Board Meeting Protocol
Public Comments
Addressing the Board: Anyone who wishes to address the Board of Trustees must be present in person at the Board Meeting.
Public comments must be made in person. If an individual has a documented disability, the Board can provide an accommodation to have the comment read aloud on their behalf. Individuals requesting this accommodation should contact the Board Clerk, Ann Buxton, at ann.buxton@cottonwoodk12.org.
Closed Session
The Board may meet in closed session before and after public meetings. By law, in closed session, the Board is allowed to discuss certain matters in private. The topics are limited to pending litigation, property negotiations, personnel matters, contract negotiations, and individual student matters.
Posting of Agendas
Notices of board meetings are posted at least 72 hours in advance. Agendas outlining the topics to be covered during a particular meeting are posted in the display case outside the Cottonwood School Site in a visible location and on the Cottonwood website.
Consent Agenda
Routine items are approved by a single vote. Items may be removed from the consent agenda for purposes of discussion, either in public or in closed session for personnel matters, contract negotiations, and individual student discipline cases.
Consent Agenda
Routine items are approved by a single vote. Items may be removed from the consent agenda for purposes of discussion, either in public or in closed session for personnel matters, contract negotiations, and individual student discipline cases.
Discussion/Action
Discussion/action items are presented to the Board for input. Items may be acted upon at the time of presentation or may be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
The public may address items on the agenda PRIOR TO THE BOARD TAKING ACTION.
After a board member makes a motion, the discussion is limited to board members only. It should not be assumed that by making a motion a board member is necessarily in support of the motion. They may simply wish to bring the matter to a vote. According to protocol, the Board Chairperson does not make a motion.
Complaint Procedure
Complaints or charges against district personnel are not permitted during a meeting of the Board of Trustees. A formal complaint procedure allows people to submit their complaints or charges in writing.
Board Action
By law, the Board is allowed to take action only on items on the agenda. The Board will receive comments on other matters and may refer them to district staff. The Board may recommend a follow-up report or place the item on the agenda of a future board meeting.
Presentations/Staff Recognition
If scheduled, staff members, community members, students, or other public agencies may make presentations to the Board.