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Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

Public Participation/Audience Recognition

What you need to know if you want to speak at a meeting of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors:

Public comment is your chance to share your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions with the School Board. It’s an important way for the community to be heard, but it’s also a structured process with clear rules so meetings can run smoothly and the Board can conduct the business of the School District.

Why Public Comment Matters

  • Your voice counts: It’s a direct way to tell the Board what you think about district issues.
  • Helps decision-making: Board members hear different perspectives before voting on policies, budgets, or programs.
  • Transparency: Everyone gets to see and hear what community members care about.

Remember: public comment is not a back-and-forth conversation. It’s your time to speak; the Board usually does not respond during the meeting.

1.        When to speak

  • During Board meetings, there are generally two public comment periods. During the “agenda items only” portion, only those matters up for a Board vote at that meeting may be the subject of your comment. All other comments may be brought up during the final public comment period.
  • During Committee meetings, there may be public comment periods for each topic during the discussion of that topic, time permitting. All other comments may be brought up during the final public comment period, time permitting.

2.        Who can speak

  • You must be a resident or taxpayer of Narberth or Lower Merion Township.
  • If you are attending a meeting in-person, sign in before the meeting starts.
  • If you are attending a meeting via Zoom, you will have a 10-minute window at the start of the applicable Public Comment period to type in your comment, which will be read by the Solicitor.

3.        What to do when it’s your turn

  • State your name, where you live in the District and the topic about which you’ll be speaking.
  • You’ll have three minutes to share your comments.

4.        Whom you’re addressing

  • The Board requests that all comments be directed to the Board as a whole.
  • The Board prefers that you not ask individual Board members questions or address them directly.

5.        Board response

  • The Board and Superintendent are not required to reply on the spot.
  • If you have a concern about your child, reach out to your school principal first.
  • Please review the “Pathways to Effective Communications” document for the best person to contact for specific concerns.
  • If your issue fits a specific topic (like Policy, Curriculum or Facilities), the best place to discuss it in detail is generally at the related committee meeting, which is more informal and allows for more back-and-forth.

6.        Behavior expectations

  • The Board finds that comments delivered respectfully are  received better than disrespectful ones.
  • The Board can end your speaking time if your time is up; your comments are irrelevant to the school district; you breach confidentiality of students or staff; your comments are obscene, profane, defamatory or are integral to criminal conduct; or your comments constitutes true threats, such as inciting imminent lawless action or subjecting individuals to fear of violence.

7.        Right to Know

  • Be aware that Lower Merion School District is subject to the Right-to-Know Law, and that while it makes every effort not to divulge the names, home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of individuals submitting comments, it may be required to include your place of employment if you include it in your comment.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time

  • Prepare ahead of time and keep your remarks within three minutes.
  • Be clear about your main point or request.
  • Share personal stories if they help explain your perspective.
  • Remember: even if the Board doesn’t respond right away, your input is heard and considered

👉 Bottom line: Public comment is your opportunity to speak up, share your perspective, and take part in shaping our schools. Follow the rules, keep it respectful, and make your three minutes count.

Policy; Curriculum; and Facilities and Purchasing - dates for these meetings can be found on our website calendar.