Susan Goldhammer discusses Missouri sunshine law for school board members

The Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) led a crucial training session for the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Board of Education on August 2, 2025, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Sunshine Law. Attorney Susan Goldhammer highlighted the complexities of the law, particularly for new board members, stressing that discussions about public business must occur in publicly posted meetings to avoid accidental illegal gatherings.

Goldhammer explained that any communication involving a quorum of board members, such as group texts or emails, could be considered a meeting under the Sunshine Law. She urged board members to refrain from discussing district matters outside of official meetings, as this could lead to violations of the law. “When in doubt, it’s open,” she stated, reinforcing the principle that public meetings and records should be accessible unless specified otherwise by law.

The training included practical scenarios to illustrate potential pitfalls, such as a board member replying to an email from the superintendent about bids for a project. Goldhammer cautioned that this could inadvertently lead to an illegal meeting if it involved discussion among multiple board members without public notice.

The session also covered the handling of emails and texts, clarifying that any correspondence related to board business must be conducted through district-provided channels to ensure transparency. Goldhammer emphasized the need for board members to communicate effectively while respecting the boundaries set by the Sunshine Law.

As the FHSD Board continues to navigate its responsibilities, the training served as a vital reminder of the legal frameworks governing their operations, aiming to foster a culture of openness and accountability within the district.