A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA

The School Committee meetings operate under rules which were adopted to improve information to the public, make it easier for parents, guardians and the public to both follow and comment on issues before the Committee, and make meetings more accessible to the public.  The Agenda for School Committee meetings closely mirrors the City Council's Order of Business, making it easier for observers and the general public to understand and to follow items which come before the School Committee.  This new format also makes it easier for members of the public to speak on particular items on the School Committee's Agenda by providing a public comment period near the start of each meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT AND TESTIMONY BEFORE THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Public Comment section of the Agenda comes early in the meeting.  During this period, the public may comment on any item which is on the School Committee's Agenda for that meeting.  Copies of the Agenda are available for the public to view on Monday morning before each meeting at the School Committee Office (16 Felton Street), the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, the School Department's Public Information Office, 159 Thorndike Street (3rd floor), and at the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library.

Citizens who wish to speak to the Committee on Agenda items may sign up to speak by signing up before the meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. Alternatively, an individual may email, fax or mail written comments to the attention of the Executive Secretary to the School Committee for inclusion in public comments in lieu of appearing to speak during the public comment period.

Individuals who wish to speak on the Educational Presentation may comment at this time, but should, if possible, hold their comments for the period allotted following the Presentation. This will enable speakers to comment on all items other than the Educational Presentation in a timely manner.  It will also allow for a better, more informative discussion on Presentations.  If speakers cannot stay for the comments following the Presentation, they may be heard at the discretion of the Chair.

Please note that, except in the case of an emergency, comments will not be heard on matters that are not on the Agenda.  Those members of the public wishing to speak on issues that are not on the Agenda should contact Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, 16 Felton Street, Cambridge, MA  02138, with a written request.  A date and time can then be assigned for such requests.