Board members also may invite patrons to give the opening remarks or choose not to address the board when it comes their turn.

Like many public bodies in Utah, board members take turns opening their monthly meetings with a prayer.

The bylaw change is the group's response to the Utah Atheists' complaint that the board not use its official power to promote personal religious agendas.

Some members wanted to nix opening remarks altogether, saying they distract the board and public from business.

"I am reluctant to have our meetings start out on an offensive note," board member Greg Haws said. "I would prefer to eliminate [opening remarks], get on with our business and start out on a happy note."

In the end, the board voted, 8-4, to broaden its policy by allowing members to invite constituents to share a prayer, poem or other insightful comments.

"I don't think prayer is necessary to have an effective state school board meeting, but at the same time, I'm concerned that we not become a nation who does not recognize the possibility of divine intervention in what we are doing and request it," board member John Pingree said.

Said fellow board member Bill Colbert: "Our country is founded on religious principles. . . . I think succumbing to a minority trying to force its way to make this society something they'd rather it be is wrong."

The new bylaws prohibit the board from previewing or editing opening remarks made by the public.

Gary Swenson led Friday's opening remarks with reverence for three teachers who made a difference in his life and then reading a prayer associated with American Indians' alcohol-awareness meetings. The prayer asked the "wind" for strength and wisdom.

rlynn@sltrib.com