Whether Maury Elementary School LSAT Meeting Complied With the OMA. Complaint #OOG-2019-0007-M

Whether Maury Elementary School LSAT Meeting Complied With the OMA. Complaint #OOG-2019-0007-M: The Office of Open Government issued an advisory opinion (#OOG‑2019‑0007‑M) on November 5, 2019, concerning Maury Elementary School’s Local School Advisory Team (LSAT). The OOG found that the LSAT violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA) by failing to provide the required advance public notice and agenda for its September 10, 2019 meeting, neglecting to record the meeting electronically, and not timely making meeting minutes or recordings available to the public. The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) acknowledged these violations and implemented several corrective measures, including providing OMA training by October 21, 2019, issuing updated LSAT guidelines, and advising on future compliance. Despite these actions, the complaint was not withdrawn by the complainant, prompting the issuance of the formal opinion. According to the advisory opinion, the OMA requires every public body, including LSATs, to: (1) provide advance notice of meetings physically and electronically at least 48 hours in advance, with a published agenda; (2) record all meetings via electronic means; (3) make meeting recordings and draft minutes available within seven business days; and (4) publish an annual meeting schedule and upcoming meeting notices in the D.C. Register. The OOG directed Maury LSAT to comply with these requirements going forward and mandated OMA training to ensure future adherence.