Editor’s note: The following is a statement released by Carmel Clay Schools (CCS) regarding the temporary suspension of public comment during the upcoming school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 23.
Due to recent events at School Board meetings including disruptions, verbal attacks, intimidation, inappropriate behavior, and the presence of a firearm by an attendee, temporary changes will be implemented for the August 23, 2021 meeting scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.
Public comment has been temporarily suspended. The bylaw is being reviewed the CCS General Counsel, the Policy Committee, and the School Board of Trustees. While meetings will remain open to the public, the repeated use of board meetings to advance outside agendas, promote division and create hostile environments, combined with email and social media threats to staff and board members has led to these needed temporary changes.
Masks/face shields will be required. No signs or banners will be permitted inside the building or meeting room.
All participants are subject to metal detection and may be subject to pat down based upon metal detector activation. To help expedite entry to the meeting, please do not carry bags/backpacks/purses. No firearms or weapons are permitted on school grounds, regardless of an individual’s permit.
School Board Meeting Recaps will continue to be distributed to the Carmel community. We encourage everyone to review district business, special workshop topics, and the Superintendent’s Report.
All CCS board meetings are available to view on the CCS YouTube page.