Please read our District policy: Public Participation in Board Meetings

• Fill out a yellow card requesting time on the agenda for Citizen Comments.
• When you address the Board, please come to the podium and clearly state your name, address and topic for the record. If you represent a group or organization, please state that information too.
• Limit your comments to approximately three minutes as the School Board would like to hear from all patrons wishing to speak.
• Please give any materials for Board Directors to the Board Secretary, who will distribute them to the Board members. Provide 10 copies if you pass it out.
• Provide a written copy of your comments if possible. It will assume it is reported in the minutes accurately.
• Refrain from using the names of individual students or staff members.

Making your point and making it count

School Board decision-making takes time - time for public input, time for analysis, time for weighing both sides of the issue before making an informed decision.

The foundation for democracy in America is our constitutional right to tell our elected leaders what we think about issues that affect us. This right is enjoyed by all citizens, regardless of education, background or experience. The Parkrose School Board welcomes you to its public meetings and encourages you to participate appropriately in discussions that affect you.

The way you present your message at the podium can help or hurt your ability to persuade your audience. It can either facilitate or obstruct the public participation process. Whether you are an experienced public speaker or speaking at the podium for the first time, it may be helpful to remember these public meeting tips:

• Identify your main points. Writing them down will help you organize your thoughts and remember them when you're at the podium.
• Check your facts. Accuracy improves your credibility and helps you make a positive impression.
• Handouts summarizing your position may be distributed to the Board before or after your presentation.
• Don't be nervous. If you are, don't apologize for it. Board members see many citizens who are nervous when speaking in front of an audience.
• As you begin to speak, state your name and address clearly for the record.
• Make your position known at the beginning, then present supporting information. You will sound organized, which helps people understand your position.
• Keep your presentation short and simple - approximately three minutes in length. The Board chairperson must limit public communication so everyone may have a chance to speak.
• Don't repeat yourself. It uses valuable time and people tune out when hearing the same thing over and over. If a previous speaker has already made the point you planned to make, simply refer to that speaker and emphasize your support for that position.
• Be careful about using humor, which is very subjective. While some may laugh, others may be offended.
• Persuade, don't badger your audience. Compelling presentation can be very persuasive to Board members and the audience; however, insulting or degrading language can make you appear belligerent, reducing your credibility as well as the power or your message.
• Close your comments with an action statement such as "Please adopt this resolution" or I urge you to vote 'no' on this proposal."

The School Board appreciates your interest in issues that affect Parkrose Schools and the community. We hope these tips will help you prepare and present your remarks so they will be clear, concise, accurate and credible.

Remember, it's important that all of us - the School Board, District staff and Parkrose citizens - all work together to provide a quality educational program for all students. Remember "Having your say may not be having your way" up arrow for return to top of page

Other ways to communicate with the Board

Speaking at a Board meeting is not the only way to let Board members know your views on an issue. You may also:

• Call a School Board member.
• Talk to a Board member or administrator.
• Call the Superintendent's Office at 503-408-2100
• Write to a School Board member or the Superintendent: Parkrose School District 10636 NE Prescott, Portland OR 97220
• E-mail (See list for address)