Public Comments at Board Meetings

• Public comment is offered at Board meetings that include an action item on the agenda. This practice applies to both FPA Tennessee and FPA Alabama.
• Public comment takes place during the designated public comment portion of the Board meeting agenda.
• The Board Chair may allow additional opportunities for public comment when appropriate.
• Visitors may introduce topics that are not listed on the published agenda.
• Public comment is not permitted at Board committee or working sessions.

• To speak, please add your name to the sign-up sheet at the meeting. Sign-up is open until the public comment period begins.
• Be prepared to state your name.
• If you are speaking on behalf of an organization, please identify the organization.
• When several individuals wish to share substantially similar comments, the Board Chair may ask the group to identify a spokesperson or adjust the process so different perspectives can be heard.
• Please keep comments respectful and focused on matters appropriate for Board consideration.
• Speakers may offer objective comments about school operations and programs that concern them.
• Speakers are asked to refrain from using names of personnel or names of persons connected with the school system, particularly when lodging a complaint.
• Speakers will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.

Each speaker is generally provided up to two (2) minutes.
To help ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate, the Board Chair may:

• Adjust speaking time when there are many speakers.
• Waive the time limit at their discretion or ask that additional comments be addressed at a future meeting.

• The Board generally will not respond to questions or engage in discussion during
  public comment.
• When appropriate, a question or concern may be referred to FPA leadership for
  follow-up.