FAQ
Are BOE meetings public?
Board meetings are not "public" meetings but rather meetings held in public. By law, all board discussion and deliberations must be conducted in public except for certain matters - personnel, negotiations, and legal - that must be discussed in closed session. However, all official board action (voting) must occur in public.
Are district 308 residents allowed to comment during the meeting?
There are specific times noted on the agenda when public comments are received. Comments are not restricted to items on the agenda. However, not all comments are appropriate for the open session. Comments regarding specific student discipline cases or personnel issues, for example are not allowed during the open session. Generall, tese types of comments should be referred to the teacher, principal or administrator who is closest to the situation.
Can the public ask questions of the board during public comment?
Typically, board members do not engage in dialogue with the public during its meetings. If the question is in regard to an item on the agenda, the board may answer the question while that agenda item is being discussed. The board can also direct district administration to follow up on individual questions outside of the board meeting.
Will the board resolve the concerns brought before it at the meeting?
The board rarely can be expected to act immediately on an issue brought before it for the first time. Even with more familiar issues, the board takes action only after it thoroughly examines all aspects of a matter. Individuals can, however, expect the board to act as promptly as circumstances allow and notify them when it arrives at a decision.
What is the proper procedure to address the board?
- A public comment information card should be completed and presented to the board secretary prior to the meeting.
- After being recognized to speak, the individual may be seated at the presentation table.
- Individuals addressing the board should state their name(s) along with the organization(s), if any, they represent.
- Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Written comments may be given to the board secretary for distribution to board members.
- The board president maintains order during the meeting and calls an end to comments and discussion when appropriate.
How to resolve a concern
Here is a link to our visual road map that outlines the most effective way to resolve a concern while maintaining the important chain of command.
Finding your school's leaders & staff
Finding Your School’s Leaders and Staff: If you need to look up the administrator or staff member for your child’s school, please access the school website, contact information can also be found using our district wide staff directory.
Need assistance?
If you are not sure who to contact, just use this link and your question will be directed to the most appropriate administrative staff member.
Board of Education
Assistance Form
Contact a board member
To email all Board Members you may use the email address BOE@sd308.org
