Meetings are available via live stream, with closed captioning, at BLS SchoolBoard YouTube to maximize public access; business meetings are live streamed in both English and Spanish. ASL interpreters are present at business meetings and work sessions. If additional accommodations are needed for meeting access, please contact Bend-La Pine Schools at (541) 355-1000, at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
ATTENDANCE:
In accordance with Oregon law, Executive Sessions are not open to public attendance. The public is welcome to attend business meetings and work sessions in-person or via BLS SchoolBoard YouTube. To Request to Attend an in-person meeting, please complete the Google Form linked here. If assistance is required to complete the request to attend form, please contact the District Office, 541-355-1000. The form will open the Friday prior to the meeting date, or after public meeting notice has been made, and will be open for sign up until 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting.
When meeting in person, audience capacity is limited to 50. Advance sign up is recommended, but not required. If more people request to attend than can be accommodated, the selection of attendees will be determined randomly from the requests received. The doors will typically open to the public 15 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting start time.
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Regular Board Meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month during which regular business is completed, actions are taken and public comment is received.
Work Sessions are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of each month during which the Board engages in discussion on key Board work and initiatives.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The role of the Board of Directors is to actively listen to and reflect on public comments. Each person wishing to address the Board must sign-up individually for the Public Comment period on business meeting agendas and may provide their comments either in-person or virtually. To provide public comment, please complete the Google Form linked here. If assistance is required to complete the form, please contact the District Office, 541-355-1000. The form will open the Friday prior to the meeting date, or after public meeting notice has been made, and will be open for sign up until 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting.
The guidelines for public comment emphasize respect and consideration of others. Public Comment allows the Board and Superintendent to hear issues of interest, but does not allow an opportunity for dialogue between the speaker, Board, or Superintendent. The Board may ask staff to follow up on public comments or questions raised during the public comment period.
The Board of Directors values your input. Constituents are encouraged to submit questions, concerns, or kudos via the School Board Listening Post on the Board Member contact page at any time. All members of the Board will read and review your correspondence.
