Topic 3: Communication Between Board Members (Including Legal Restrictions)

Topic 3: Communication Between Board Members (Including Legal Restrictions)

Objective:
To ensure Board members adhere to FOIA regulations, maintain transparency, and avoid creating the appearance of a “meeting” outside legal boundaries.

Internal and External Stakeholders:

• Internal: Board of Education, Superintendent, Legal Counsel

• External: Public (for transparency compliance)

Step-by-Step Operations Procedure:

1. Board members must refrain from discussing Board business outside public meetings.

2. Group emails, text threads, or chats about Board matters are discouraged to prevent FOIA violations.

3. Board communication should flow through the Chair for agenda building and discussion coordination.

Step-by-Step Communications Procedure:

1. If a member receives a multi-member email on Board business, they should not reply to the group.

2. Agenda items should be proposed to the Chairperson no later than five business days before public posting.

3. Caucus meetings for party-aligned groups may occur but must remain compliant with FOIA rules.

Possible Communication Mediums:

• One-on-One Conversations (Not Quorum)

• Email to Board Chair Only

• Approved Caucus Meetings

• Legal Consultations