About the Webinar:
Beyond the Basics: Sunshine Law and Public Records Challenges for Schools
Presented by Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm, and Kathleen Schoenberg, Of Counsel, Arnold Law Firm
This advanced session took a deep dive into Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Act, helping charter school leaders understand the latest legal challenges and compliance expectations that go beyond the fundamentals. Melissa Gross-Arnold and Kathleen Schoenberg used real-world examples and recent court cases—including Moms for Liberty v. Brevard County School Board—to illustrate the risks of vague public comment policies, the importance of viewpoint-neutral rules, and the potential personal and criminal liability for board members who violate open meeting requirements. The presenters emphasized transparency, consistency, and procedural safeguards as essential components of lawful and effective governance.
The discussion also unpacked the complexities of Florida’s Public Records Act as it applies to charter schools and their vendors. Attendees learned about best practices for maintaining electronic records, safeguarding sensitive data, and managing requests involving emails, text messages, and even AI-generated meeting summaries. Gross-Arnold and Schoenberg highlighted how social media, board communications, and digital documentation can easily create public records exposure—and provided clear guidance for avoiding violations, protecting confidentiality, and fostering public trust through compliant recordkeeping and open governance practices.
Beyond the Basics: Sunshine Law and Public Records Challenges for Schools
Presenter:
- Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
- Kathleen Schoenberg, Of Counsel, Arnold Law Firm