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Board of Education » Meetings FAQ

Meetings FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Review the following information to learn more about the BOE meeting process. If you have a question not answered below, contact Alisha Papineau at [email protected] or (907) 443-2231.

What happens at a Board of Education meeting?

At regular meetings, BOE members discuss and vote on board committee and administrative recommendations and on items that establish or amend district policy. The Board adopts policies to improve student performance and enhance school programs and acts on matters such as personnel, appropriations, school facilities, and recognition of excellence. There are additional Board of Education meeting types, including: Executive (closed) Sessions, Special Meetings, and Work Sessions.

What is the typical order of business at a regular meeting?

  • Call to Order
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Roll Call
  • Recognition or Awards
  • Adoption of Agenda *
  • Public Comment: Nonagenda  Items
  • Action Items, Old Business
  • Action Items, New Business
  • Information and Reports
  • Comments: Board and Superintendent
The BOE president conducts meetings using standard parliamentary procedures and all Board meetings conform to Alaska’s Open Meeting Act (A.S. 44.62.310-312).
 
* When the agenda is adopted, routine items (consent agenda items marked with an asterisk) are automatically approved. They are not open for discussion by the Board or the public, unless a request is made to a Board member before the meeting. If you have a question about such an item, ask a Board or staff member beforehand.
 

Who may speak at a Board of Education meeting?

During public testimony, anyone may speak at Board meetings.
 

What are the rules for public testimony?

Whenever you testify to the Board, please start by stating your name and address for the record. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person for a maximum of 30 minutes aggregate.
 

Commenting on agenda/nonagenda items

For an issue that is not on the agenda, please address the Board under the agenda’s OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT section. Use the sign-up sheet posted before the meeting. People on this list will be called first; others may comment only if time permits. 
 

What topics are appropriate for public testimony?

Your testimony is most effective when addressed to specific agenda items or matters of general concern. Other information, questions, or problems can usually be addressed by district staff. When addressing the Board, please note that slander laws may apply to public criticism of individuals (for example, school district employees) identified by name.
 

Individual problems and complaints

To ensure due process and respect for individual rights, the district maintains a formal process for handling complaints against individuals. A problem involving an individual or specific incident is best handled through administrative channels, with the Board as a source of appeal only beyond the superintendent level.
 

How else can I contact the Board of Education?

The Board of Education accepts written testimony, either delivered or mailed to its office, or via email at: [email protected].
 
Communications addressed to the Board are distributed to all members and listed in the Board’s public reading file.
 
Written communications with public officials generally are considered a public record and subject to disclosure (viewing and/or copying of the communication) pursuant to a public records request.