Board Meeting - What to Expect Summary

Regular Meeting (normal, scheduled business meetings of the Board):

• The agenda must be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
• The public is allowed to address the Board on items on the agenda and items that are within the Board's jurisdiction that are not on the agenda.
  • The Board may set public comment time limits

Special Meeting (called before the next regularly-scheduled Board meeting):

• The agenda must be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. 
• Only items on the agenda may be considered. 
  • The public is allowed to address the Board, but only concerning items on the agenda for consideration.

Emergency Meeting (work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs public health, safety, or both): 

• A one-hour notice must be given by phone to local media. (There is an exception for a “dire emergency,” in which there is a “crippling disaster, mass destruction, terrorist act)
• Only items listed on the agenda may be considered.
• Minutes should be taken and must be posted in public within 10 days. 

Opening Business/Closed Session
The Board will open the meeting and establish a quorum.  
The Board will identify closed session items. 

Board/Staff/Student Rep./Union Groups (DTA/CSEA)/Superintendent Comments
Board members, Staff, Student Representatives, Union Groups (DTA & CSEA). and the Superintendent will share site visits or events attended, as well as celebrate the great work of the district/staff.

Consent Calendar
Items that are considered to be routine and will be enacted in one motion. No discussion of these items will be held prior to the time the Board considers the motion unless a board member requests that an item be discussed or removed. 

Action/Discussion/Information
Items presented to the Board for action, discussion, or informational purposes. These items will include the recommendation, which outlines what is being asked of the Board.  

Items Not Listed on the Agenda: 
This item is listed on the agenda as "public comment on Non-Agendized items"; public comment regarding items not listed on the agenda will be heard at that time.  (Regular meetings only, does not pertain to special meetings) 

Items Listed on the Agenda:
Members of the public attending the meeting wishing to address the Board regarding items on the agenda may do so when the item is under consideration, assuming the item falls within the Board’s jurisdiction.  

Please refer to the Board meeting agenda for specific instructions on speaking at a board meeting, time limits, etc. If you have any questions, reach out to Tricia Zarevich, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, at tzarevich@lgsuhsd.org. 

What is Closed Session on an Agenda?
Closed Sessions are confidentially held with the Board and any designated individual(s) or legal counsel.

The allowable closed session topics come from the statute (Brown Act).

Are decisions made in Closed Session?
Action in Closed Session is reserved for only specific types of items.  Generally, actions taken in Closed Session must be reported to the public

Why are they not responding to my public comment?
The Brown Act guarantees the public's right to attend and participate (provide public comment) in meetings of local legislative bodies.  

All of the Board's work is done in public, except for closed session items.  Therefore, the Board cannot discuss a topic that is raised in general public comment because that item was not on the agenda and other members of the public would not have an opportunity to be present.

Trustees work at the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
Board Trustees often have full-time jobs outside of their elected position and are only present at LGSUHSD Board Meetings, one-on-one meetings with the Superintendent, or at site events/activities.

The Board already discussed the item they are about to vote on
Under the Brown Act, the Board cannot legally discuss items within their jurisdiction outside of a public meeting.

This is why the Board doesn't reply to emails sent to all or multiple Board Members.  

The Board President is the only member who can speak on behalf of the Board.  

The Brown Act prohibits 'serial meetings,' which can inadvertently occur if communications are sent to or from multiple Board members.