Rutherford County School Board debates change in public comment policy
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) – Some parents are worried their First Amendment rights are at stake with a proposed public comment policy change at Rutherford County’s Schools.
The school board is looking at requiring advance notice if an audience member wants to speak at a school board meeting. A 2023 state law requires governing bodies, like the school board, to reserve a period for comment at public meetings. The law also says advanced notice for comments may also be required.
Rutherford County School Board Zone 7 Board Member Frances Rosales wants to reassure everyone that they are just trying to operate under the law.
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“In no way is the school board trying to stop public comment,” Rosales said.
Rutherford County School Board Zone 1 Board Member Tammy Sharp believes the board is not interpreting the law correctly.
“Our standard for the basis of our law is the Constitution, and the Constitution says we cannot restrict freedom of speech,” Sharp said. “We are a government entity and cannot restrict free speech.”
Sharp told News 2 the board doesn’t have to follow the law as it is not mandated by the Tennessee Education Association. She wants the board to continue allowing people to speak without advanced notice. By April, Sharp expects the board to vote in favor of the change.
In contrast, Rosales stressed that anyone will have the opportunity to speak at meetings regardless of the proposed advanced notice.
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Rutherford County Schools sent News 2 the following statement in regards to the proposed change in policy.
“The proposed policy being considered by our elected School Board aligns with state law, is intended to maintain decorum during public meetings, and to allow time for discussion topics to be factually researched. It is in no way meant to stifle public input. Any member of the public wishing to address a concern that is not on the agenda may do so directly with elected board members or our director of schools, all of whom are more than willing to discuss any topic with any parent. Any board member may also place any item on the agenda for further discussion. The proposed policy has been approved by the district’s policy committee but must be passed on two readings of the School Board before becoming adopted.”
James Evans, Rutherford County Schools’ chief communications officer
Both Rosales and Sharp, along with the school district, encourage anyone with concerns to contact them.
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