At the February 27 MNPS Board Meeting, a large number of MLK stakeholders signed up to speak during the public participation section of the meeting (beginning at the 74 minute mark).  These constituents shared concerns regarding the plan to eliminate 7th & 8th grade at MLK and requested transparent conversation.   Unfortunately, there have still been no community meetings or engagement from MNPS leadership regarding this matter.

The agenda for the March 26 MNPS Board Meeting includes a proposal to revise public participation policy (1.404) in what appears to be a direct response to MLK's involvement in the February 27th meeting.   In an effort to filter and control who can speak and what can be said during this portion of the board meetings, here are some notable changes:

1 - Those wanting to make a presentation to the Board must submit a written request to the Board Chair and Director of Schools at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting.

2 - Total public participation time is restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes.

3 - If a large number sign up to speak, the board chair will divide the 30 minutes among the speakers.

4 - Remarks must be submitted in writing 48 hours prior to the board meeting.

Instead of listening to the voices of constituents, MNPS Board Members are seeking to further silence and restrict the public.  Please reach out to your MNPS School Board Representative immediately to voice your opposition to this proposed policy change.

The MLK community continues to ask for transparency from the district, a forum for conversation, and answers to the questions/concerns that have been expressed.