AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS.

School board remote attendance: protections and limits

Delaware school boards that allow remote attendance at regular or special meetings must accept the reasons listed in this law. These include a member’s illness, caring for an ill family member, a public health emergency, or the member’s military deployment. They also include pregnancy or immediate care after childbirth involving the member or the member’s spouse or partner. Boards may limit how often members attend remotely, but cannot add reasons beyond this list. Remote members count toward the number needed for an official meeting and can vote. The technology must let all participating members and witnesses hear each speaker at the same time. The law takes effect 30 days after enactment. Upon enactment, the Department of Education must notify each school board president and district superintendent about the requirements and effective date.