Edmonds School District No. 15
Lynnwood, WA 98036-5789
1500 - CONDUCT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Adopted
2/3/75
Revised
1/7/86
9/8/93
It is the policy of Edmonds School District that the Board may schedule a public hearing on any issue whenever it wishes to get public reaction prior to Board action on the subject.
Interested or affected persons shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard informally concerning any policy issue before the superintendent or his/her designee. If necessary, following such a meeting, a hearing before the Board of Directors will be granted at a regular or special meeting, provided that a written request has been delivered to the Board president or the superintendent at least one week in advance of a regular meeting of the Board.
The following procedures shall be followed by the Board whenever a hearing regarding a critical issue is scheduled by the Board:
1. Position of the Board stated: After the meeting has been officially opened, the president of the Board shall briefly state the position of the Board and give reasons therefore. If official action on the issue has not as yet been taken, the president may so state and may summarize briefly the arguments for and against the issue. Other members of the Board may also be heard at this time.
2. Speakers for and against the issue: The recording secretary of the Board shall secure the names of all those persons wishing to be heard before the Board. Those desiring to speak shall indicate whether they are for or against the issue involved. Persons not responding to the recording secretary's request shall not be heard.
The president may set a reasonable time limit for each speaker.3. Board to answer questions: After the speakers for and against the issue have been heard, the president shall indicate that questions pertaining directly to the issue involved may be directed to the president.
4. Action by the Board: Upon a ruling by the president closing the public discussion, the Board may proceed with its deliberations and take whatever action it deems advisable. The Board may, by majority vote at any hearing, take the issue under advisement and continue the hearing from time to time. If action on the issue is deemed necessary such action shall be taken within sixty (60) days of the date of the next regular meeting of the Board.