College Station ISD Rethinks Public Comment Policy Following Heated Board Meeting

Review Sparks Following Criticism of Staff Member

In a recent twist of events, the leaders of the College Station Independent School District (ISD) are reevaluating the public’s role in board meetings. This comes after a particular statement sparked fierce criticism of a staff member during a recent assembly. At the meeting, many attendees went as far as identifying the staff member by name and job title, leading to an intense debate amongst the board members spanning close to an hour.

Taking Responsibility, Ensuring Respect

The most significant concerns raised at last week’s gathering involved several students and parents. Over 50 students expressed their worries through letters, a good number of which were read aloud during the meeting. In an effort to keep proceedings respectful and fair whilst allowing freedom of speech, the board is looking into setting a policy that does not restrict the voice of attendees but prevents negative, public humiliation of staff members.

“We (the board) are oversight. We’re not management. So all we can do is listen a lot of times, but we’re not going to have the community come and call teachers out, personnel out by name,” said Jeff Horak, the President of the College Station ISD Board of Trustees. “We don’t think that’s right. If you haven’t gone through the policies and procedures in place.”

The Delicate Balance of Freedom of Speech

While the board collectively agrees that matters concerning staff should be addressed privately, there was criticism concerning the potential limiting of public comment. Joshua Benn, the Secretary of College Station ISD Board of Trustees, argued the importance of freedom of speech, stating, “From a First Amendment standpoint, we need to hear from citizens.”

On the same theme, Dr. Tim Harkrider, Superintendent of College Station ISD, noted, “There are multiple lawsuits involving board policies dealing with public comments. Our attorney recommended not changing policy but our operating procedures.”

Introducing the New Procedural Changes

The only procedural change so far concerns the process for registering a speaking slot at meetings. Individuals who wish to comment are now able to sign up online the day before the actual gathering. According to Board President Jeff Horak, this will aid the district in filtering out concerns that have not followed the correct grievance procedures and channels.