Policy 204.03

Public Hearings

Public hearings may be held on school district matters as required by law or at the discretion of the board. Public notice of a public hearing shall be in the same manner as for a board meeting and shall be given at least five days before the hearing is held.

At public hearings, citizens of the district who register at the door will be allowed to speak on the issue for which the public hearing is being held. Others may be allowed to speak at the board’s discretion. Speakers are asked to keep their remarks as brief as possible. Prior to the beginning of the hearing, the board president will apprise speakers and spectators of the rules of order to be followed regarding time limitations, questions, remarks and rebuttals. In no event will a speaker be allowed to take the time of another speaker.

The board shall conduct public hearings in an orderly fashion. At the beginning of the hearing, statements, background materials and public hearing rules and procedures will be presented by the board president or designated administrator. The board president will recognize the speakers. A board member may ask questions of the speakers after receiving permission from the board president. Only those speakers recognized by the chair will be allowed to speak. Comments by others are out of order. Individuals who interfere with or interrupt speakers, the board or the proceedings shall be asked to leave.

Legal Reference:
Neb. Statutes 84-108-1414

Cross References:
204.01 Regular Board Meetings
204.12 Public Participation at Board Meetings
702.03 Budget Adoption Process

Approved: February 14, 2005