Citizens communication could change at Austin ISD board meetings

"I don't think it's contrary to the Constitution because the Constitution speaks to the requirements of the state. This really is asking the public to comment on our work, and the public is made up of a variety of folks," he said.

Trustees also discussed a number of other changes, such as establishing opportunities for members of the public to sign up for citizens communication by phone and online.

A few trustees including Jayme Mathias said they were unsure whether adding a phone sign-up system would be the best way to improve accessibility.

"Coming down shows some commitment to being here," he said. "I like the idea of making it more accessible but then the question becomes: 'How do we do that?'"

Mathias noted sometimes speakers sign up to speak but then do not show up at the meeting.

Torres suggested moving the registration time to an hour before the meeting. Currently, speakers must sign up in person on the day of the meeting starting at 7:45 a.m. and the limit is 30 speakers.

Trustee Robert Schneider suggested a lottery system wherein names would be drawn at random rather than a first come, first served registration process.

Other options identified by the committee included increasing each speaker's time from two to three minutes, using the board's comment web page to solicit input on specific issues well in advance of board action, and adding opportunities for citizens communication at board dialogue or work session meetings.

More information about the district's citizens communication process is available at https://www.austinisd.org/community/citizens-communications.