Gould v. Freedom of Information Commission

Summary

Justice McDonald, joined in part by Justice DiPENTIMA, dissents from the majority's conclusion that arbitration panels established under the Teacher Negotiation Act are not public agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act's open-meetings requirement. The dissent argues that the Freedom of Information Act's strong policy favoring transparency, together with the panels' governmental appointment and statutory duties, requires treating them as public agencies. The dissent contends that the majority's interpretation shields from public view proceedings involving municipal budgets and teacher compensation.