HCPS FL Logo Deputy Superintendent
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve New Guidelines for Public Comment at School Board Meetings (Deputy Superintendent)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The School Board wishes to provide convenient opportunity for citizens to address the School Board on matters related to the school district. To meet that goal in a manner that is consistent with conducting a business meeting and respecting the time of audience members, the Board adopts the following guidelines:

  • Comment on specific agenda items will occur at the start of the meeting – after the Pledge of Allegiance, the moment of silence, and the reading of the rules. Speakers will be granted three (3) minutes to address a single agenda item, or a total of five (5) minutes to address two or more agenda items.  Under the current guidelines, when 10 or more speakers wish to speak to the same agenda item, speaking time will be reduced to two (2) minutes per speaker.  Speakers must sign up to speak, either online or in person, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
  • Public comment will occur at approximately 5:00 p.m. or at the conclusion of the meeting, whichever comes last.  Speakers will be granted three (3) minutes to address the Board, and must sign up to speak by 4:45 p.m.

The guidelines will take effect at the February 14, 2012, School Board meeting after public notice has been given.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Minimal. New sign-in forms reflecting the new guidelines must be created.
EVALUATION
SUBMITTED BY:  Stephen Hegarty, Communications Officer
    Kenneth R. Otero

  Deputy Superintendent
(813) 272-4101
    A 8.02
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120124_491 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 8.02