Thursday, April 14, 2022
Locally elected school boards make many important decisions that affect the quality of K-12 schools, but in recent years, some parents have expressed concern regarding the lack of public input at school board meetings. COVID-19 generated a lot of discussion and consequential decisions about when and how students learn. This, along with recent increasing discussion concerning curriculum, has made some members of the public feel their voices are not being heard by their elected school board members.
House Enrolled Act 1130 and Senate Enrolled Act 83 provide solutions to this issue.
Under these new laws, school boards are required to allow comments from members of the public who are physically present during in-person meetings. These comments must take place before final action is taken on a topic.
These new laws also preserve the school board's ability to run their meetings effectively by ensuring they can still maintain decorum and set time limits in order to complete their business in a timely manner.
A proper education is at the core of a young person's development, and it is important that we empower parents to ensure their child is receiving quality instruction at school.
To learn more about HEA 1130, SEA 83 and other legislation passed this session, click here.
