THE SUPER SECRET "SPECIAL MEETINGS" and the BROWN ACT

Today, January 24, 2019, the Nmusd Board of Education had yet another board meeting. It once again started at 8:00 AM, which is a time that most people/parents cannot attend. Once again there was very short notice that the meeting was going to be held, so only the public who follows the activities of the board, would know that it was going happen.

Traditionally, the supposed purposes of these meetings are announced and the public is allowed to give their three minute comments before the board leaves for their CLOSED DOOR SESSION. The purpose of this meeting was “Public Employee Evaluation: Title-Superintendent (pursuant to Government Code Section 54957).

Historically these “Special Meetings” are called something other than what theY turn out to be. It is merely a cover for getting together to discuss something they do not want the public to hear.

Please note that this notice was posted January 22, 10`9 at 3:48 PM. Two days before the actual meeting day. Not exactly welcoming.

I am NOT writing this to whine about the underhanded way the district chooses to effectively bar people from attending the “Special Meetings”, but to bring to your attention that I believe that this is a violation of the Brown Act that has gone on for far too long.

https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/open-meetings-3/facs-brown-act-primer/

The Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code sections 54950-54963, referred to as the “Brown Act”) is intended to provide public access to meetings of California local government agencies. Its purpose is described in the Act: “The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them.

To further summarize, the Brown Act is in place so that we (the public) actually know what is going on. We need to know the subjects (that are legally allowed), and who argued what, who knows what, and who has actual knowledge, and has clearly done their homework. Some trustees are fond of saying “I do so much work behind the scenes, that you don’t even know”.

NO! We don’t want work “behind the scenes”. The public needs and wants to know!

Suggestion to the board::

• Have very few “Special Meetings”
• Give at least five days’ notice.
• DISCUSS EVERYTHING THAT IS LEGALLY ALLOWABLE IN PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Have meetings at an hour in which the public can attend

THIS IS THE NOTICE OF THE MEETING POSTED ON:

https://newportmesa.agendaonli...

Special Meeting of the Board of Education

Newport-Mesa USD

January 24, 2019 8:00AM

District Education Center - Roderick H. MacMillian Board Room 2985 A Bear Street Costa Mesa, California 92626

1. Special Meeting 8:00 a.m.

2. Call to Order

2.a. Call to Order - Presiding Chairperson

3. Opening Ceremonies

3.a. Silent Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

4. Roll Call

4.a. Board of Education/Superintendent

5. Adoption of Agenda

5.a. Adoption of Agenda

6. Community Input on Special Agenda Items Only

6.a. Comment Cards are Requested to be Completed Prior to Addressing the Board

Quick Summary / Abstract:

This is an opportunity for the public to address the Board regarding items on the Special Meeting agenda. Each speaker has 3 minutes to address the Board and speakers may not cede unused time to other speakers. Per BB 9323, there is a maximum of 20 minutes of comments per topic. With Board consent the President may increase or decrease the time allowed for public comments, depending on the topic and the number of persons wishing to speak.

All comments are recorded in full on the meeting video record. When addressing the Board, it is helpful if you state your name and address for the record.

7. Closed Session

7.a. Public Employee Evaluation: Title - Superintendent (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)

8. Adjournment

Published: January 22, 2019, 3:48 PM