FILE: BCBI
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
It is the policy of the Catahoula 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 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 no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled meeting, stating what matters they wish to take up with the School Board and the approximate time such matters should consume at the meeting. The Superintendent shall have the authority to determine whether items requested are significant enough to warrant School Board action and inclusion on the agenda. Each delegation appearing before the School Board shall select one person in advance as its spokesperson and notify the Superintendent.
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 for which a vote shall be taken 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.
The President shall have the authority to remove any person disrupting or interfering in any manner with the conduction of a meeting of the School Board.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH DISABILITIES
The School Board shall allow any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a designated caregiver of such a person, to participate in its meetings via teleconference or video conference if such person requests that accommodation prior to the meeting. Members of the public who desire to participate in this fashion, or their designated caregivers, shall certify that they meet the definition of a person with a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act when they submit their request to comment on agenda items and shall comply with the same rules and regulations on speaking applicable to those participating in person at such meetings. The Superintendent shall promulgate such rules, regulations, and procedures as necessary to regulate and facilitate such participation.
Revised: August, 1997
Revised: October 7, 2008
Revised: September 5, 2023
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:23
Board minutes, 10-7-08, 9-5-23
Catahoula Parish School Board