During times of crisis, it is more important than ever that charter school boards continue regular meetings to review materials on educational continuity, finance, and operations, and to vote on action items as necessary to maintain consistent and rigorous oversight. As public entities, charter boards must follow their state’s Open Meetings Law to ensure transparency and accountability.

As the pandemic evolves, many boards are grappling with dual needs: keeping stakeholders informed of, and in some cases, involved in decision-making on COVID-19-related changes to school programming, operations, and finance; and adhering to public health recommendations on social distancing.

This new guidance can help charter school authorizers ensure that school boards under their purview make necessary adjustments to protect public health while maintaining public transparency and trust through open governance activities.

ACCESS UPHOLDING OPEN MEETINGS LAW IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

Access more resources for responding to COVID-19 for authorizers and charter schools here.