Changes made to School Board meeting agenda for tonight

There are changes to tonight’s agenda for the Pulaski County School Board’s June meeting.

One change of particular note to many is the removal of an information item listed as “Proposed Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students.”

Another change involves the addition to the list of recognitions for Bus Driver of the Year.

If you are planning to attend the meeting and speak during the public comment periods, be aware of some changes from previous meetings.

The board will hear public comments twice during the meeting – shortly after the meeting begins and again just before the end of the meeting.

That’s nothing new – there have been two comment periods during regular school board meetings for years.

What’s new, however, is starting Tuesday the board is limiting the number of speakers in the first comment period to only 10, with each speaker limited to three minutes in which to speak.

Also, those wishing to speak in that first comment period will be required to sign up in advance of the meeting – either by calling 540-994-2519 or by signing up before the meeting with the clerk or deputy clerk.

School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Siers, when quizzed about the changes, said, “We have changed the procedures to make sure that the folks who are there for regular school board business don’t have to wait for hours for us to make it to them on the agenda.”

Siers noted there won’t be a limit on the number of speakers for the second public comment period.

Tuesday’s meeting will be held at the Pulaski County Middle School Auditorium will begin at 4:30 with a closed session. Recognitions are due to begin at 5 p.m. followed by a short reception.