Skip to content
NewsletterJoin the newsletter

Template · Make your ask

Public comment script

When to use this

Two minutes is about 250 words spoken at a calm pace. Most boards limit comments to two or three minutes, so time yourself out loud.

About 10 minutes to personalize

Before the meeting

  1. Check the agenda and the district's rules for public comment. Many boards require you to sign up in advance or submit a card at the meeting.
  2. Speak during the agenda item on technology if there is one. Otherwise use general public comment.
  3. Bring five to eight printed copies of one research brief for board members.
  4. Email your written comment to the board secretary the same day so it becomes part of the record.

The five parts

  1. Who you are (10 seconds)
  2. Your ask, stated once and clearly (15 seconds)
  3. What you've seen locally (30 seconds)
  4. One piece of evidence, stated honestly (30 seconds)
  5. What other districts have done, then thanks (30 seconds)

Template text

[Highlighted] text is yours to fill in.

Good evening, Chair [name] and members of the board. My name is [name]. I live in [city] and I'm the parent of a [grade] grader at [school].

I'm asking the board to [your ask, for example: direct the superintendent to develop a policy that limits individual devices in kindergarten through second grade to assessments and accommodations].

[Local observation, for example: My daughter tells me she spends most of her math time on an app. When I asked her teacher, I learned the teacher is required to assign a set number of minutes each week.] I'm not here to criticize teachers. They're doing their best with the tools they've been given.

Research gives us reason to be careful. [One finding with its strength, for example: A review of 54 studies found that students tend to understand what they read somewhat better on paper than on screens, especially for informational text.] That doesn't mean all screen use is harmful. It means paper should be the default for core learning, and technology should be used when it clearly helps.

Other districts are acting. [Example: Medford is reducing devices in K-2 this year, and Lake Oswego is keeping elementary devices at school.] Our kids deserve the same thoughtful approach.

Any policy should fully protect assistive technology and IEP and 504 accommodations.

I've left a one-page summary for each of you. Thank you for your time and for your service.

Keep the accessibility line. This request never applies to assistive technology, AAC devices, or accommodations under IEP and 504 plans.

Tips

  • Say your ask only once, clearly. Don't list five asks.
  • Speak to the board, not the audience.
  • If a board member responds, thank them. Follow up by email within a few days.