3231 - Public Expression at Meetings & Public Complaints

Policy: Public Expression at Meetings & Public Complaints	Policy Number: 3231
Date of Original Policy: 01/16/2013	Date Revision Adopted: 10/14/2020
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 09/16/2020	Date of Next Review: 09/16/2022
Replacement of Policy Number: 3220 & 3230 (from 2002)

Public Expression at Meetings

All matters that residents wish to bring before the Board of Education will be given careful consideration. The request to consider said matter should be made by writing a letter to the Superintendent or the President of the Board so that the matter appears on the agenda.

The Jordan-Elbridge Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the community to be involved in a fair and orderly expression (of such comment).

In the interest of affording an opportunity for public participation at Board meetings, provision will be made at each meeting during which residents may express their opinions, concerns, or provide information on topics that may be of interest to the Board.  

Individuals wishing to be heard will be recognized by the Board President. The President shall be responsible for establishing time limits, if warranted; prohibiting repetitious comments, and any other rules deemed by the President as necessary for the orderly conduct of business.

Defamatory or abusive remarks, personal attacks, charges or complaints against district employees or Board members will not be permitted during the public comment portion of any meeting.

Public Complaints            

Complaints by citizens regarding any facet of the school operation often can be handled more satisfactorily by the administrative officer in charge of the unit closest to the source of the complaint. In most instances, therefore, complaints will be made to the building principal and/or his/her assistant if the matter cannot be resolved by the teacher, coach, or other school employee.

If the complaint and related concerns are not resolved at this level to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complaint may be carried to the Superintendent and/or his/her assistants. Unresolved complaints at the building level must be reported to the Superintendent by the building principal.  The Superintendent may require the statement of the complainant in writing.

If the complaint and related concerns are not resolved at the Superintendent level to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complaint may be carried to the Board of Education. Unresolved complaints at the Superintendent level must be reported to the Board of Education by the Superintendent. The Board of Education reserves the right to require prior written reports from appropriate parties.