{
 "topic": "OMA section 2(c)(1) - Employee/contractor appointment, discipline, or performance",
 "statute": "5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)",
 "family": "Closed meetings and exceptions",
 "page": "https://illinoisfoia.org/issues/oma-2-c-1/",
 "note": "Determination letters are non-binding. Verify against the source PDF before citing.",
 "counts": {
  "violation_found": 16,
  "no_violation": 11,
  "no_determination": 0,
  "other": 1
 },
 "challenge_notes": {
  "generated_by": "AI summary of the decisions listed on this page; not legal advice; verify each decision against its PDF",
  "when_a_challenge_is_strong": [
   {
    "text": "The closed session involved discussion of elected or appointed public officials, not specific employees.",
    "why": "Section 2(c)(1) only covers the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Elected officials and public officers are not employees under this exception.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of financial statements, transit cards, and newsletters",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72604/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A board of ethics' closed-session discussion of a query report",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74629/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The discussion concerned across-the-board pay, structural staffing changes, or general employment policies rather than individual employees.",
    "why": "The exception is strictly limited to specific individuals; it does not authorize closed sessions on salary schedules applicable to groups, creation of positions, or broad policy matters.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of pay raises and construction bids",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-86632/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "A school board's closed-session discussions and failure to review minutes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72129/#issue-4"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The body discussed a plan, project, or policy without directly addressing the performance or merits of a specific employee.",
    "why": "Mere connection to an employee's output is not enough; the discussion must center on the employee's own conduct or performance, not general work product or policy implications.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of an executive director succession plan",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-54122/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of an advisory opinion",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84086/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "when_the_body_usually_wins": [
   {
    "text": "The closed session dealt with the employment, compensation, discipline, or performance of a specific, named employee.",
    "why": "The plain language of the exception permits closed discussion of these topics when they relate to a specific individual.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Emergency board meeting on personnel and litigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-47429/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The discussion touched on other matters but was directly relevant to and intertwined with a specific employee's employment decision.",
    "why": "If the non-employee topic provides necessary context for evaluating a specific employee's performance, compensation, or discipline, the entire discussion may still fall within the exception.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "A board's vote on undisclosed censure motions",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81010/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of personnel matters",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69573/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session termination of an employee",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-49854/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body cited the exception and the substance of the closed session remained within the bounds of discussing specific employee matters and collective bargaining.",
    "why": "A closed session does not violate the exception when the actual discussion is narrowly focused on specific employees and authorized labor negotiations.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussions of school closures and budget cuts",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77626/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussions of school closures and budget cuts",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77626/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "points_to_put_in_the_letter": [
   {
    "text": "Point out that the discussion involved elected officials, not employees, and section 2(c)(1) does not cover them.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of financial statements, transit cards, and newsletters",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72604/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A board of ethics' closed-session discussion of a query report",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74629/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of a mayor's salary",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-65272/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Explain that across-the-board pay, staffing plans, or policy changes exceed the exception because they are not about specific individuals.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of pay raises and construction bids",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-86632/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "A school board's closed-session discussion of a book removal policy",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71523/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Argue that a general discussion prompted by an employee issue is only permitted if it directly addresses that specific employee's performance or merits, not broader implications.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "A school board's closed-session discussion of a book removal policy",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71523/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of a volunteer's performance and FOIA strategy",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71217/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "facts_to_gather": [
   "The names or positions of the people discussed (e.g., board members, elected officials, groups of employees).",
   "Meeting minutes, agenda, or recording indicating whether the closed session topic was general policy, budget, or structural changes.",
   "Witness accounts or contemporaneous notes showing the discussion extended beyond a specific individual's employment matters."
  ],
  "common_mistakes": [
   {
    "text": "Assuming any mention of personnel matters justifies closed session, without confirming the discussion focused on specific employees and their performance.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "A school board's closed-session discussions and failure to review minutes",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72129/#issue-4"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of a volunteer's performance and FOIA strategy",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71217/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Believing elected officials are treated as employees or volunteers under section 2(c)(1).",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of financial statements, transit cards, and newsletters",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72604/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "A board's vote on undisclosed censure motions",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81010/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Thinking across-the-board salary or budget discussions are permissible if they relate to employment topics.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of pay raises and construction bids",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-86632/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "caution": "These notes are based on specific, non-binding determination letters; outcomes depend on the particular facts, and you should verify the full text of each cited decision."
 },
 "issues": [
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of advisory opinion under 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) permits closed session only for discussion of specific employees' employment or performance, not general advisory opinions about hypothetical conduct.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of an advisory opinion",
    "date": "2026-01-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84086/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Hayashi v. Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, 2014 IL 116023",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of across-the-board pay raises",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) does not authorize closed session discussions of salaries and benefits broadly applicable to groups of employees; discussions must be limited to specific individuals.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of pay raises and construction bids",
    "date": "2025-08-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-86632/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013, issued December 23, 2016",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011, issued July 11, 2012",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658, issued July 7, 2011",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 62955, issued October 29, 2020",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of trustee conduct under 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Discussion of a trustee's conduct was intertwined with and directly relevant to the Board's consideration of the College President's employment, so it fell within the 2(c)(1) exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A board's vote on undisclosed censure motions",
    "date": "2024-07-16",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81010/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Gosnell v. Hogan, 179 Ill. App. 3d 161, 175-76 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-128527/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Galena Gazette Publications, Inc. v. County of Jo Daviess, 375 Ill. App. 3d 338, 344 (2007)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2-06-0197/"
    },
    {
     "text": "1974 Ill. Att'y Gen. Op. No. S-726",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Trustees are not volunteers under 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "other",
   "rule": "Elected officials are not 'volunteers' for purposes of section 2(c)(1); closed session discussions of their conduct must fall under section 2(c)(3).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A board's vote on undisclosed censure motions",
    "date": "2024-07-16",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81010/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-49332/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "January 17, 2023 closed session discussion",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Closed session discussions stayed within section 2(c)(1) and 2(c)(2) exceptions, focusing on specific employee matters and collective bargaining.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussions of school closures and budget cuts",
    "date": "2024-11-08",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77626/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-007",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35861/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 80-024",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 52158",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52158/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Henry v. Anderson, 356 Ill. App. 3d 952 (2005)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "March 7, 2023 closed session discussion",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Closed session discussions stayed within section 2(c)(1) and 2(c)(2) exceptions, focusing on specific employee matters and collective bargaining.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussions of school closures and budget cuts",
    "date": "2024-11-08",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-77626/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-007",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35861/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 80-024",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 52158",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52158/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Henry v. Anderson, 356 Ill. App. 3d 952 (2005)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion under section 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) is limited to specific employees and specified contractors, volunteers, and legal counsel; it does not cover elected officials.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of financial statements, transit cards, and newsletters",
    "date": "2024-09-18",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72604/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-023",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Scope of section 2(c)(1) exception",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The section 2(c)(1) exception is strictly construed and does not authorize discussion of general employment matters or FOIA procedures unrelated to specific individuals.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of a volunteer's performance and FOIA strategy",
    "date": "2024-01-12",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71217/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Henry v. Anderson, 356 Ill. App. 3d 952, 996-97 (4th Dist. 2005)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-007",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35861/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 70604",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session under 2(c)(1) for elected official",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) permits closed discussion of specific employees, not elected officials, so its use to discuss a query report about an elected official was improper.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A board of ethics' closed-session discussion of a query report",
    "date": "2023-08-10",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74629/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-023",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion exceeded personnel exception scope",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Closed session discussion of specific employees' conduct and performance is authorized, but straying to broader matters involving all teachers and curriculum policy exceeds the exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school board's closed-session discussion of a book removal policy",
    "date": "2023-03-24",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-71523/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Henry v. Anderson, 356 Ill. App. 3d 952, 996-97 (4th Dist. 2005)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-007",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35861/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion exceeded scope of exceptions",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) only permits closed session discussion of specific employees' merits or conduct, not general discussions about categories of employees or broader concerns.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school board's closed-session discussions and failure to review minutes",
    "date": "2022-04-14",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-72129/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013, issued December 23, 2016, at 4",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011, issued July 11, 2012, at 3",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "1974 Ill. Att'y Gen. Op. No. S-726, issued March 22, 1974, at 128",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 18-012, issued October 2, 2018",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2018-pac-53879/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 62386, issued July 2, 2020",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of equipment purchase",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Discussion of an equipment purchase was permissible because it was connected to and provided context for considering a specific employee's employment, performance, or compensation.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of personnel matters",
    "date": "2022-05-12",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-69573/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Galena Gazette Publications, Inc. v. County of Jo Daviess, 375 Ill. App. 3d 338, 344 (2d Dist. 2007)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2-06-0197/"
    },
    {
     "text": "1974 Ill. Att'y Gen. Op. No. S-726, issued March 22, 1974, at 128",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-005, issued August 4, 2015, at 6",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35119/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011, issued July 11, 2012, at 3",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Failure to comply with closed session procedures for hiring attorney",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body may discuss hiring an attorney in closed session only if it complies with the statutory procedure for entering closed session.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A board's closed-session discussion of policy recommendations",
    "date": "2022-01-19",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-68599/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of mayor and liquor commissioner",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The mayor and liquor commissioner are public officers, not employees, so their compensation and performance could not be discussed under the employee exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of a mayor's salary",
    "date": "2022-04-29",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-65272/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-005",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35119/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 18-012",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2018-pac-53879/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-49332/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 18-015",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2018-pac-54229/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Moy v. County of Cook, 159 Ill. 2d 519 (1994)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Heller v. County Board of Jackson County, 71 Ill. App. 3d 31 (5th Dist. 1979)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of budgetary matters",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Budgetary discussions not centered on specific employees' merits or conduct are not authorized under the specific employee exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
    "date": "2022-11-18",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 18-012",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2018-pac-53879/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of structural employment matters",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The specific employee exception applies only to specific people, not to structural employment matters like creating new positions.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
    "date": "2022-11-18",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of specific employees",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Discussion of specific employees' compensation and relative merits of named candidates is authorized under the specific employee exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of water rates and tax levies",
    "date": "2022-11-18",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-63411/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of employee performance",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) permits closed session discussion of the performance of specific employees, including critiques of their exercise of judgment.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
    "date": "2019-04-29",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of Board member conduct and performance",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Board members are not employees under section 2(c)(1), and section 2(c)(3) did not apply because the Board lacked removal power and did not cite it.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
    "date": "2019-04-29",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-49332/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of suggested policy change",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Discussion of a policy change is not authorized by the section 2(c)(1) exception for personnel matters.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of board member conduct and policy changes",
    "date": "2019-04-29",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57245/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of board member award nomination",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) is strictly construed and does not permit closed session discussion of elected officials, who are not employees.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A village board's closed-session discussion of personnel matters",
    "date": "2019-05-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56288/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 13-017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2013-pac-25483/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Improper closed session discussion under section 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) does not authorize closed session discussion of plans or projects produced by employees unless directly addressing specific employees' performance or merits.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of an executive director succession plan",
    "date": "2019-05-31",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-54122/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Henry v. Anderson, 356 Ill. App. 3d 952, 996-997 (4th Dist. 2005)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 12658",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 15-007",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2015-pac-35861/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion under section 2(c)(1) personnel exception",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The Commission did not discuss personnel issues involving specific employees in closed session, so the section 2(c)(1) exception was not improperly invoked.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session discussion of non-litigation matters",
    "date": "2018-10-05",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52493/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of retiree health insurance benefits",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Discussion of a former employee's compensation under an employment agreement is within the section 2(c)(1) exception.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school board's closed-session discussion of staffing strategy",
    "date": "2018-11-09",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-21622/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussion of retiring employee and position staffing",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 2(c)(1) permits discussion of specific employees but not general budgetary matters or staffing of a position.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school board's closed-session discussion of staffing strategy",
    "date": "2018-11-09",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-21622/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 16-013",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2016-pac-44249/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 43077",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 12-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2012-pac-19265/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session discussions exceeded scope of cited exception",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Closed session discussions of employee's conduct related to outside association were within scope because they impacted her public employment.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Closed-session termination of an employee",
    "date": "2017-11-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-49854/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Closed session under section 2(c)(1)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "A public body may close a meeting to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Emergency board meeting on personnel and litigation",
    "date": "2017-07-14",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-47429/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Requirement to state specific subject matter of closed session",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "OMA requires citation to a specific exception but does not require the public body to articulate the specific subject matter of its closed session.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A school board's public comment restrictions and closed-session justification",
    "date": "2016-12-12",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-44262/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  }
 ]
}