Speaking at A Board Meeting

We welcome public comment during regular board meetings. This dedicated time is for any member of the public to communicate with us about board-related business. Generally, we do not respond during this part of the agenda. We may request that additional information is gathered or topics are added to future agendas as a result of statements made during public comment.  There are additional ways to communicate with us as well. 


Here are some helpful tips if you are interested in or planning to speak at one of our board meetings:
  • Remember to state your full name
  • Decide what you want to say before you speak; stay focused and speak to a specific topic that is relevant to the school board 
  • Speak in a respectful manner; remember also to speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can hear you
  • State clearly what action you want the school board to take
  • Submit any requests for accommodation, requests for interpretation services or written statements to be distributed to board members in advance of the meeting

Other Considerations

Time
We generally allow 10 minutes for public comment towards the beginning of the agenda. If there are a large number of speakers, the Board chair may limit the total time for comment and/or may reduce the time allotted for each speaker.

Topics
All comments should address a matter related to the Woodbury Town School District. The matter does not necessarily need to be on the agenda, but it should be relevant to some aspect of board work.

While we understand that conflicts sometimes arise, complaints about an individual staff member, a personnel action, a student disciplinary matter, or an individual student should be communicated through the complaint submission process to ensure a respectful and timely resolution can be found.

Model Behavior
We respectfully ask that speakers communicate calmly and clearly during public comment. We ask that each speaker is courteous and models for our students how one can engage and, at times, respectfully disagree with others’ views. 

We also ask that speakers address their comments to the entire School Board and not to one individual Board member, nor to the Superintendent, to a staff member, nor to the audience. Speakers should not engage in personal attacks. We appreciate when speakers are able to offer suggestions and solutions as well as share concerns.

Plan in Advance
Any person with a disability who needs accommodation to provide public comment or who would like an interpreter to assist them in providing public comment should contact OSSU Central Office at 802-472-6531 at least three business days in advance of a meeting to request assistance. 


If a speaker would like to present written comments to the School Board during public comment, sufficient copies should be provided as the speaker begins to speak so it can be added to the board materials.