Detroit Lakes board limits public speaking to one minute

Detroit Lakes residents had just 60 seconds to address the school board during the Monday night meeting. The change reduced the standard five-minute allowance per speaker to one minute while keeping the total public comment window at 15 minutes. The board also moved the segment from the beginning of the meeting to the end.

Parent Kristina Somes learned of the adjustment through an email. She said the message thanked residents for their understanding. Somes described the short time as frustrating for a parent in the community. She viewed the period as her opportunity to speak directly to the board.

Speakers adapted to the new format in various ways. Some individuals gave their allotted time to other speakers. Others registered as groups with a single representative to maximize the use of the limited slots. Rev. Beth Copenhaver of the Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes called the decision cowardly. She noted that the board moved the comment period after other business was handled.

Many residents focused their brief remarks on Policy 505. The proposed rule was not listed on the official agenda. It would restrict when students and staff can display non-school sponsored materials, such as rainbow flags, on campus. Nicole Hadding, a parent, said she felt cheated. She had to shorten her prepared remarks to fit the one-minute limit.

Chairperson John Steffl explained the decision at the start of the meeting. He said the agenda included multiple presentations and reports. Steffl stated that the superintendent and other board members wanted to focus on the administrative reports. The change was described as a one-time policy.

Robert Koschnick of the Becker County Republicans said the new format treated everyone equally. He tried to make his point within the restricted time. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23. The board has not decided if the one-minute limit will apply to future sessions.