BHE

USE OF ELECTRONIC MESSAGING BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

As elected public officials, School Committee members shall exercise caution when communicating between and among themselves via electronic messaging services including, but not limited to, electronic mail (e-mail), Internet web forums, and Internet chat rooms.

Under the Open Meeting Law, deliberation by a quorum of members constitutes a meeting. Deliberation is defined as movement toward a decision including, but not limited to, the sharing of an opinion regarding business over which the Committee has supervision, control, or jurisdiction. A quorum may be arrived at sequentially using electronic messaging without knowledge and intent by the author.

Under the Public Records Law, electronic messages between public officials may be considered public records and be available for inspection. Therefore, in order to ensure compliance the District shall provide district e-mail addresses, which are archived. In order to insure that AWRSD is in compliance with records keeping regulations and accepted practices all School Committee related e-mail correspondence should be conducted using the District provided e-mail account.

SOURCE: MASC

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L.4:7; 30A:18-25, 23B; 66:10

First Reading: 6/24/14 Second Reading: 7/22/14 ADOPTED: 08/19/14 Reviewed: 02/04/20