BD216 - Board Meetings Closed Sessions

Policy

Section: Board of Directors

SubSection: Board Meetings

In general, all meetings shall be conducted in open public sessions. Closed sessions may be held in accordance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law as either “exceptions” or “exemptions” to the law.

“Exceptions” to the Iowa Open Meetings Law.

This type of closed session occurs during an open meeting. A special motion stating the reason for the closed meeting must be made and seconded followed by an affirmative roll call vote of either two thirds of the total membership or all members present. The reason for holding the closed session by reference to a specific exception under this provision of the law, and each member’s vote on the question of holding the closed session shall be announced at the open session and entered in the minutes.

The Board shall not discuss any business during a closed session not directly related to the specific reason announced for the closed session. All sessions closed under this provision shall be audio recorded and include detailed minutes. The minutes and audio recordings shall be kept for one year from the meeting date. Real estate-related minutes and tapes must be released after completing the transaction.

The Board may enter into this type of closed session for the reasons specified in Iowa Code 21.5, or other reasons as may be allowed by law.
“Exemptions” to the Iowa Open Meetings Law

This type of closed session is exempt from the Iowa Open Meetings Law, may be held separate from an open public meeting, and may be held without public notice. The Board may enter into this type of closed session as provided by law, including discussing negotiation strategies regarding a certified bargaining unit, discussing negotiation strategies for groups of employees not included in a certified bargaining unit, and conducting private hearings relating to recommended terminations of teachers’ contracts and a teacher-requested said private hearing. No record need be maintained of negotiation strategy sessions. The private hearing in a teacher’s contract termination shall be recorded by a court reporter.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code 20.17

Iowa Code 21.5

Iowa Code 279.15-16

Adopted: January 17, 1984
Reviewed: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2019, 2023

Revised:
January 10, 2000

October 10, 2011