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Board approves edits to Governance Handbook to limit site visits and avoid Brown Act quorums

San Mateo County Board of Education · March 5, 2025
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Summary

The Board approved edits to the draft Governance Handbook clarifying that site visits should be limited to three board members to avoid Brown Act quorum issues; Deputy County Attorney Lisa Cho confirmed four or more members convening to discuss board business must be agendized and open to the public.

The Board reviewed proposed edits to the draft Board Governance Handbook, including filling a 'Vacancy' placeholder and language governing site visits. Board Member Susan Alvaro asked about visits to Hillcrest (which cannot be public) and expressed concern about complying with the Brown Act when multiple members attend site visits. Deputy County Attorney Lisa Cho explained that issues arise when four or more board members convene and could have discussions about matters under the Board’s jurisdiction; splitting visits so smaller groups visit different sites at different times would avoid convening a quorum.

Board Member Chelsea Bonini proposed limiting school site visits to a maximum of three board members and suggested including the Brown Act compliance rationale in the handbook language. The Board agreed on the substance of the edits and approved the draft with the stated changes by motion (Bonini/Gerard).