East Central Reporter

Deerfield, Illinois – Allegations have emerged that the Deerfield School District #109 Board of Education violated its public comment policy and the state's Open Meetings Act during an April 10 board meeting. The board chairman reportedly forced nonresidents to comment last, required speakers to disclose their residences, and reduced speaking times to two minutes per person.

The board's actions reportedly contravened their own Policy 2:230, which outlines public comment guidelines. According to Illinois Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2.06 (g), "Any person shall be permitted an opportunity to address public officials under the rules established and recorded by the public body."

There are calls for those whose speaking rights were allegedly violated to consider filing complaints with the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor or pursuing legal action through the circuit court for breach of the Open Meetings Act and board policy.