EDITORIAL: Lanier County School Board Silences Public

Does BOE Betray Georgia’s Transparency Mandate?

LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia — In a troubling display of closed-door governance, the Lanier County School Board has once again drawn the ire of parents, taxpayers, and concerned residents. For the second month in a row known to the Lanier County News (LCN), the Board of Education (BOE) has chosen to conduct business in a way that leaves the public guessing—skirting both Georgia’s Open Meetings Act and the spirit of Robert’s Rules of Order.

While it is possible that the public can attend the Lanier County School Board’s advertised “work sessions”, the BOE has not promoted what seems to be fact – the public cannot expect to know much, if anything, from attending the BOE’s regular monthly meeting.  If information for both the BOE members and the public is only available at the BOE’s “work sessions”, the BOE has not educated the public that they must attend a “work session” in order to learn anything about the monthly meeting business items on which the BOE makes decisions during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

Just as they did in July, the BOE’s August meeting was marked by a vague motion to “approve multiple items” followed almost immediately by a retreat into executive session. The result? A confused and frustrated public left wondering what, exactly, had just been decided.

Opaque Procedures, Eroded Trust

Georgia law is explicit: public business must be conducted in the open, in a manner that is both audible and understandable to citizens. While executive sessions are permitted for specific topics—such as litigation, property negotiations, or personnel matters—these sessions must be preceded by a public vote, a clear legal justification, and a notarized affidavit confirming the closed discussion stayed within lawful bounds.

In Lanier County’s case, the abrupt and unexplained shift into executive session, without a transparent agenda or audible public explanation, raises red flags. This approach not only undermines public trust but also flirts dangerously with the boundaries of the law.

Parliamentary Procedure Undermined

Robert’s Rules of Order exists to ensure clarity and fairness in meetings. While “en bloc” (group) approval of multiple items is allowed, each item must be clearly identified before the vote, and any objection should trigger separate consideration. The BOE’s blanket approval motion—without enumerating items—short-circuits both transparency and accountability, denying the public and even fellow board members the chance to fully evaluate proposals.  The public leaves with no more information that it had before the public attended the meeting.

Legal and Civic Stakes

Improperly closed meetings can be legally challenged within 90 days, and courts have the authority to void decisions made in violation of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act. Intentional violations can result in fines of up to $1,000. But beyond the legal implications lies a deeper issue: the erosion of public trust in a board entrusted with the education and welfare of Lanier County’s children.

What You Can Do

Lanier County residents have both the right and the responsibility to demand transparency from their elected school board. Here’s how:

• Contact your School Board members and express your concerns.
• Insist that they:
  • State and explain each agenda item before voting.
  • Clearly cite the legal reason for any executive session, and vote on it publicly.
  • Ensure meetings are fully audible to attendees.
  • Publish detailed minutes including motions, votes, and legal justifications.
• Push for policies that guarantee openness and adherence to both state law and parliamentary procedure.

Board Members & Contact Information

• Randy Sirmans, Chairman – Lakeland, GA 31635
• Erlish Locklear, District 1 – 124 E. Darsey Ave, Lakeland, GA 31635
• John W. “Jay Jay” Strickland, District 2 – 32 Highway-122 Connector, Lakeland, GA 31635
• Phillip Connell, District 3 – 388 Good Hope Rd, Naylor, GA 31641
• Denny Fender, District 4 – 1276 S. Hwy 129, Stockton, GA 31649

(Based on the official district website and Ballotpedia records.)

Final Word

Georgia’s transparency laws exist for one reason: to protect the public’s right to oversee the actions of their government. When the Lanier County School Board sidesteps even the most basic expectations for openness, it not only risks legal action but also betrays the trust of the very people it serves.

It’s time for the BOE to remember that they work for the public—not behind it.