August 12, 1996



Mr. Alan Talbert, Chairman
Houston County Board of Education
P.O. Draw "N"
Perry, Georgia 31069

Dear Mr. Talbert:

     The Georgia First Amendment Foundation is a non-profit public interest organization.  Its mission is to advance the cause of open government and freedom of information through education and advocacy.  The Foundation endeavors to encourage, sponsor, and otherwise facilitate efforts to broaden public awareness of the First Amendment and state laws aimed at assuring public access to government.

     The Foundation has taken particular interest in open meetings and open records issues.  We understand that there is good cause to believe that, under the guise of discussing personnel issues, the Houston County Board of Education has been discussing in closed session general educational, administrative, and policy issues.

     Not only is this practice illegal, it is not good government.  The public is best served by government which is conducted in an open manner.  Good citizens participate in their communities, and contribute to governance issues; they challenge the decision-makers, and push for change when change is needed.  These are some of the prime responsibilities of the citizen in a participatory democracy.  However, these duties cannot be carried out when the doors to government are closed.

    We urge you to err, if at all, on the side of openness.  Thank you.

                                                       Sincerely,



                                                       Hyde Post, President