In light of recent criticism by Covington School Board member Eddy Clemons, School Superintendent Tom Long released information relating to public accessibility at school board meetings.
“The Covington City School Board recognizes the importance of receiving public input in all educational matters,” Long said Tuesday. “The board recognizes and encourages individuals and organizations who have constructive concerns or suggestions to appear and present their views at school board meetings.
“Any citizen may address the board at any regular meeting under ‘delegations’.”
Long as well as members of the school board came under fire by board member Clemons during their regular meeting Oct. 11 and alleged that citizens, students and parents, especially ones with critical comments abut the school division, are being squelched by the inability to address the board.
Clemons, too, said students, teachers and parents are often intimidated speaking before the board.
Clemons lauded Covington City Council since it allows residents to chime in during each agenda item.
In order for the school board to effectively and efficiently conduct its business, Long said, the following procedures for delegations will be observed:
– Persons wishing to appear before the school board are requested to contact the superintendent, the school board chairman, or their designee for their placement on the agenda.
Any individual or organization wishing to address the board should voice their desire to the superintendent in writing at least one prior week to the meeting.
Advance notice allows school leaders to find the answer to the concern or garner information related to the topic to be discussed;
– Matters or issues should first be directed to the superintendent of schools for consideration and action;
– All individuals and organizations that properly notify the superintendent will be placed on the board’s agenda if their concern cannot be addressed and resolved by the superintendent;
– Each individual requesting placement on the agenda will be required to provide their name, address, occupation and the subject they wish to address;
– All speakers are requested to be brief and to address only their stated concern to the board;
– The board reserves the right to impose a time limit and to question all speakers if deemed appropriate;
– In unusual cases or cases of emergency. The board, by consensus, may allow an individual or organization to speak if not on the agenda.”
Long continued, “The chairman is responsible for the orderly conduct of the meeting and shall rule on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented and the length of time for such presentation.”
“No one will be allowed to make additional presentations until everyone has an opportunity to make an initial presentation,” Long explained.
“A reasonable period of time, as determined by the school board, will be allocated at each regular meeting for citizens to present matters of concern,’ Long said.