Governance
We have a broad range of experience in representing school districts in matters related to governance. We also regularly conduct training programs and workshops on governance related topics to boards of education and staff members.
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT ("PRA")
The public and media outlets have taken a renewed interest in obtaining and sharing public records. We are prepared to assist you in all aspects of the PRA process including, among other things:
- Reviewing and analyzing PRA requests
- Coordinating record searches, including searches of email and other electronic records
- Exceptions to disclosure
- Initial and final responses
- Reverse PRA and Marken actions
- Defending against PRA actions
Brown Act
California’s open meeting laws require careful analysis regarding when matters must be heard in open or closed sessions. In addition, those laws impose several procedural requirements related to governing board meetings. We regularly attend governing board meetings and advise school administration and governing boards concerning, among other things:
- Agenda content and posting
- Public hearings
- The public's right to comment on agenda matters and add matters to the governing board's agenda
- Closed session topics, including conferences with legal counsel
- Remedying Brown Act violations
- Defending against Brown Act claims
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest can result in significant legal exposure. We regularly advise clients regarding, among other areas:
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- 1090 compliance
- Form 700
- Advising the public regarding ballot measures
- Ethics
Governance and Procedure
We represent school districts in the broad range of issues boards regularly encounter. These issues include the following, among many others:
- Board Policy, Administrative Regulation and Board Bylaw development and review
- Maintaining positive public relations
- California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA")
- Board procedures