School Board Policy 207 -
Public Hearings

Adopted: November 13, 1995
Revised: December 13, 2010
revised: July 13, 2020

I. Purpose 

The School Board recognizes the importance of obtaining public input on matters properly before the School Board. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures to efficiently receive public input.
 

II. General Statement of Policy

In order for the School Board to efficiently receive public input on matters properly before the School Board, the procedures set forth in this policy are established by the School Board.
 

III. Procedures 

A. Public Hearings

Public hearings are required by law to be held concerning certain issues, including but not limited to, school closings (Minn. Stat. § 123B.51), education district establishment (Minn. Stat. § 123A.15), and agreements for secondary education (Minn. Stat. § 123A.30). Additionally, other public hearings may be held by the School Board on school district matters at the discretion of the School Board.
 

B. Notice of Public Hearings

Public notice of a public hearing required by law shall be given as provided by the enabling legislation. Public notice of other hearings shall be given in the manner required for a regular meeting if held in conjunction with a regular meeting, in the manner required for a special meeting if held in conjunction with a special meeting, or as otherwise determined by the School Board.
 

C. Public Participation

The School Board retains the right to require that those in attendance at a public hearing indicate their desire to address the School Board and complete and file with the clerk of the School Board an appropriate request card or sign up on a sign up sheet prior to the commencement of the hearing if the School Board utilizes this procedure. In that case, any request to address the School Board after the commencement of the hearing will be granted only at the discretion of the School Board.
 

1. Format of Request: If required by the School Board, a written request of an individual or a group to address the School Board shall contain the name and address of the person or group seeking to address the School Board. It shall also contain the name of the group represented, if any, and a brief statement of the subject to be covered or the issue to be addressed.

2. Time Limitation: The School Board retains the discretion to limit the time for each presentation as needs dictate.

3. Groups: The School Board retains the discretion to require that any group of persons who desire to address the School Board designate one representative or spokesperson. In the event that the School Board requires the designation of a representative or spokesperson, no other person in the group will be recognized to address the School Board, except as otherwise determined by the School Board.

4. Privilege to Speak: A School Board member should direct any remarks or questions through the Chair. Only those speakers recognized by the Chair will be allowed to speak. Comments by others are out of order. Individuals who interfere with or interrupt speakers, the School Board, or the proceedings may be directed to leave.

5. Personal Attacks: Personal attacks by anyone addressing the School Board are unacceptable. Persistence in such remarks by an individual shall terminate that person's privilege to address the School Board.

6. Limitations on Participation: Depending upon the number of persons in attendance seeking to be heard, the School Board reserves the right to impose such other limitations and restrictions as necessary in order to provide an orderly, efficient and fair opportunity for those present to be heard.

Legal References: 
Minn. Stat. § 123A.30 (Agreements for Secondary Education)
Minn. Stat. § 123A.15 (Education District Establishment)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.51 (School Closings)

Cross References: 
WBLASB Policy 206 (Public Participation in School Board Meetings/Complaints about Persons at School Board Meetings and Data Privacy Considerations)