B-335 Public Participation at District Board Meetings

District Board meetings are open to the public and consistent with Wisconsin Statutes. They are to be conducted per the published agenda. Time is available at each regularly scheduled District Board meeting for the public to address the District Board via a designated Public Comment portion of the District Board meeting. Public comment is not allowed during other portions of the District Board meeting. Persons may speak to the District Board either on an agenda item or on other matters of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the District Board. Public comment periods are not considered public hearings or a forum for public debate.

Those wishing to speak to the District Board are subject to the following:

• The Chairperson of the District Board may rule members of the public out of order if their remarks do not pertain to matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the District Board or if remarks are unduly repetitive.

• Non-scheduled substitutes may not speak in place of scheduled speakers unless alternates have been submitted on the original request.

• Speakers shall complete a written request to address the District Board at the beginning of the meeting with the District Board Secretary or Assistant to the District Board.

• The request shall include the person’s name and the name of the organization or group represented, if any, and a statement noting the agenda item or topic to be addressed.

• No member of the public may speak without being recognized by the Chairperson of the District Board.

• Each speaker will be required to identify themselves before their commentary.

• Each speaker will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes. Fifteen (15) minutes shall be the maximum time allotment for public speakers on any one (1) subject, regardless of the number of speakers at any one (1) District Board meeting. These time limits may be extended at the District Board’s (majority) discretion. The Chairperson will determine the total amount of time devoted to public comment at any meeting and may establish a maximum number of individuals to be heard.

• Each speaker before the District Board is limited to one (1) presentation.

• Speakers should not expect to engage in dialogue or discussion with members of the District Board on any matters raised during the public comment period, as District Board members have no obligation to respond to statements made.

• Speakers recognized to speak by the District Board Chairperson may not engage in debate or dialogue with any other person at the meeting.

Attendees are expected to always adhere to College Policy B-337 – Decorum. 

The District Board Chairperson will determine any follow-up needed for public commentary, including, but not limited to, referring matters to the President/District Director or suggesting a future agenda item.

Members of the public also may submit written communications to the District Board on items on the agenda. Written communication regarding items on the District Board's agenda should reach the Office of the President/District Director no later than seven (7) working days before the meeting at which the matter concerned is to be before the District Board. All written communications shall be dated and signed by the author and contain the author's residence or business address and organizational affiliation, if any.

Claims for damages are not considered communications to the District Board but shall be submitted to the College.