and the duty to ask the individual to stop making any comments that include contested cases, adjudicative proceedings or could violate an individual’s right to privacy. Individuals voicing complaints should be reminded of the school district’s uniform grievance procedure.
The public comment period should be regarded as a chance for the public to speak on educational issues that are not on the agenda and for the board to listen to those comments.
At the end of his report at the board meeting each month, Perkins provides a time to offer some tips to the board.
