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Audience Comments

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School Board recognizes the value of public comment on education issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings, both in person and virtually. The public may also submit written comments electronically. About two weeks prior to a board meeting, individuals will have the opportunity to sign up for in-person or virtual comments. Public comments (in-person, virtual, written) that are intended for a board meeting must be submitted by noon the day prior to the scheduled board meeting.   

Comments from the public are taken under Board advisement and may or may not receive action at a future meeting. Topics including charges or complaints against employees, employment or dismissal of personnel, acquisition of real estate, lawyer-client relationships, and parameters for negotiations should not be discussed in audience comments. Other information, questions or problems can usually be addressed by District staff. The School Board will not respond directly to individuals submitting comments but will take them under advisement. Submissions should be courteous and professional. Please refrain from using profanity, vulgar language or defamatory comments.

Process & Guidelines

Online (written comments only): 

  • Only written comments submitted by noon on Tuesday prior to the public board meeting will be forwarded to the School Board for review. 
  • Please address comments to the School Board as a whole.
  • Using the online submission form, please include your name and address. Please limit your submission to 500 words or less.
  • Written comments will not be read out loud during the board meeting but will be noted in the board meeting minutes (1440 Minutes of Board Meetings).

In-person and virtual: 

  • The deadline to sign up for public comment is at 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the board meeting. Sign up using this form.
  • If you are among the first 30 people to sign up for public comment, you will receive a confirmation email with details by 2 p.m. the Tuesday prior to the board meeting.
  • Those registering for audience comment after the deadline will not be able to provide public comment during the board meeting, but are still able to submit public comment in writing via the District's online submission process. The board reviews online submissions by noon the day prior to board meetings. Online submissions will also be included in the board minutes.
  • Time will be provided for public comment to be given during board meetings held at the Central Office Board Room and virtually. The Board Meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The public comment period will be held toward the beginning of the Board Meeting and time will be provided exclusively for public comment. The Board will hear the first thirty (30) speakers.
  • If you are providing in-person public comment, when your name is called, please come up to the podium and state your name. If you are providing virtual public comment, when your name is called, you will be promoted to panelist. Please take yourself off mute before you begin speaking.
  • Individuals have 3 minutes to speak and may not cede or give their time to another speaker. 
  • Please address comments to the School Board as a whole.
  • The Assistant Superintendent will signal speakers when 1 minute remains.
  • In order to maintain respect for all points of view, the School Board requests no clapping, booing or any other form of support or nonsupport be used.
  • The board will not respond to comments but will take them under advisement.
  • Speakers should be courteous and professional. Please refrain from using profanity, vulgar language, threatening or defamatory comments. As a reminder, individuals are not permitted to name a specific staff member, board member or student during public comments. Failure to do so may result in the Board President or designee interrupting or ending the comment.