OML-AO-05433

From: Jobin-Davis, Camille (DOS)
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2014 11:50 AM
To:
Subject: Open Meetings Law - School Leadership Teams
Attachments: Scan001.pdf

Dear

This is in response to your email of November 4, copy attached.

It has long been our advice that School Leadership Teams are public bodies subject to the Open
Meetings Law. See http://docs.dos.ny.gov/coog/otext/o3828.htm and
http://docs.dos.ny.gov/coog/otext/o2456.htm

In my opinion, insofar as the decision in Portelos v NYC Board of Education pertains to whether an SLT is
a public body, subject to OML, it could be distinguished on the following grounds:

a. The court ruled, first, that the petition was untimely; any opinion offered afterwards is dicta.
b. Comprehensive Educational Plans, for which SLTs are responsible, are required by Education
Law (see opinions linked above).
c. Education Law requires meetings at least every month and notice of meetings provided
consistent with Open Meetings Law (see opinions linked above).

I hope this is helpful.

Camille

Camille S. Jobin-Davis, Esq.
Assistant Director
NYS Committee on Open Government
Department of State
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 650
Albany, NY 12231
518-474-2518
518-474-1927 fax
camille.jobin-davis@dos.ny.gov
www.dos.ny.gov/coog