Public Testimony Overview

A short guide to participating at public meetings. PLEASE NOTE, you do not need to be perfect to be effective or to make a difference. Showing up and speaking from the heart has a big impact.

You are the expert on your lived experience.

What to Expect

At SLCUSD Board meetings, public comment over Zoom has been discontinued, so you’ll need to show up in person. Make sure to double check meeting locations, as they can take place in either in SLO or Los Osos.

At the meeting, there will be yellow forms to fill out by providing your name and the issue you’d like to comment on.

There is an opportunity to speak at a general public comment period (generally reserved for subjects not listed on the published agenda) and during particular agenda items.

Because the board cannot discuss items/subjects not listed on the public agenda, they may not directly address your comments after hearing them (which can feel very strange in person).

Preparing for Public Testimony

Preparation is important. Try to be clear, structured, and persuasive. Start with research, then craft a message that blends fact and story to humanize the issue.

Where preparing for testimony:

  • Research the issue and decisionmakers.

  • Identify your core message—what’s at stake?

  • Stick to a 2-3 minute structured format (Problem → Impact → Solution).

  • Personal stories + data = compelling testimony.

Structuring Your Testimony (Example)

This structure ensures clarity, impact, and brevity. Stories backed by facts that blend personal narratives with research make your point memorable.

  • Introduce Yourself (Name, Organization, Role).

  • State Your Position (Support/Oppose X policy, bill, decision).

  • Try to introduce something new. (This could be a nuance in the position, in the storytelling/data, or a proposed solution).

  • Tell a Story or Provide Data (Why does this matter? Who is impacted?).

  • Propose a Solution (Concrete ask: “I urge you to vote YES/NO”).

  • Close Strongly (Restate ask, thank them).

Best Practices for Delivery

Try for confidence and clarity. Stay on message, keep a strong posture, and address the decisionmakers directly.

Steps for delivery:

  • Speak slowly & clearly (2-3 minutes max).

  • Stay calm & confident—you are the expert on your lived experience.

  • Address decisionmakers directly (e.g., “Chairperson, Members of the Committee”).

Written Public Comments: How to Make an Impact

Concise, factual, and compelling written comments can also be effective. Policymakers don’t have time for lengthy essays, so keep your main points crisp and actionable.

SLCUSD no longer provides a form for written public comment, and does not read written comments publicly. The most effective way to get comment into the record is to email the entire Board of Trustees and Superintendent Eric Prater. However, your email will not be publicly available until the next meeting agenda is released (which might 2+ weeks).

  • Be concise (1-2 pages max).

  • Use evidence & personal narratives.

  • Stay on topic & be specific.

  • Make a clear ask (e.g., "We urge you to support X policy").

Contact Decision Makers Directly

Don’t know who to contact? Reach out and we can point you in the right direction!