Colorado's "Sunshine Law" was passed so that people entrusted with public funds conduct their business in public. Charter school boards are subject to the Sunshine Law. A few quick points critical for all charter board members to know:
* Three board members cannot meet without there being a properly posted meeting. Two can meet or speak on the phone, but not three or more.
* There should never be email discussions amongst board members. Email is treated the same as the telephone or a meeting in the law. One individual can send out an email as an FYI, or get a "Reply" email, but never hit the "Reply All" button!
* Less than half of a board's meetings should have an Executive Session, and then it should be properly noted on the agenda why an Executive Session will be held. Board members should help each other to adhere to the legally-permissible topic while in Executive Session.
* Never take a vote in Executive Session. If parents are at the meeting, let them know if you'll be taking a vote after the Executive Session before you adjourn to Executive Session.
* Every school should publicize their Sunshine List. This allows parents or interested community members to get notified whenever the board meets or posts an agenda. (All school districts have this, too!)
* Board member's personal email is subject to Open Records requests if they use it to discuss school business.
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