In the West Babylon School district, the school board provides time for the public to speak during every one of its regular business meetings, recognizing, no doubt, the importance of this kind of input. However, because of the way in which the school board’s agenda is structured, the public is not able to bring its concerns, questions or issues to the board at a reasonable hour. Instead, the board allows for its presentations at 7:15 p.m., then goes directly into executive session, holding the public comment portion only after the board returns, which is often as late as 9:30, 10 and even 10:30 p.m. Many of the residents, some of whom have to get up at 5 and 6 a.m. to get to work, simply give up the wait, and go home.

We understand the board’s concern in holding its presentations at 7:15 p.m., which ensures that teachers and students who take part in these important and informative events can leave at a reasonable hour. And, we understand that school board’s have important and confidential issues to discuss outside of the public purview. But it seems to us that a simple solution would be for the school board to switch its agenda to allow the public to speak before going into executive session. This would not only be more considerate of the public, but also provide residents with an opportunity to speak on agenda items, giving the board some time to consider any new or relative information before voting on them. The board could also simply conduct its executive session meetings earlier in the evening or perhaps on another night.

There is no law requiring that school boards provide adequate and consistent time for the public to speak at their regular business meetings. However, it is clear that such a practice not only makes sense from a political standpoint but also from a practical point as well. A vibrant, diverse and dynamic partnership between community and schools is a formula for cooperation and excellence.

We know that West Babylon officials recognize this because they provide public participation in many other school events. By making this further change to its regular board meeting agendas, the district will be letting the public know that their participation at business meetings is also important and invited.