Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools' board wants board meeting guidelines to be examined in the interest of trustee and staff safety.
In recent years, there have been more incidents where "inappropriate conduct (has been) directed towards elected officials both in person and online," stated a March 12 staff report, which has raised concerns. While safeguards are in place to protect staff and the board, there may be other procedures and tools that can be implemented, staff said.
Naomi Bailey, board chairperson, proposed the motion at the Wednesday, March 12 board meeting, asking the policy committee review meeting procedure with a safety lens.
"It's been a number of years since [we've reviewed it], and there's been a lot of situations happening around the province," Bailey said. "I've talked with other chairs and I just feel that it's really important that we do whatever we can and still make this a democratic process and have an open forum for the public to participate, but also think about the safety of our staff and the trustees and the public who want to participate."
Trustees were in agreement, but cautioned about overstepping boundaries.
"A lot of communities in our province have encountered, frankly, protests and distractions and things they never would've anticipated when deciding to become a trustee," said Tom Rokeby. "I think it's important to strike that balance because by and large, we do have a community that responds [sometimes enthusiastically], but I really do want to make sure that we keep this room open for those who do that properly and that we are erring on the side of democracy."
When asked if there was recent inappropriate behaviour from the public, Gillian Robinson, district spokesperson, said the district has numerous contact with the public every day, with most "positive and respectful."
"From time to time, we have to ask people to be respectful and, or, to leave our premises or we have to inform them that the dialogue with the district cannot continue unless they can communicate in a respectful manner," Robinson said in an e-mail.
As it stands, the policy (2.6 Board Meeting Procedures) directs people wanting to make a presentation to notify the district in writing at least 10 days before a meeting, with a 10-minute time limit.
Groups are recommended to have a spokesperson and "maintain a quiet, orderly manner." Meetings will have a question period 15 minutes in length, designed to allow the public to get clarity on agenda items. It "is not to be used as a political forum, or for furthering presentations … or deal with matters that should properly be dealt with through other channels."
"Questions or inquiries which deal with or reflect upon the personal or professional attributes of trustees or district staff will not be recognized," the policy reads, and questions at a meeting must be submitted in writing, or through a question box if the meeting is held online. If the chairperson rules that someone has acted improperly, they may "expel or exclude" that person from a meeting. Trustees may be ejected from a meeting as well, if the majority of the board thinks it's warranted.
City of Nanaimo has dealt with people harassing council and employees recently and has restricted photo-taking and video recording at meetings.
Trustees approved the motion and a draft policy is expected to be presented at a future meeting.
The policy is viewable at www.sd68.bc.ca/document/2-6-meetings-and-board-operations/.
