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School board changes public comments policy
By K.A. WAGONER - Staff Writer
Residents who wish to speak before the Franklin County School Board will now have a chance at every meeting.
The board voted unanimously Monday evening to approve an open comment period at the beginning of each meeting.
"We need a policy that allows the public to speak without jumping through hoops," said Gills Creek School Board Member Bill Brush. "We want them to feel welcome."
"For too long, residents haven't felt welcome," said Rocky Mount School Board Member Sarah Alexander. "They aren't allowed to speak unless they fill out forms and get prior approval."
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Prayer issue resurfaces at meeting
By CHARLES BOOTHE - Staff Writer
Prayer was again front and center at the beginning of Tuesday's Franklin County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Board Chairman David Cundiff opened the meeting before a standing-room-only crowd with a prayer, thanking God for the rain and asking for guidance. But it was a prayer that did not mention the name of Jesus.
The prayer controversy started last month when Dave Gresham, a county resident, complained to the board about opening meetings with a Christian prayer, one that refers specifically to Christ.
At that time, Gresham said freedom of religion and all religions should be respected, and saying a Christian prayer is a violation of the U.S. Constitution because it endorses a particular religion.
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