Electronic Meetings, Controversial Topics, and Deep Dive Sessions
On February 2, 2022, DWK will bring together its legal experts and a panel of seasoned Superintendents to present our second annual Brown Act Survival Training program, with a focus on how to tackle the most challenging aspects of the Brown Act. This three-hour virtual webinar will focus on practical approaches to the real-world issues facing board members and district staff and will include a discussion of changes coming for 2022.
Designed to go beyond a basic Brown Act training, the webinar will include group discussions, concurrent breakout sessions, and a panel conversation with four superintendents who will discuss approaches to managing controversial issues in board meetings.
Key topics will include:
- Electronic Meetings: AB 361 & Teleconference Requirements
Is your board meeting electronically? AB 361 provides boards with new options – and requirements – for holding electronic meetings in emergencies. This discussion will address its provisions, from required findings to real-time public comment, and the differences between AB 361 and the traditional teleconference option. - What Else Is New For The Brown Act In 2022
More new laws and cases? Beyond AB 361 and electronic meetings, this session will provide a summary of other important Brown Act developments heading into 2022. - Special Feature! Superintendents’ Panel: Handling Controversial Topics At Board Meetings
There is no shortage of news stories about disorderly or cancelled governing board meeting as District staff and boards face new and unprecedented legal and practical challenges at board meetings. For this panel, we will be joined by four superintendents from across California to discuss real-world approaches to handling challenging meetings.
Participants will also select one “deep dive” breakout session to attend from among the following:
- Committees and Subcommittees: When Does the Brown Act Apply?
Councils, committees, subcommittees . . . must they all follow the Brown Act? In this deep dive session we will review how, whether and when open meeting rules apply to board committees, community/parent advisory committees, and staff committees based on structure, composition and purpose. - Student Privacy At Public Meetings: Handling Student Matters
How do you meet the Brown Act’s openness requirements while protecting the privacy of students? This deep dive session will explore this question and approaches taken by districts to develop practical procedures for student matters in compliance with the Brown Act and student privacy concerns. - Surviving Governance Challenges: Handling Public Criticism and Complaints Directed Against Board Members, Administration, and Staff
While the Brown Act includes robust rights that protect public criticism at meetings, there are limits. Through the use of discussion scenarios, we will provide guidance and identify best practices for dealing with public criticism and other hostile behavior directed toward board members, administrators, and employees at board meetings. The deep dive session will also explore challenges faced when a board member, employee, or member of the public brings a complaint against a board member or member of the administrative team. - Handling Brown Act Complaints: Response Requirements & Litigation
Your district received a Brown Act complaint, what do you next? Understanding the type of complaint received and options for responding may be vital to protecting the board. This deep dive session with explain the different types of complaints, the specific requirements for each, and approaches for responding or litigating if necessary. - Brown Act In 60 Minutes: Basics & Tips For Those New To The Brown Act
New to the Brown Act or looking for a refresher? This deep dive session will provide a summary of the fundamentals of the Brown Act with emphasis on tricks and traps for those looking to build a strong foundational understanding its requirements.
Who Should Attend:
This Brown Act training is designed specifically for Board members; Superintendents or Chancellors; Assistant Superintendents, Vice Chancellors, and cabinet members; Directors and other senior staff who interact with the board; Executive assistants and others who help build the board agenda.
Registration
Register now to reserve your district’s spot for this event. Your $350 registration fee includes attendance for up to 10 district officials or employees, as well as an electronic copy of the newly updated 2022 DWK Brown Act Manual.
Payment
If you’d like to receive an invoice and pay by check, send an email to clientservices@nullDWKesq.com. Please reference “Brown Act Survival Training on February 2, 2022” in your email.
