That has meant that anyone wanting to speak on a non-agenda topic had to wait until the second public comment session, often held hours later.

“There may be an opportunity to try and clarify things if appropriate.”Ĭurrently, the first session, usually held within the first half hour, is limited to agenda topics. “We can then address things that are brought up in the same meeting,” Steitz said. Hopefully we are going have meetings with an improved climate and culture.”īut she also hopes one change, allowing comments on any topic earlier during meetings, will let residents have their say without having to wait around for hours. It is the opportunity for the board to listen, not to respond in that moment. “The community’s chance to speak and express themselves, but not a time to have an exchange of ideas with the board. “We are also united to being clear about what a public comment session is,” Steitz said.

She said only the board president will speak for the governing body during and after board meetings, a practice used in most districts.

Wall township board of education