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LEGAL BRIEF

If you’ve ever watched the Oscars, maybe you’ve had the same thought I have: It takes a lot of people to make a movie! Only a few have starring roles. Many more work behind the scenes.

Similarly, at school board meetings, we focus on the stars — the board members. But we also should consider the essential administrative work that makes public meetings possible.

Open meeting laws vary, so your starting place is to know your state’s requirements for calling, posting, conducting and making an official record of your board’s public meetings.

Consider these practical ideas to help your board meet and exceed the basic compliance requirements for conducting open meetings.