FILE:  BCBI

Cf:  KN

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

It is the policy of the Sabine Parish 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 private matters as provided by State Law.  At no time shall actions be taken or resolutions made during executive sessions.

All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the School Board shall submit their requests to the Superintendent in writing at least five (5) 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.  Such items may be included on the agenda of the meeting at which the delegation or individual wishes to appear before the School Board.  Each delegation appearing before the School Board shall select one person in advance as its spokesperson.  Not more than ten (10) minutes may be allotted to each speaker.

A public comment period shall be held before any vote is taken on an agenda item.  The comment period shall precede each 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.  In addition, the President of the School Board may recognize persons at the School Board meetings for the purpose of introducing such persons.

In the event that the School Board should add an item to its agenda 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.

Boisterous conduct shall not be permitted at any meeting of the School Board, nor shall defamatory or abusive remarks be tolerated.  Any speaker who violates this regulation may have his/her right to speak terminated by the School Board President.  The President shall have the authority to remove anyone in attendance at the meeting who interrupts the orderly process of the meeting.

Revised:  August, 1997

Revised:  October 20, 2008

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

Board minutes, 10-20-08

Sabine Parish School Board