|
Revised (Dec 15 2009)
Board of education meetings
Board meetings must be held in public unless the board decides that it is in the public’s interest to hold a private session (closed or in‑camera) meeting. It is important not to abuse this power. Potential controversy or embarrassment to the board are not usually sufficient reasons for an in-camera meeting.
Board procedures specify what matters are discussed in camera and these are generally consistent with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Closed sessions may involve taking votes or just committee of the whole discussions. These are confidential discussions and trustees are ethically bound not to disclose the information elsewhere. It is a good idea to review at the end of the meeting what and how information will be released and whether there are matters that trustees can discuss openly without violating confidentiality.
Boards of education define their communities’ vision for the future of public education and translate that vision into action through their decisions. Public education decisions affect real people in real ways and simple solutions are rare. Most decisions involve weighing different options and considering their potential implications and consequences. Ask questions, often and early. If you don’t know or understand, it’s likely others would benefit from clarification, too.
|
Levels of community involvement
