By JIM BUTLER

The Rapides Parish School Board has amended its meetings policy to accommodate remote participation by disabled persons. 

At its August session the board adopted provisions required by new state law.

The change allows anyone with a recognized disability, or that person’s designated caregiver, to participate in meetings via teleconference or video conference. 

Under the law, the board is required to facilitate participation by anyone requesting it prior to the meeting. 

The remote participant will be required to adhere to the same rules as persons attending and speaking in person. 

The board has had specific rules and regulations for public participation in place for about 20 years. The rules provide for public input in a controlled manner.

Summarized, they allow any person recognized three minutes to address the topic they requested before hand to speak on, though the presiding officer may extend that time. 

The item has to be one that a vote is to be taken on. Speakers are prohibited from questioning board members or staff or from making disparaging remarks, period. 

Any items added to the agenda after the meeting begins may be addressed by audience members as the item is called and the chair asks for public comment. There is a two-minute limit for such.