Code: BDDH 
Adopted: 4/18/17, 3/12/25

Revised/Readopted:  9/10/25

All Board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The Board invites district citizens to attend Board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the district. Members of the public also are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the Board when appropriate.

It is the intent of the Board to ensure communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. Individuals with hearing, vision or speech impairments will be given an equal opportunity to participate in Board meetings. Primary consideration will be given to requests of qualified individuals with disabilities in selecting appropriate auxiliary¹ aids and services.

Auxiliary aids and services for persons with disabilities will be available at no charge to the individual. All auxiliary aids and/or service requests must be made with appropriate advance notice. Should the Board demonstrate such requests would result in a fundamental alteration in the service, program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens, an alternative, equally effective means of communication will be used.

Procedures for Public Comment at Meetings

The Board will establish procedures for public comment in open meetings. The purpose of these procedures will be to inform the public how to effectively participate in Board meetings for the best interests of the individual, the district, and the patrons. The information will be easily accessible and available to all patrons attending a public Board meeting.

1. Public comment is limited to its designated place on the agenda and while time allows, as determined by the Board chair. The board may conduct a meeting without public                comment. 

2. When the board provides an opportunity for in-person attendees to provide oral or written public comment, a similar opportunity will be provided for virtual attendees.

3. Anyone wishing to speak before the board may request to do so by providing the Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors with a completed request card or other                          established method or requests to speak, prior to the board meeting.

4. The board chair will determine the method for the selection and order of the speakers.

5. A person giving public comment will be limited to a time limit established by the board chair. Time cannot be shared or given to another person. Statements should be brief                and concise.

6. A person speaking to the board during the public comment portion of a meeting may introduce a topic not on the published agenda. Any person speaking to the Board during the
    public comment section of a meeting should state their name and county of residence, and, if speaking for an organization, the name and identity of the organization. The board      prefers that a group designate a spokesperson to represent a group with a common purpose.

7. Statements by members of the public should be brief and concise. The Board chair may use discretion to establish a time limit on discussion or oral presentation by visitors.

8. Questions asked by the public, when possible, may be answered by the Board chair or referred to the superintendent for reply at a later time. Questions requiring investigation             may, at the discretion of the Board chair, be referred to the superintendent for response at a later time.

9. At the discretion of the Board chair, anyone wishing to speak before the Board, either as an individual or as a member of a group, on any agenda item or other topic, may do so          by providing the Board secretary with a completed registration card or sign-in sheet prior to the Board meeting in order to allow the chair to provide adequate time for each                agenda item. 

       10. If a person has more comments than time allows or is unable to comment due to time constraints, they may submit their additional comments to the board in writing through the                Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors as directed. 

       11. The board will not answer questions submitted during public comment at the board meeting.  A board member or district representative may follow up after the meeting.

Criticisms of Staff Members

Speakers may offer objective criticism of district operations, programs and services, but the Board will not hear complaints concerning individual district personnel. The Board chair will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving a staff member.

END OF POLICY

¹Auxiliary aids may include, but are not limited to, such services and devices as qualified interpreters, assistive listening systems, note takers, readers, taped texts, Brailled materials and large print.

Legal Reference(s):

• ORS 165.535
• ORS 165.540
• ORS 192.610 to -192.690
• ORS 334.100
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213; 29 C.F.R. Part 1630 (2006); 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (2006).
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

Cross Reference(s):

• BDDA - Notification of Board Meeting
  
• BDDC- Board Meeting Agenda