OMA Advisory Opinion (#OOG-2025-0052) - Board of Trustees for SEED PCS

On October 1, 2025, Director Allen issued an Advisory Opinion #OOG-2025-0052, in response to a complaint which alleged that SEED Public Charter School Board (SEED PCSB) failed to provide the public with access to an emergency meeting held by the Board on May 31, 2025.

Director Allen found that SEED PCSB violated the OMA by failing to provide a complete meeting notice for its emergency meeting held on May 31, 2025. The Board failed to provide a valid dial in number and access code or valid weblink and login information as required by D.C. Official Code § 2–576(5) and 3 DCMR § 10409.7. The Board also did not provide a meeting location. D.C. Official Code § 2–576(4) extends this notice requirement to a public body’s emergency meetings. Furthermore, considering SEED PCSB did not respond to the Complaint and the draft agenda of the meeting in issue has “Emergency Closed Meeting” as a part of the subject heading, Director Allen informed the Board of the procedure for entering closed or executive session of public body meetings. Pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 2- 575(c), a public body must start its meeting in an open session where a meeting or a portion of a meeting will be held in closure.

Director Allen has determined that based on SEED PCSB’s violation of the OMA Notice of meetings and Open meetings requirements, the Board must take OMA training within sixty (60) days of receipt of the Advisory Opinion to avoid further corrective action.