Testifying before board isn't difficult

Speaking before the school board is a relatively simple process. Julena Felix, school board administration secretary, said the most important recommendation she gives people is to be prepared. There is a limited amount of time available during school board meetings, Felix said, and providing hand-outs in advance, being near the front of the room and knowing what you are going to say helps give everybody a chance to be heard.

"I think the public does need to communicate with those they have elected to serve them," Felix said. "I think it's a two-way street. If we can do it as orderly as possible it helps to keep the process going."

However, don't expect board members to respond during the meeting, Felix said. Many people who come before the board want a dialogue, she said, but that can't happen for a couple of reasons. First, there isn't time to have a discussion during the public testimony period, and second, school board members need to research the subject before responding.

"I think people need to know that they are hearing them," Felix said. "The board or administration will get back to them. I think they feel like they're hanging, but they won't be."

She said issues brought up during public testimony are dealt with in several ways: By letter, on the agenda, or, during the comment period, a board member might direct the administration in a follow-up procedure.

Two 30-minute time slots are provided during school board meetings for public testimony.

The first is early on in the meeting. At this time, Felix said, she tries to schedule in students, special groups or volunteers who call in advance so they can leave early if necessary. The second 30-minute slot is provided near the end of the meeting, which sometimes can run as late at 11 p.m.

A sign-up sheet is placed at the entrance to the meeting room approximately one half hour before the 6 p.m. start time, Felix said, and she picks it up just before the meeting begins. Also, she said, a sign-up sheet is placed at the testimonial table for people to write their names down in case they don't get on the initial list. Often, especially during the second public testimony period, people just state their names for the record.

While just about any subject pertaining to schools is acceptable during public testimony, complaints about school employees are not, Felix said. According to school board policy, she said, complaints about specific employees must be dealt with in a separate process. Bringing up issues in a public forum opens up liability issues, she said. Complaints about board members, however, are fair game, she said, since they are elected officials.

The following are more helpful hints for testifying at a school board meeting:

Provide handouts in advance, preferably the day before the meeting. If not, pass them out prior to the meeting. (Handing out paperwork to board members cuts into the three minutes of time allotted to speak.)

Large groups wishing to express the same opinion should designate a speaker to represent them. Felix recommends the designee speak to the board then ask the rest of the group in the audience to stand to show their support of what is being said.

Students or special groups should call Felix in advance to be added to the first 30-minute public comment session.

Arrive before the start of the meeting (6 p.m.)

Sit near the front of the room when expecting to be heard.

Other tips for testifying can be found at the school board Web site, at http://www.msd.mat-su.k12.ak.us/school_board/. Click on "How to Testify" in the left column. A copy of the Web site material is also posted at the testimonial table, Felix said, to help people stay focused and on track.

"What happens is people get nervous," she said.