Want to speak at Pa. school board meeting? You better be a resident

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A suburban Pittsburgh school board has approved a measure that requires people to show proof of residency if they want to speak at board meetings.

The Gateway School Board approved the measure last week. Supporters say one goal is to allow residents a chance to talk and make sure people who don’t live there aren’t tying up the board’s time.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association says it knows of no other school district in the state with a similar requirement. It is common, however, for Pennsylvania towns and school districts to limit comments at public meetings to residents and taxpayers.

Sara Rose, an attorney with the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, called the measure “unfortunate and unnecessary.” She says, however, the board isn’t breaking any laws.