It’s been three years since town officials have been schooled in the ways of the state Freedom of Information laws — and one resident thinks it is time for a refresher course.
At a Selectmen meeting Wednesday, Nancy Schmitt, a member of the town’s Board of Finance, suggested that another FOI workshop be held soon because, according to her, there are some elected officials who do not understand the nuances of the law.
Schmitt currently has a Freedom of Information request into the town’s school board, asking for a mountain of e‑mails sent between board members. She believes the e‑mails constitute improper meetings.
“In the past, FOI classes have been done in town because some noticed a lack of adherence to FOI rules,” Schmitt said. “There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what the law really states.”
Schmitt is a former Board of Education member.
She requested copies of board member’s emails sent this year after being vocal in her displeasure with how the board handled former school Superintendent Judith Palmer’s contract, a controversy that ended when Palmer left the district.
“I think it’s time for another workshop,” Schmitt said.
First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers agreed.
“When we did it in 2007, we notified the members of all of our boards and department members, but attendance was not as widespread as it could have been,” she said.
“Last time, people who should have been there weren’t,” Selectman Dave McKane said.
“We can’t force them to come,” Drayton-Rogers said.
McKane said he has been at school board meetings where members have publicly referred to e‑mails one board member sent to all other board members, which he said would constitute a meeting quorum under FOI law.
“I would support having another workshop because I think there are some people who need a brush-up on FOI,” McKane said.
“Mr. McKane is right,” said Republican Town Committee chairman Richard Burke. “If a board members send an e‑mail to the entire board, it does fall under FOI, but if x number of members of the same party share emails, it is a caucus and not subject to FOI.”
Drayton-Rogers said the board will arrange for FOI officials to come to Oxford to conduct the workshop.
Burke said he hopes Schmitt takes part in any FOI workshop the town sponsors. “I hope [Schmitt] will be there,” he said.
“Oh, I will,” she answered.
