Resident tells board it should allow public comment before votes on consent items

During the public-comment period at the Stanwood-Camano School District board meeting on May 5, resident Al Schreiber urged the board to provide opportunities for public comment before taking final action on consent-agenda items.

Schreiber told the board that in prior meetings the board had voted on consent items before offering the public the chance to comment and urged the board to follow its stated policy. He referenced the board’s own policy "5.100, key functions of the board" and recommended the board consult the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) guidance on parliamentary procedure.

"It has always been the board policy to allow public comment before taking final action, like a vote... I would ask you to please provide an opportunity for the public to comment before the board takes final actions on these items," Schreiber said.

Why it matters: Public-comment rules govern how and when residents can raise concerns about district business. Schreiber asked the board to ensure public input occurs before votes so the board can consider community input on consent items.

Board response: The chair acknowledged the comment; no immediate procedural change or vote was made during the meeting.