Politics & Government

School Board Changes Public Comment Policy

The new policy will change the way the public contributes to school board committee meetings.

The West Chester School Board voted Monday to change its policies concerning public comment at board committee meetings.

The new policy will allow committee chairs to limit public comment to designated blocks scheduled at the beginning or end of meetings.

Previously, members of the audience at committee meetings were allowed to comment and contribute input during agenda action items.

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“I don’t think this policy limits the exchange of ideas,” said board member Sue Tiernan.  “There are concerns out there that this will lead to a shutdown of conversation.  I don’t think that will happen, and I certainly think you [members of the audience] won't let it happen.”

“It will depend on the agenda items,” said board member Dr. Maria Pimley.  “Sometimes it makes more sense for questions to come at the end.  I would like to add that a lot of the times we could not do the meetings with out public input.”

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Before the new policy was voted on, former board member Jim Davison spoke out against limiting public comment.

“The policy has withstood over a decade,” Davison said.  “We’ve never had a problem with it.  If someone gets out of control at a meeting there’s a way to handle that, but it’s part of being a board member.”

Board member Sean Carpenter said that the changes were necessary.

“They are necessary to run effective committee meetings,” Carpenter said.  “It will ensure a respectful and healthy dialogue.”

Board member Karen Miller also addressed concerns that the new policy will silence community members during committee meetings.

“I plan on continuing as we have in the past,” Miller said.  “Members of the public will still have the opportunity to speak freely.”

“We will accept your comments with respect,” Tiernan said.  “But a business-like meeting environment is important.”


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