OGDEN, Utah -- Ogden's school board wants to change the public comment process at meetings, suggesting members need time to prepare responses rather than deal with spontaneous inquiries from the public that aren't on the agenda.

Board members are considering a proposal that would require people to submit questions and comments two days before a scheduled meeting. The current policy requires four days' notice but hasn't been enforced for years, said Noel Zabriskie, the district superintendent.

"It basically came up because a couple of board members were concerned about our current process, where anyone can sign up and address the board," he said. "It didn't give adequate time for them to prepare a response."

Citizen input could be submitted by phone, in person or through e-mail, Zabriskie said.

State public meeting laws require boards to post a meeting agenda in advance and then stick to it, board member Rick Noorda said. The two-day policy would make the board more responsive, he said.

"All we can do now is listen. We can't even clap or show any kind of response. We can just say 'Thank you for your comment,' " Noorda said. "We want, as a board, to be able to respond honestly and frankly that night."

The policy isn't an effort to stifle speech, nor would it block the public from speaking up during board meetings, board members said.

No public objections to the policy have been raised so far.

A final vote on the proposal is expected next week. If approved, the policy becomes effective in January.