Requesting District Information

Within the limits of an individual’s right of privacy, full access to information concerning the administration and operations of the District shall be afforded to the public. Public access to District records shall be afforded according to appropriate administrative procedures. (Policy 4340)

Getting an Item Placed on the Agenda

It is the practice of the District to resolve problems through the appropriate channels (individual level, building level, district level) in an effort to have it solved prior to being brought before the Board as an agenda item. To request that an item be placed on the agenda, the Superintendent shall be notified in writing no later than the Monday morning of the week preceding the Tuesday meeting date. The request to be on the agenda shall include the topic and details of the issue to be considered.

Speaking to an item on the Agenda

If you are prepared to address an agenda item, please sign in at the door prior to the meeting. This allows the Chair to recognize you at the appropriate time and to guarantee you the opportunity to be heard. This request is a procedural propriety and is not intended to prevent additional participation and timely expression of views. The Chair shall have continuing discretion as to the time allocated to each speaker depending on the number of persons who wish to speak to an agenda item.

Public Comment

HB94, made effective April 22, 2003, allows the public to comment on non-agenda items. This is an opportunity to share ideas or concerns with the Board. Depending upon the number of people who desire to address the Board during this time, the Board Chair has the discretion to limit the time of each person addressing the Board. By law, the Board cannot act on any non-agenda item. Furthermore, this is not an opportunity to present questions to the Board but rather to express ideas/concerns.

All guests at a Board meeting are requested to follow the procedure listed below prior to addressing the Board during the “public comment” section of the meeting:

1. Problems or questions of a general nature should first be taken directly to the appropriate principal involved.

2. Problems or questions that involve students in a particular classroom should first be brought to the attention of the classroom teacher. If a satisfactory solution cannot be found with the teacher, the next step in the solution of the problem is consultation with the school principal.

3. Unresolved concerns should be referred to the central office to receive a complaint form. Upon completion of the form, the matter may be reviewed by the Superintendent.

4. After review by the Superintendent, if the concern remains unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Board.

Recording of Board Meetings

Effective July 1, 2024, in accordance with House Bill 890 passed by the Montana Legislature, all board meetings will now be recorded in audio and video format. These recordings will be made available online within one business day following each meeting to ensure transparency and public participation.

Courtesy Requested

The Board asks guests to observe the rules of courtesy and respect for the rights of others. No issues that would violate the privacy rights of others may be addressed, (i.e., specific incidents, names or positions.)