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SCSD Board of Education Revises Policy Concerning Public Commentary
The Simpson County School District Board of Education is announcing the revision of one of its policies that will soon allow community members and board members to partake in productive dialogue during regular school board meetings.
Effective July 13, 2023, the Board of Education will provide groups or individuals an opportunity to participate in two-way communication with board members during regular meetings, after revising its Public Participation Policy concerning public commentary.
“The Board of Education recognizes the value of public participation and input as it relates to matters concerning the Simpson County School District,” said Board President Danny Cowart. “With this new update, we can now engage in conversation with our community members to ensure we address and resolve the concerns they may present to us.”
The revision emerged after the board voted to suspend Public Comment in December 2023, which at the time, as it was written, did not allow board members to engage in dialogue during the allotted time for public comments.
Beginning next month, groups and individuals, who would like to speak with the board during regular meetings, will follow a new procedure that requires them to complete a “Public Participation at Board Meeting” form.
To be placed on the agenda of a regular board meeting, groups or individuals shall submit a Public Participation at Board Meeting form through mail, or hand carry, a written request to come before the board to the Office of the Superintendent at least seven (7) working days prior to the board meeting. The form can be located on the district website underneath the Board of Education webpage.
“For some time, the Public Participation Policy was not being used as it was originally intended, causing board meetings to become unproductive,” said Cowart. “Now, with the implementation of the revised policy, we will be able to complete board business effectively, efficiently and in an orderly manner.”
The Board of Education holds its regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office at 111 Education Lane in Mendenhall.
For more information about the Simpson County School District or the Board of Education, visit www.simpson.k12.ms.us.
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
