PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The School Board of Stafford County welcomes comments from parents, students and residents, and believes that strong community engagement is an important component of a successful school system. The board expects speakers to deliver their comments with civility and respect. Speakers are to be respectful of the opinions of others and refrain from disruptive behavior that impedes the orderly conduct of the board meeting.

Where and when may citizens speak?
Citizens may speak during the Citizen Comments portion of the school board's regular monthly business meetings, which are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the school board chamber).

Where do I sign up to speak?  
Individuals desiring to speak during a monthly board meeting must sign up before 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. An online sign-up form is available below. Individuals who do not wish to use this form may contact the school board clerk via email or telephone before the deadline to be added to the sign-up list (hallmd@staffordschools.com or 540.658.6630).

How long may I speak? 
Each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes. However, the board chairperson reserves the right to reduce the number of minutes allocated to each speaker depending upon the number of people wishing to speak.

What if I have handouts?
If you wish to bring handouts for the board members, please bring 11 printed copies. However, please be aware that any handouts you provide will become a permanent part of the historical record of the meeting. They will be attached to the meeting minutes forever and, per the Code of Virginia, cannot be removed from the minutes.

Is a written copy of my comments required?
No, a copy is not required.
However, if you wish to provide a copy, you are welcome to give it to the school board clerk immediately after you have finished addressing the board. However, please be aware that anything you submit will become a permanent part of the historical record of the meeting. It will be attached to the meeting minutes forever and, per the Code of Virginia, cannot be removed from the minutes. It is therefore recommended that you not include any private information in your comments (e.g., telephone number, address, email, children's full names, etc.).  

What if I can't attend the meeting in person but I want to share my thoughts with the school board?
If you're unable to attend the meeting to speak in person, you can submit your comments in writing via the "Digital Public Comment Form" which can be found at https://www.staffordschools.net/Page/33086. However, please be aware that your digital public comments will become a permanent part of the historical record of the meeting. They will be attached to the meeting minutes forever and, per the Virginia Code, cannot be removed from the minutes. It is therefore recommended that you not put any private information in the handouts (e.g., telephone number, address, email, children's full names, etc.).