Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA): Understanding Your Responsibilities

Why This Matters

As a school board member in Texas, compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act is one of your most important legal responsibilities. TASB is committed to providing you with a secure communication platform that helps you avoid compliance risks while still enabling effective collaboration.

The Issue: Unofficial Communications

Currently, many board members are using WhatsApp, Facebook groups, and other unofficial channels to communicate. These platforms create significant legal risks:

  • Potential formation of "walking quorums" (when board deliberation happens outside official meetings)
  • Lack of TASB oversight and governance
  • Difficulty maintaining required records
  • Possible violations that could have serious legal consequences

Understanding Walking Quorums

A walking quorum occurs when:

  • Members of a governmental body discuss public business outside of a properly posted meeting
  • These discussions involve a quorum of the board (though not necessarily all at once)
  • The communication constitutes deliberation toward a decision

Even sequential, one-on-one conversations can create a walking quorum if they effectively circumvent the Open Meetings Act requirements.

Member Responsibilities Under TOMA

What You Must Do:

  • Conduct deliberations about public business only in properly posted meetings
  • Ensure transparency in all board discussions related to district business
  • Maintain proper documentation of all board communications
  • Complete required training on Open Meetings Act compliance

What to Avoid:

  • Discussing district business with other board members outside of official meetings
  • Using personal communication channels for board-related discussions
  • Engaging in sequential conversations that could constitute a walking quorum
  • Deliberating toward decisions in any forum not open to the public

TASB's Engagement Platform (this site): A Secure Solution

Our engagement platform provides:

  • Clear compliance warnings agreed to when using or posting to this site
  • Moderation capabilities to ensure proper oversight
  • Regional organization to facilitate appropriate discussions
  • Terms and conditions that reinforce compliance requirements
  • Educational resources about legal requirements
  • TASB oversight of all communications

Resources & Support

Knowledge Check: Test Your Understanding

Take our quick self-assessment to ensure you understand the key principles of TOMA compliance.

Self-Certification: Confirm your Compliance

Submit this quick verification that you understand and agreed to the key principles of TOMA compliance.

Document Library

Access comprehensive guides, FAQ documents, and case studies about Open Meetings Act compliance.


Commitment to Compliance

By using TASB's secure engagement hub instead of unofficial channels, you demonstrate your commitment to transparency and good governance. Together, we can ensure your board communications remain both effective and compliant with Texas law.

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions about the Texas Open Meetings Act, please consult with your district's legal counsel.

Why This Matters

As a school board member in Texas, compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act is one of your most important legal responsibilities. TASB is committed to providing you with a secure communication platform that helps you avoid compliance risks while still enabling effective collaboration.

The Issue: Unofficial Communications

Currently, many board members are using WhatsApp, Facebook groups, and other unofficial channels to communicate. These platforms create significant legal risks:

  • Potential formation of "walking quorums" (when board deliberation happens outside official meetings)
  • Lack of TASB oversight and governance
  • Difficulty maintaining required records
  • Possible violations that could have serious legal consequences

Understanding Walking Quorums

A walking quorum occurs when:

  • Members of a governmental body discuss public business outside of a properly posted meeting
  • These discussions involve a quorum of the board (though not necessarily all at once)
  • The communication constitutes deliberation toward a decision

Even sequential, one-on-one conversations can create a walking quorum if they effectively circumvent the Open Meetings Act requirements.

Member Responsibilities Under TOMA

What You Must Do:

  • Conduct deliberations about public business only in properly posted meetings
  • Ensure transparency in all board discussions related to district business
  • Maintain proper documentation of all board communications
  • Complete required training on Open Meetings Act compliance

What to Avoid:

  • Discussing district business with other board members outside of official meetings
  • Using personal communication channels for board-related discussions
  • Engaging in sequential conversations that could constitute a walking quorum
  • Deliberating toward decisions in any forum not open to the public

TASB's Engagement Platform (this site): A Secure Solution

Our engagement platform provides:

  • Clear compliance warnings agreed to when using or posting to this site
  • Moderation capabilities to ensure proper oversight
  • Regional organization to facilitate appropriate discussions
  • Terms and conditions that reinforce compliance requirements
  • Educational resources about legal requirements
  • TASB oversight of all communications

Resources & Support

Knowledge Check: Test Your Understanding

Take our quick self-assessment to ensure you understand the key principles of TOMA compliance.

Self-Certification: Confirm your Compliance

Submit this quick verification that you understand and agreed to the key principles of TOMA compliance.

Document Library

Access comprehensive guides, FAQ documents, and case studies about Open Meetings Act compliance.


Commitment to Compliance

By using TASB's secure engagement hub instead of unofficial channels, you demonstrate your commitment to transparency and good governance. Together, we can ensure your board communications remain both effective and compliant with Texas law.

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions about the Texas Open Meetings Act, please consult with your district's legal counsel.