School Board Meetings

• Write out a 2-3 minute statement. Start with thanks for the chance to speak. Spend some time reading it over and memorize what you can.   Time yourself and be prepared to cut a bit if needed. Limit it to one topic as 2 minutes is not long to make a point. Back up your ideas well, but don’t be afraid to speak from your heart. Be polite and do recognize that the board is working hard and faces a lot of vitriol from others. They will listen better if we are well reasoned and polite.
• Print out several copies of your statement for the board in case you are not able to speak. You can include additional points for them to read at their leisure. You can hand them to the person taking minutes when you arrive.
• Arrive early at the meeting. Local meetings do not allow you to sign up early, so it is first come first served. You will be asked to list your name, address, and topic on a sign-up sheet. The schedule is found on the District website.
• Public comment is typically done near the beginning of the meeting. Work meetings often do not allow public comment.
• If you are attending the USBE meeting, you can sign up a week prior to the meeting by emailing.  I’ll post the two emails I’m familiar with in another post. The State board typically meets on the first Thursday and Friday of the month, The agenda is available three days prior.  You can sign up for both the main meeting on Thursday or the Standards and Assessment and one other meeting held on Friday. You can go in person or over zoom. They validate, so you can park behind the building and get a ticket.
• You can email your concerns prior to the meeting, especially I encourage you to build a relationship and open an ongoing conversation with your board representatives.
• I recommend going with a buddy, as some of the meetings have been contentious. Your safety is important, and so too is using your voice for good. They need to hear from us.  Reach out if you have any questions or need a buddy to go with you.

Look at the schedule to find your district’s calendar:

• State Board of Education meeting schedule