Having your Say: How to Speak at a School Board Meeting

“Having your Say: How to Speak at a School Board Meeting.” -Steve Epstein

You have the opportunity to express yourself at school board meetings in two ways:

1. Speak at public comment about a general topic that is not on the agenda for the evening—this takes place near the beginning of the meeting at a time that is set aside for public comment, before the trustees take up the action items on the agenda.

Or

2. Speak to a specific issue that is on the agenda.

In both cases, to be most effective, it’s good to have some insight about how these meetings are run and how you can stand up and speak out. Following a few guidelines in preparing to speak goes a long way to ensuring your voice will be heard—even if it’s a little shaky at first. Showing up and making the effort goes a long way when you exercise your rights to express yourself on an issue that is important to you and others.

Before the meeting:

1. TIMING: Sit down and carefully compose your thoughts well in advance of the meeting. You will have a time limit of either three minutes (approximately 375 to 450 words) or—if there are a lot of speakers—90 seconds (approximately 180 to 240 words). It’s a wise idea to prepare remarks to fit either time so you will not frantically have to cut out half your comments while you’re in the board room. Practice with a timer in advance and adjust your comments as needed. This is very important; you do not want them to cut you off at the end of your allotted time just as you are getting to your most critical point(s)!
2. STRUCTURE: You can choose to write out your comments in full, or in an outline form if you feel more comfortable. One advantage of writing them out is that you can distribute them to the school board members in an email after the meeting and have a copy for your records. Either way, do your best to make your points in a relaxed manner that is clear and concise.
3. CONTENT: Remember there is a degree of formality and dignity to the act of speaking in public. Your comments are received best if they are delivered with respect for the elected individuals who are doing their best to serve the community. You may want to offer an attention-getting anecdote, but do your best to make a case based on facts rather than emotion. Personal attacks or disrespectful comments will not help your case. Those types of comments usually are dismissed. You can make the same points without beign rude or getting personal.

At the meeting:

1. Arrive early to avoid parking hassles or difficulty finding a seat in the main room. Bring a bottle of water in case the meeting runs long (and they almost always do run long). Dress smartly to be taken seriously.
2. You will need to fill out a Speaker Slip to be called on to speak. It’s very simple and straightforward; just complete it and hand it to whoever is collecting them that evening.
3. Get a copy of the agenda so you can keep track of the proceedings, and so you can determine approximately when your agenda item will be heard. Sometimes issues are scheduled time-certain, but the schedule can change a bit so do not cut it too close or you might miss your opportunity.
4. Find yourself a seat where you feel comfortable; be aware of the overhead broadcast camera when you select your seat.
5. Listen respectfully, be patient, and give yourself credit for participating in this important, essential right to self-expression and creative problem-solving. You may hear other public comments, in advance of your time, that address some of your points. This may cause you to adjust some, or all, of what you were going to say. At a minimum, you certainly can address the previous comments as being aligned (or not) with yours. There is power in numbers and agreement amongst the public.
6. When your name is called, adjust the microphone, note the timer, and address the Superintendent and the School Board members. Be sure to introduce yourself, deliver your comments with confidence and clarity (this is why you practice, timed, in advance), and say thank you before you leave the lectern.
7. After you speak, you will want to listen to the rest of the speakers and any discussion the Board may have afterward. If you plan to leave afterward, it’s polite to wait until the end of public comment or the agenda item.
8. If issues come up during the meeting that you want to address, or you weren’t able to complete your prepared comments, by all means send an email to the School Board members.
9. Appreciate the moment and your willingness to share your expertise by taking the time to address important issues in a way that really matters. We live in a society that appreciates and values the thoughts and comments of others in site of how we occasionally act.