Discussion resurfaced Thursday about making open forums less restrictive during Jefferson City Public School board meetings.
As the policy currently stands, anyone who lives in the district, has a child in the district or is employed there can address the board for two minutes about an agenda item. Members Pam Murray and Michael Couty have been vocal about widening the parameters to allow people to bring anything to the board, regardless of whether it's on the agenda.
Murray reactivated the conversation during the district's policy committee meeting Thursday. She said with two new board members - Rich AuBuchon and Lorelei Schwartz - the board should reconsider the rules.
Her argument for amending the policy is to allow more freedom for people who want to bring an issue, compliment or suggestion to the board in an informal manner. Community members can request to be added to the board's agenda and present to the board. But Murray said not everyone wants to go through that formality, and the board is missing out on an opportunity to hear from stakeholders.
She said she's heard a lot of comments about Jefferson City High School's 10-block schedule, but that topic scarcely made its way onto the board's agenda, so people haven't been able to air their thoughts and opinions to the board.
Other public bodies have various ways of handling open session - some are restrictive, but the board can ask questions of the presenter, while others are completely open.
Board President John Ruth said district officials want to promote two-way communication with the public, and the open forum doesn't allow the board to respond to what's said in the forum. He views open forum as a chance for people to sway the board's opinion before they take a vote on matters such as a bond issue. He suggested people request to be added to the board's agenda so the board can do some research and prepare for the topic. The presentation wouldn't be limited on time, and they can have a two-way conversation with the presenter, potentially coming up with some solutions.
While the option to become part of the board's agenda is readily available, Ruth said it's may not be well-publicized. The policy committee members agreed steps should be taken to make the process clear, and they could add that information to their agendas each month.
Murray said it was a step in the right direction, but wasn't satisfied with the conversation ending there and would like to continue the dialogue on open forums in future meetings.