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.
How It Works in LMSD
If you want to speak at a School Board meeting, here’s what you need to know:
- Who can speak
- You must be a resident 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 Public Comment to type in your comment, which will be read by the Solicitor.
- 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 about.
- You’ll have three minutes to share your comments.
- Whom you’re addressing
- All comments must be directed to the Board as a whole.
- You may not ask individual Board members questions or address them directly.
- 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 at the related committee meeting, which is more informal and allows for more back-and-forth.
- Behavior expectations
- Comments must remain respectful.
- The Board can end your speaking time if remarks are obscene, slanderous, violent or disruptive.
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.