NJSBA Meeting Guide
- What is the role of the school board and the superintendent?
- If I have a problem, is the school board the appropriate body to address it?
- What is protocol for public participation at board meetings?
- Boards may choose to respond to public comments by seeking additional information or delegating authority to the superintendent or a designee to investigate an issue.
- Why can’t the public witness what occurs during a school board closed session?
- My school board seems to rapidly work through its agenda without much debate. Why is that?
- What is the difference between a school board’s policy and state regulations and statutes?
- What role does the New Jersey Department of Education play?
What is the role of the school board and the superintendent?
If I have a problem, is the school board the appropriate body to address it?
What is protocol for public participation at board meetings?
Boards may choose to respond to public comments by seeking additional information or delegating authority to the superintendent or a designee to investigate an issue.
Why can’t the public witness what occurs during a school board closed session?
My school board seems to rapidly work through its agenda without much debate. Why is that?
What is the difference between a school board’s policy and state regulations and statutes?
What role does the New Jersey Department of Education play?
Quick Guide
NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF 1975/OPMA ALSO KNOWN AS THE SUNSHINE LAW:
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Provides residents with the right to witness in full detail all phases of government deliberation, policy formation and decision making.
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Requires public bodies to provide 48 hours public notice of all meetings, the right to attend those meetings and provide minutes following those sessions.
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Goes into effect whenever a quorum is present, whether in person, by phone, conference calls, email or other means of electronic communication. Read more about the act and technology.
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School boards are required to set aside a portion of every meeting for public comment.
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Written policies may be adopted regarding time limits and sign-in procedures.
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School boards are not required to respond to questions.
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A public body cannot prohibit public comments based on subject matter if the comments relate to any issue “that a member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the municipality or school district.”
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Notice of an emergency meeting must include an agenda.
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Resolutions must be passed to go into executive sessions and the time when the board anticipates the minutes of the session will be made available.
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Closed-door meetings are permitted under strict guidelines.
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Votes cannot occur in executive sessions. One exception to the rule requires boards to vote to certify tenure charges in a closed session.