Navigating the ins and outs of the Open Public Meetings Act can make all the difference between a constructive meeting with an informed public or a invalid meeting with lawsuits and public relations nightmares. Recently the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court gave important guidance to Boards of Education and other public bodies regarding the timing, sequence and subject matter of executive session discussions and public discussions in the case of McGovern v. Rutgers Board of Governors. By reviewing this case, other relevant cases, and the OPMA, the discussion will focus on potential pitfalls and best practices to help board members and boards make sure they respect important privacy rights while ensuring the rights of the public to see and comment upon democracy in action.
