School District 27 Board Plans Changes to Meeting Procedures

As School District 27’s Board of Education prepares to reconvene after the holidays, it will consider significant changes to the structure and operation of its meetings. In a memo released ahead of the final meeting of the year on December 15, 2023, board chair Angie Delainey outlined potential procedural adjustments aimed at enhancing public engagement and meeting efficiency.

Proposed Changes to Meeting Format

The suggested modifications include requiring attendees to submit questions prior to meetings, potentially closing the public gallery, and transitioning to virtual meetings via Zoom. Delainey emphasized that these proposals are still under review and are intended to gather community feedback. “We put that out with the intention to gather feedback through [email protected] or for the public to reach out to their zone trustee,” Delainey stated. “We have started to receive some, which is great.”

One primary focus for Delainey is improving the way the board engages with the public. She noted that unexpected questions often go unanswered or are delegated to staff at the last moment. “Neither of these outcomes is good,” she explained. The proposed requirement for advance question submission, due by 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting, aims to ensure that all queries are addressed appropriately and fairly.

Delainey also highlighted the challenges posed by special interest groups monopolizing the time allotted for public questions, which can hinder broader community participation. “By switching to requiring questions to be submitted ahead of time, we would be able to answer the questions and ensure everyone gets a fair chance to ask them,” she said.

Enhancing Public Participation and Safety

Addressing the need for decorum during meetings, Delainey mentioned that disruptions from the public gallery, such as ringing cellphones and side conversations, need attention. “If the public gallery remains open, I would like to see more decorum shown by all those who attend,” she asserted. She clarified that the board is not looking to restrict public access but aims to create a more orderly environment for discussions.

Another significant consideration is the proposal to stream meetings online. Delainey noted that this step serves as a safety precaution, especially for trustees who live outside the immediate area and must travel during winter nights. “I personally hate driving at night. I won’t go anywhere unless it’s 15 minutes away,” she remarked.

In preparation for these changes, Delainey and other board members will review the procedural bylaws and meeting practices of ten other school districts across Canada. This assessment will inform their decisions moving forward. The board plans to meet on January 26, 2024, to discuss the proposals and the feedback received from the public.

If any changes are approved in January, they will be implemented by February 2024. Delainey encouraged community members to share their thoughts. “Nothing is set in stone. We do want to receive your feedback,” she reiterated, urging individuals to contact their local trustee or send emails to [email protected].

Ultimately, these proposed changes reflect a commitment to improving the board’s operations, enhancing public engagement, and ensuring a safer meeting environment for all participants.