School Board Bits: D122 Approves New Public Comment Policies

The New Lenox School District 122 board met Wednesday for a brief meeting and discussed various issues and policies. Here's a rundown:

Oakview Drainage Contract

A $74,400 contract was awarded to Besping Construction Co. for drainage work that will keep icy buildup from forming on the parking lot at . At a previous board meeting, facilities director Bob Nelson said this is an ongoing condition in which snow melts from the green space in front of Oster-Oakview and flows across the drive and walkway, only to freeze again at night. This is prevalent on both sides of the lot, including the south end where students are dropped off.

The original estimate for the project was $96,000. There were 10 bidders and five submitted sealed bids. Of those submitted, Bisping offered the cheapest contract.

Public Commenting Policies

New policies were approved that regulate how the board members interact with the public. This follows some members of the public who wished for more of a dialogue with the school board. Under a new communications policy, these decisions were made:

• The board president would act as a spokesman and could address community members during meetings.
• The board will allow letters or emails to be read, but only if there is a verifiable name, address and phone number included and if the letter is not slanderous or political campaigning.
• The president to deny someone's opportunity to speak on a topic if that person has addressed the board on the same topic within the previous two months.

Follow the School Board

The board approved its meeting schedule for the 2011-12 school year. Regular board meetings are the third Wednesday of the month, and there is a committee of the whole meeting the first Wednesday of the month. The only exceptions are for winter break, when the board meets the first and second Wednesdays in December and the second and fourth Wednesdays in January. Every board meeting is 7 p.m. at the , 102 S. Cedar Road. Board meeting minutes and agenda can be found on the district's website.

Carolyn Zimba was also appointed as the school district's Freedom of Information Officer.