PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall conduct all meetings in full view of and
with welcome participation by the public. All delegations or individuals who
wish to appear before the Board shall submit their requests in writing to the
Superintendent at least eight (8) working days prior to the meeting date,
stating the matter they wish considered by the Board and the approximate time
such matter 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 Board. Each delegation appearing before the Board shall select one
(1) person in advance as its spokesman.
After the agenda is set and published, all delegations or individuals who wish
to comment on any agenda item must submit their requests, in writing, to the
Superintendent prior to the convening of the meeting, stating what agenda item
they wish to address. A procedure of general consent may be used for Board
action but that procedure shall not preclude public participation or public
comment as provided for in this policy. Each delegation appearing before the
Board shall select one (1) person in advance as a spokesperson.
In the event that the Board should add an item to its agenda after the Board
meeting begins, the 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 Board
on each agenda item added. The 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 Board reserves the right to recess into or call executive sessions as
provided by state law. At no time will actions be taken or resolutions made
during executive sessions.
The Board may have removed from a Board meeting any person or persons who
willfully disrupt a meeting to the extent that orderly conduct of the meeting is
seriously compromised.
PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Calcasieu Parish School Board has established a five (5) minute rule on
comments by the public. With a 2/3 vote of the Board, this time can be extended
by the Board for a time to be determined by a 2/3 vote of the Board.
If at the time an agenda item is stated to be before the School Board or a
School Board committee for discussion or action, there are fifteen (15) or more
submitted “Request to Appear” Forms on that item, comments by the public shall
be limited to three (3) minutes.
To be entitled to comment on an agenda item persons must complete a "Request to
Appear" Form and submit it to the Superintendent prior to convening of the
meeting. The public may comment on any agenda item, including items appearing on
the consent agenda.
Only discussion relevant to specific agenda items will be allowed. The Board
will not allow discussion on previous actions of the Board or on an agenda item
from a previous meeting.
The form may be picked up from and returned to the Secretary at the Board
meeting.
