NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDH

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

School Committee meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the official business of Lewiston Public Schools. All meetings of the School Committee are open to the public; except that Executive Sessions are not open to the general public. The public is cordially invited to attend and participate in School Committee meetings consistent with the provisions of this policy.

The School Committee will provide appropriate opportunities for citizens to express opinions and concerns related to the matters under consideration by the School Committee. The intent is to allow a fair and adequate opportunity for the public to be heard and to provide adequate time for the School Committee to obtain information and opinions on subjects before it while ensuring that the time allowed for public input does not interfere with the fulfillment of the scheduled agenda. Time will be set aside for public input for items, not on the meeting agenda.

Members of the public may address the School Committee within the guidelines provided in this policy. The Chair shall be responsible for maintaining proper order and compliance with these guidelines.

The following guidelines shall apply to public participation at School Committee meetings.

A.  Citizens and employees of the school unit are welcome to participate as provided in this policy. Others may be recognized to speak at the Chair’s discretion. Individual employees and/or employee groups will not be permitted to discuss matters for which complaint or grievance procedures are provided.

B.  The Chair may limit the time allotted for comments on a particular topic as well as the time each individual may speak.

C.  The Chair may require persons interested in speaking to sign up so they may be called on in a fair and efficient manner.

D.  During the time set aside for public input, the Chair will be responsible for recognizing all speakers, who must identify themselves by name and affiliation as they begin speaking.

E.  Speakers are not permitted to share hearsay, gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.

F.  All speakers are to address the Chair and direct questions or comments to particular School Committee members or the Superintendent only with the approval of the Chair. Requests for information or matters that require further research may be referred to the Superintendent to be addressed at a later time.

G.  Members of the School Committee and the Superintendent may ask questions of any person who addresses the School Committee but are expected to refrain from arguing or debating issues. Questions must be addressed through the Chair.

H.  No complaints or allegations will be allowed at School Committee meetings concerning any person employed by the school system or against particular students. Personnel matters or complaints concerning student or staff issues will not be considered in a public meeting. Such matters must be handled using established policies and procedures.

I.  In order to use meeting time efficiently, the School Committee discourages duplication or repetition of comments to the School Committee. The  School Committee requests that groups or organizations be represented by designated spokespersons.

J.  The Chair has the authority to stop any presentation that violates these guidelines or the privacy rights of others.

K.  Persons who disrupt the meeting may be asked to leave, and the Chair may request law enforcement assistance as necessary to restore order.

An agenda shall be published in advance of each meeting in accordance with School Committee policy. Copies will be posted and/or available prior to regular meetings, at the Dingley Building and on the district’s website. Anyone desiring additional information about an agenda item should direct such inquiries to the Office of the Superintendent.

Legal Reference:    1 MRSA § 401 et seq. 

      20 MRSA §1001(20)

Cross Reference: BEC – Executive Session

BEDA – Notification of School Committee Meetings 

BEDB – Agenda

BEDD – Rules of Order

KE – Public Concerns and Complaints

Adopted: February 25, 2008

Reviewed: September 12, 2011

Reviewed: November 3, 2014

Reviewed: August 22, 2016

Revised: June 6, 2022