College Station ISD is reviewing its public comment policy following a statement made at the last board meeting

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – College Station ISD leaders are rethinking how the public interacts with them during board meetings after speakers at a recent meeting sharply criticized a staff member.

Board members debated the issue for nearly an hour Wednesday afternoon. Parents and students raised concerns about the teacher’s performance at last week’s meeting, where more than 50 students expressed their concerns in letters, many of which were read aloud.

The board intervened after several speakers introduced the teacher and his position, noting that there are other ways to express grievances. Some participants then said they had no choice, saying their concerns were not taken seriously at lower levels of the district.

Now management is considering implementing a policy that allows people to express their concerns without publicly attacking staff. School principals emphasize the right to raise concerns, but try to make sure this is done with respect and that all other options have been exhausted.

“We (the board) are in charge. We are not managers. So all we can do is listen many times, but we cannot allow the community to come and call teachers or staff by name. We don’t think it’s fair. If you are not familiar with applicable policies and procedures,” said Jeff Horak, president of the College Station ISD Board of Trustees.

“We understand that some concerns were raised to us on Tuesday, however, staffing policies and procedures remain in place,” Horak added.

Although the board agreed that staff matters should be treated privately, ideas to limit other aspects of public comment were met with criticism.

“From a First Amendment standpoint, we need to hear from the people. “I think it just goes above and beyond what is required,” said Joshua Benn, secretary of the College Station ISD Board of Trustees.

“It’s a hot topic across the state. There are numerous lawsuits regarding the board’s public comment policies. Our attorney recommended not a change in policy, but in our operating procedures,” added College Station ISD Superintendent Dr. Tim Harkrider.

Jim Hemphill, an attorney and board member of the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation, stressed that districts must be careful not to discriminate against speakers based on their viewpoints.

“Situations may arise where legitimate privacy concerns are challenged, allowing for reasonable restrictions. However, a government body cannot declare a particular topic completely off-limits,” Hemphill said.

Currently, the only procedural change will be the deadline for submitting speeches. The new registration procedure will enable people wishing to speak to register online at a set time, the day before the actual meeting.

Board President Jeff Horak says this will allow the district to filter out concerns that haven’t gone through the proper channels and grievance processes.

“If we can address this issue, have the administration contact us and maybe address any concerns that arise, it will just give us a chance to understand what’s ahead and gather more information,” Horak said.

You can watch Wednesday’s meeting below.