Right to Know Pt. I: Overview & Introduction

The “Right to Know Law”, RSA 91-A, gives enforceable weight to the public’s right under the New Hampshire Constitution to ”access governmental proceedings and records”. As the right to open government is established in the Constitution, more than anything 91-A establishes the legal boundaries of when access to meetings or records might be limited. The statute imposes multiple – sometimes counter intuitive, sometimes obscure – requirements and restrictions on how boards, board members and district employees communicate with each other and with the public. The law’s requirements and restrictions apply to all board members immediately upon taking oath of office. This three part series covers the areas of the Right to Know law that most directly impact board members when performing the duties of their office. The three webinars are independent, such that it is not necessary to “attend” all of them.

Part one is a general introduction to the statute in its entirety. While intended as a general introduction for new school members to the many parts and application of the Right to Know law, it can serve as a meaningful refresher for all school board members and district administrators.