Is the Sarasota County School Board required to hold a public comment session?

The Sarasota County School Board must hear public comment before taking action on a proposition, as outlined in Florida Statute 286.0114.

A vote on a proposition doesn’t have to occur in the same meeting as the public comment, as long as time is made for the community to speak before any action is taken.

Board members aren’t required to alter their opinion based on public comments. While public comment can influence policy decisions, the school board typically doesn’t make major changes to a proposal after hearing from the community.

The Sarasota County School Goard approved a resolution on Jan. 20 that threatens disciplinary action for district personnel who interfere with local ICE operations. About 300 protesters stood outside the meeting that featured a five-hour public comment section –– most of whom spoke out against the resolution –– but the board still passed it in a 3-2 vote.