Oklahoma City school board considers banning public comment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A string of contentious exchanges and recent outbursts has caused the leader of the Oklahoma City school board to consider eliminating public comment at meetings.

Board Chairwoman Lynne Hardin tells The Oklahoman that she is also considering whether to get rid of comments by board members. She plans to meet with the board next month to discuss these options.

Hardin says that it’s not an effective use of the board’s time to be arguing over issues that don’t add to the meeting.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 27. Hardin says she is considering whether to suspend both comment periods for the meeting, which is usually the longest one of the year.

Board members say it’s Hardin’s choice to remove public comment and board comment.