The Oklahoma Board of Education recently faced a dispute over whether they were violating the Open Meeting Act by holding executive sessions without proper notice. The board’s legal counsel advised them to seek a declaratory judgement from a district court to determine whether their executive sessions were indeed in violation of the law.
However, instead of immediately taking legal action, the board decided to delay involving the courts and seek alternative solutions to the issue. They plan to create a subcommittee to review their executive session policies and ensure they are in compliance with the Open Meeting Act.
The delay in getting courts involved has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe it is a responsible decision to thoroughly review their practices before resorting to legal action. Others argue that the board should have sought clarity from the courts sooner to ensure transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes.
The executive session dispute has raised concerns about the board’s adherence to the Open Meeting Act and the importance of transparency in government proceedings. The delay in seeking legal clarification shows a willingness to address these concerns internally and make necessary changes to ensure compliance with the law.
Moving forward, the board’s subcommittee will work to review their executive session practices and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are in accordance with the Open Meeting Act. The decision to delay involving the courts reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in the Oklahoma Board of Education’s decision-making processes.
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