The meeting began with the usual formalities, including a motion to approve the agenda. However, the session soon encountered complications during the public comment phase, as numerous participants found themselves unable to access the virtual meeting. Board members received reports of attendees facing barriers to entry, with one member exclaiming, “My phone has been blowing up constantly now for the last 45 minutes,” highlighting the extent of the issue. The board acknowledged these technical difficulties and considered postponing the meeting to address them adequately.

A motion to reschedule was proposed and seconded, leading to discussions about potential new dates. Members weighed their availability, ultimately agreeing to reconvene on March 26th at 7:00 PM. There was also a brief discussion about who would facilitate the meeting in the absence of a member who would be out of state.

The board also debated how to manage the high volume of public commentary anticipated for the next meeting. Suggestions included creating a list of speakers who could sign up in advance, thus allowing better management of time and ensuring everyone’s opportunity to speak. While some members disagreed about the structure of public comments, there was consensus on the importance of maintaining the three-minute limit for individual comments.

To further accommodate those unable to attend in person, a dedicated email address was established for submitting comments or questions. The email address, formatted as “lhsdboeqa@lessd.org,” will be featured on the district’s communication channels, such as the YouTube live stream and the district’s Facebook page, to ensure accessibility. The board committed to reviewing and distributing incoming emails among members to maintain transparency and engagement with public feedback.

One board member reflected on the rarity of such community involvement and emphasized their desire for continued participation. A sentiment of appreciation for public involvement was echoed throughout the meeting, with hopes expressed for increased in-person attendance at future sessions.

As the meeting drew to a close, members reiterated their apologies for the technical issues and their commitment to addressing public comments, whether through email or in person. Several members expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and engagement. With the meeting officially adjourned, the board confirmed the rescheduled time, clarifying that the next meeting would begin at 7:00 PM, not the previously mentioned 7:30 PM.