Public Comment
The Lawrence Board of Education appreciates members of the public taking time to talk to the board about its policies and procedures.
Public Comment Policy
Patrons will be invited to share comments as part of the Public Comment portion of the meeting as outlined in Board Policy BCBI. This time is set aside on the board’s agenda for members of the public to share their thoughts; it is not a time for dialogue or a question-and-answer session with the board. Patrons who wish to participate in public comment must complete the public comment form so the board or staff can follow up with them regarding their public comment as needed. If public comments require follow-up from the board or staff, that will occur after the meeting. The district assumes no responsibility or liability for the information shared during Public Comment. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lawrence Public Schools.
Public Comment Sign-Up
Individuals who want to share comments with the board may sign up in advance by emailing PublicComment@usd497.
Please send the following information when emailing PublicComment@usd497.
NAME:
EMAIL:
PHONE (Optional):
GROUP/SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
TOPIC YOU WISH TO DISCUSS:
WILL YOU BE IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL:
If virtual: The WebEx link for joining the meeting will be sent once this information is received.
If signing up in person, please complete the form in the lobby and give it to the Communications Director or Board Clerk before the start of the meeting. Forms/emails received after the meeting starts will not be accepted and will have to wait for the next opportunity for Public Comment.
If several patrons have the same comments to make, the board asks that they appoint one individual to state the group's collective comments.
This is the public's time to share opinions, but the board asks that patrons please avoid making comments of a personal nature about any district employee or student, including the use of personal names. The board also requests that patrons remain civil when speaking and/or listening.
You will receive a confirmation email that you are on the list on the day of the meeting. If you have not received an email by 4:00 p.m., please reach out again or call the Board Clerk at 785/330-1992 for confirmation.
Names are added in the order they are received, the board president will decide if in-person or virtual comments will speak first. Please indicate whether you have a student speaker, as the board president will allow them to speak first.
Public Comment Procedures
The Lawrence Board of Education welcomes public comments and thanks members of the public for taking the time to talk to the board about its policies and procedures. The board sets aside this time during its regular meetings to hear from the public.
Patrons who wish to participate in public comment must complete the public comment form so district staff or the board can follow up with them regarding their public comment as necessary.
This is the public's time to share opinions; however, public comment is not the appropriate forum for making complaints about specific staff or students. If needed, the board president or presiding officer of the meeting may direct that a patron’s comments be heard by the board in executive session in order to protect the privacy of the individuals to be discussed.
Before participating in public comment to share a complaint, the board requests that public commenters follow the complaint procedures set out in board and district policy, as appropriate. If you need assistance in these processes, please let the board clerk or other district staff know.
The board president will invite comments on topics not included on the agenda at the beginning of each meeting. Comments relating to agenda items are welcomed after the board has had the opportunity to discuss the topic. Please limit comments to 3 minutes.
The district assumes no responsibility and/or liability for the information shared during public commentary. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lawrence Public Schools.