In what manner must the board staff be notified of a public member's interest to speak?

The requirement for notifying the board staff of a public member's interest to speak is established to ensure that the communication is formal and documented. When notification is given in writing, it provides a clear and verifiable record of the request, which is essential for maintaining organized and transparent processes during meetings. This written notification can be easily referred back to, ensuring that all members who wish to participate in the discussion are accounted for ahead of time.

The other methods of notification, such as a phone call or in-person notification on the meeting day, lack this formal documentation and may lead to misunderstandings or confusion regarding who has requested to speak. Similarly, using social media is not a proper channel for official communication in a formal setting like a board meeting. The adherence to a written notification process underscores the significance of clear communication and documentation in professional settings such as board meetings.