Attorney briefs Pewaukee School Board on open meetings law, closed-session limits and public-comment risks

Attorney Brian Waterman reviewed Wisconsin open meetings and public records law to the Pewaukee School District Board, emphasizing a presumption of openness, strict requirements for closed sessions and cautions about electronic communications that could create an unposted "meeting." The presentation covered definitions of governmental bodies, what constitutes a meeting or a walking quorum, public-notice requirements and permissible closed-session exemptions.

Waterman said the law requires agendas to include sufficient description so the public can reasonably understand the subject matter and that closed sessions must be agendized, identified by the statutory exemption and approved by motion and roll-call vote. He outlined common exemptions—judicial/quasi-judicial matters, personnel matters concerning a specific…