May 12, 2006

Honorable Milton Sampson, Chairman

Twiggs County Board of Education

109 E. Main Street

Jefferson, Georgia 31217

Dear Chairman Sampson:

I am writing on behalf of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. We are an organization that seeks to advance the cause of open government and monitors freedom of information issues throughout this state.

It has been brought to our attention that the Twiggs County Board of Education has appeared to have improperly conducted its public meetings in connection with personnel matters. See O.C.G.A. §§ 50-14-1, 50-14-3. As you know, the deliberations of an agency may be closed when deliberating on personnel matters, but “[t]he vote on any matters covered [by this section of the open meetings act] must be taken in public and minutes of the meeting as provided by [the open meetings act] shall be made available.” O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3. We have learned that you may not have properly made the public aware of the subject matter of your vote(s); we are concerned that these activities are contrary to public policy and urge you to review O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq. which sets forth the requirements for properly held public meetings.

I have enclosed a copy of “Georgia’s Sunshine Laws: A Citizen’s Guide to Open Government,” 3^rd edition, which discusses the Open Meetings Act as well as other open government issues pertinent to your work. Similarly, this foundation would be pleased to visit with you and conduct a workshop on the mechanics of both the Open Meetings and Open Records laws.

We would appreciate an explanation as to why the County Commission’s practices appear to contravene the public interest. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hollie Manheimer

Executive Director

Enclosures

Cc: GFAF Board