Think twice before sending that e-mail
If you are an elected official, e-mails can be a violation of the Sunshine Law. If a quorum, or majority, of board members are discussing an issue, it must be done publicly, with the exception of a few issues. That can be a problem when board members start e-mailing each other and copying the rest of the board those e-mails, says Ken Baker, a solicitor for several area districts. He said it's OK to send facts to other board members or to suggest a question for the board meeting. But he says it's best for the e-mails to stop there. Other attorneys, both at the local and state level, agree with his advice.
Labels: e-mail, Sunshine law
posted by Dawn Keller at
3:48 PM
5 Comments:
I find this topic interesting. Our school board claims everything is a "personnel issue" and must be discussed in executive session. When the public speaks or asks a question, the board just stares; like they didn't even hear the person speak!
There has to be email chatter going on. It is so obvious that pre-board meeting discussion occurs, when controversial community educational issues arise and there is no public board discussion. Just a vote.
They are not just using email...they are using that old-fashioned method, the telephone. No evidence of discussions involved and no paper (or electronic) trail!
Everyone hears you Lauff. They are just smart enough to ignore you.
Wow.
What is next weeks big story? "Think twice before speeding"?
Is there any proof in the article that this is happening? Or was it noted that most solicitors keep school board members aware of following these guidelines (as well as keeping "personnel issues" in executive session)?
Way to keep the wedge between parties though. Whatever keeps the paper afloat. No wonder folks don't want to run for school boards, or look for reasons to rip the few willing to do so.
Easy now anon. Actually it looks like the article shows that the advice is given from the solicitor to the board members.
I think it would be easy to fall into that trap though, if only that many members have other responsibilities outside of their duties and with the way technology is today. Hence having solicitors to assist with what and what isn't legal.
WL
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