The Wilkes County Board of Education affirms the public policy of this State that hearings, deliberations, and actions of public bodies be conducted openly.
Applicability
All “public bodies” holding official meetings must comply with the requirements of the open meetings law in Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. The term “public bodies” includes the board, any committees of the board, school improvement teams and, as defined by law, any other committee of two or more members that exercises or is authorized to exercise a legislative, policy-making, quasi-judicial, administrative, or advisory function, unless the committee or group is solely comprised of professional staff.
Compliance
As secretary to the Board of Education, the superintendent will provide required notice and record and maintain minutes of all official meetings of the Board or committees appointed by the Board. The principal or the principal’s designee will be responsible for compliance with the open meetings law by school improvement teams or any other public bodies at the school level. The superintendent or designee will make copies of the open meetings law available to any public bodies associated with the school district. The board and other public bodies of the school district are encouraged to consult the local board attorney in accordance with policy 2610, Board Attorney, to obtain advice on complying with the legal requirements of the open meetings law.
Notice
Notice will be given in accordance with law for all regularly scheduled meetings, emergency meetings, and any other meetings, such as public hearings, work sessions, electronic meetings or retreats.
Minutes
For all official meetings, whether held in open or closed session, minutes will be recorded and maintained in accordance with all legal requirements.
Permanent minutes shall be signed by the secretary upon approval of the Board.
Closed Sessions
Closed sessions will be held only when permitted by law. A motion to go into closed session must be made and adopted in open session in accordance with the requirements of G.S. 143-318.11(c).
Legal References: G.S. 143-318.9, .10 to .13, .16B
Cross References: Board Attorney (policy 2610)
Adopted: January 9, 2006