Page 164 - 2026 Lozano Smith Brown Act Handbook

[SAMPLE CLOSED SESSION NOTICE TO EMPLOYEE
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957]

NOTICE

[Date]

Mr. Joe Worker
554 South Maple
Anytown, California 93700

Dear Mr. Worker:

You are hereby notified that the Anytown School Board will, on May 1, 20__, at 7:00
p.m., meet in closed session to hear specific complaints brought against you related to a
criminal matter you may have been involved in. However, pursuant to Government Code
section 54957, you have the right to have such complaints heard in open public session of
the Board rather than in a session closed to the public. You may have the complaints
heard in open session by making such request in writing delivered to the undersigned at
the address shown on this letterhead at any time before May 1, 20__.

Yours truly,

________________________
[Title]

Enclosures

[Notes on use of sample: The employee’s right to an open meeting applies to both formal
and informal charges or complaints whether filed by the agency itself or by a private
party. The requirement also applies to closed session hearings before civil service and
personnel commissions. The notice must be delivered to the employee personally or by
mail at least 24 hours before the time for holding the session, otherwise any disciplinary
action taken is null and void. (Government Code § 54957.)]

[Because of the importance of documenting timely service, a proof of service form
should be signed by the person mailing or personally serving the employee.]

152 LozanoSmith.com 2026 Brown Act Handbook