In most states, school districts comply with the open meeting law by holding their school board meetings on the same day and time and at the same location every month. They publish a calendar of meetings for the year in advance, post the schedule on the district's website and send it to everyone on their email list, including the media. Regular meetings are open, meaning anyone may attend. The public is permitted to speak at most meetings, in some cases only if they register in advance. Agendas for each meeting may be posted several days in advance so anyone who might be interested in the discussion can plan to attend.
Sometimes the school board may hold a closed meeting, which means it isn't open to the public. Only sensitive, private issues merit closed meetings -- such as salary discussions, negotiations and discussions about whether to take disciplinary action against an employee or student. After the meeting, a summary is usually written describing the discussion and the decisions made or action taken.
When a topic comes up unexpectedly that can't wait until the next scheduled meeting, boards can call special meetings. Their established bylaws typically state a period of advance notice that must be given before a special meeting, such as 48 hours. The notice will state the date, time, location and purpose of the meeting. Only that topic will be discussed at the special meeting. Emergency meetings can be called with just a few hours' notice when a critical issue arises and must be handled immediately.
School boards often work at the committee level to delve deeper into topics that merit discussion. For example, a school board may have committees on school boundaries, finances, personnel, salary and budgets, technology, construction and student functions, among others. Committee members research the topic by receiving data and input from other school district staff, students and sometimes the public. Once the committee has determined its findings, it makes a report to the full board. Committee meetings are normally open to public attendance.
School boards often hold work sessions before regular meetings, which help them prepare for the meeting. Members and staff may share information, and sometimes the public contributes input. Work sessions help inform the members of all data surrounding an issue so the scheduled meeting runs more smoothly and efficiently. Retreats are planning meetings held at locations other than the regular meeting location. Sometimes training sessions are held at retreats, although no voting occurs and action isn't taken on issues.